COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Polymer Engineering is a 30-credit graduate program designed to provide students with comprehensive training in polymer science, processing, and engineering performance, combining theoretical study with hands-on research. Degree requirements include completion of a plan of study approved by the student’s advisor and the School director, a minimum of 30 graduate credits, consisting of 24 lecture credits and 6 research credits. Core courses, totaling 12 credits, cover fundamental topics such as Polymer Structure Characterization (PLYE 611), Rheology of Polymer Fluids (PLYE 621), Polymer Chemistry and Thermodynamics (PLYE 641), and Introduction to Polymer Engineering (PLYE 650). Required polymer engineering courses at the 600 level include Polymer Engineering Analysis (PLYE 610), Analysis & Design of Polymer Processing Operations I (PLYE 622), and Polymer Engineering Laboratory II (PLYE 651). Students also select technical electives in polymer engineering, polymer science, mathematics, or engineering, with options ranging from seminars (PLYE 601) to advanced studies in nanotechnology, coatings, rheology, polymer colloids, molecular aspects of polymer rheology, and numerical methods. External courses in advanced engineering materials, continuum mechanics, and mathematics may also be included. The program culminates with a 6-credit Master’s Thesis (PLYE 699), allowing students to conduct original research. This curriculum equips graduates with both practical and analytical expertise, preparing them for careers in polymer manufacturing, materials research, product development, or further doctoral study in polymer science and engineering.