COURSE CURRICULUM

The graduate program in Polymer Science and Engineering provides advanced research-focused education designed to prepare students for scientific and industrial careers involving polymeric materials and technologies. In addition to the university’s general academic requirements, the School of Polymer Science and Engineering maintains specific policies and standards for graduate students. Doctoral students may earn a Master of Science degree while progressing toward the Ph.D. after fulfilling the required milestones, although the school does not offer a non-thesis terminal M.S. program. The curriculum strongly emphasizes research participation, laboratory safety, scientific communication, and advanced theoretical understanding of polymers. Students are required to enroll in the Polymer Science Seminar course after completing their first year of coursework and continue taking it every semester while enrolled, helping them stay engaged with current research developments and professional discussions in the field. The first 21 credit hours of core graduate coursework, including polymer chemistry, polymer physical chemistry, polymer techniques, rheology, and related advanced topics, must be completed with high academic performance, allowing no more than three grades below a “B.” Students may retake only one graduate-level course for GPA improvement and must formally declare the course being repeated. Graduation requirements extend beyond coursework and include the successful preparation of an original thesis research prospectus, completion of oral comprehensive examinations, and the completion and defense of a research thesis, all of which must be approved by the student’s advisory committee according to the School’s Graduate Student Handbook. The 36-hour curriculum includes courses such as Organic Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Physical Chemistry, Polymer Techniques, Polymer Rheology, research training, seminars, and thesis work. Students must also complete laboratory safety training unless they already possess equivalent credit from previous chemical science courses. Research plays a central role in the program, with students completing significant hours in polymer science research and thesis development under faculty supervision. Through this combination of rigorous coursework, research experience, seminars, and thesis-based training, the program develops advanced technical knowledge, independent research ability, and professional expertise in polymer science and engineering.