Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering

HOW TO APPLY

You may apply online by clicking here, or on the button below. If you have corrections to your information (particularly your e-mail address) after you have submitted your application, please contact the Graduate School at gradsch@uakron.edu. Note: All communication regarding the status of your application will be sent via e-mail. Thus, it is important that we have your most up-to-date email address.

Apply Online

Please note that all application materials, scores, and reference letters must be submitted to the office of graduate admissions at gradsch@uakron.edu.

Graduate applications to the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering are reviewed on a rolling basis until February 15th. It is highly encouraged that non-U.S. citizens complete their applications by December 15th in order to meet visa approval timelines. The Polymer Engineering program admits for Fall semester only.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Undergraduate Background

Students with undergraduate or graduate degrees in engineering, materials science, chemistry, or physics with outstanding grade point averages are encouraged to apply for admission in programs leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Polymer Engineering.

Requirements

Requirements for admission into the Polymer Engineering program are as follows:

• Official transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• CV/Resume
• TOEFL score (for international applicants)

1. A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of:
   • 3.00 or higher overall on a 4.00 scale; or,
   • 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale for work completed in the last two years; or,
   • 75 or higher overall on a 100 point scale.
   • Students accepted for admission into M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Polymer Science on average have GPA's well above 3.50 on a 4.00 scale.
   • Students coming from foreign universities not offering letter grades must receive a "First Class" grade or equivalent.


2. Official transcripts should be sent to:
   The University of Akron Graduate School, Leigh Hall, Room 515, Akron, OH, 44325.


3. NOTE: GRE scores are currently waived until further notice.


4. Three letters of recommendation are required. Letters should reflect the applicants potential to excel in course work and carry out scientific research. Letter writers will be prompted through the application process. Alternatively letters may be sent directly by mail to:
   
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   Leigh Hall, Room 515
   The University of Akron
   Akron, OH 44325-2101
   Phone: 330-972-7663
   Fax: 330-972-6475
   Email: gradsch@uakron.edu


5. Statement of Purpose: Describe your motivation to pursue graduate studies. Share your accomplishments and things you have learned. This will be uploaded during the electronic application process.


6. A resume or CV shall be uploaded during your electronic application process.


7. TOEFL: PhD applicants whose native language is not English are required to achieve a 23 on the TOEFL speaking portion (and a 79 composite) or IELTS English (6.5 overall, 7 or higher on speaking) proficiency exams in order to be eligible for financial stipend via teaching assistantship. Akron’s ETS code is 1829.


8. PhD candidates are expected to serve as teaching assistants (TA) for financial stipend. Masters students are not eligible for TAs and are expected to be self-supported.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Polymer Engineering administers a graduate program in which students are guided through a course of study and research under the supervision of a faculty member leading to the award of Doctor of Philosophy in Polymer Engineering. Basic requirements of the Graduate School for the doctoral degree are set forth and described in the current Graduate Bulletin (graduate catalog) available from Graduate School or online at https://www.uakron.edu/gradsch. Requirements of the Polymer Engineering program are also listed in the Graduate Bulletin. The combined requirements of the Graduate School and Polymer Engineering program represent the minimum standards for attainment of the degree. In an effort to tailor the program to each student's background and research interests, Polymer Engineering and/or the student’s advisor may request requirements beyond the minimum in order to ensure academic and professional success.

Currently, to achieve the Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering, a student must complete:

• 96 credits in polymer engineering, including:
• 12 credits of polymer engineering core courses
• 10 credits of polymer engineering 600-level electives
• 9 credits of polymer engineering 700-level electives
• 3 credits of math
• 2 credits of technical electives
• 60 credits of preliminary research and doctoral dissertation (12 credits or more must be of doctoral dissertation)
• An oral presentation of research proposal
• A written dissertation
• An oral defense of the dissertation

Core Courses

12 credits - required for all students

• 9841:611 Fundamentals of Polymer Structure Characterization (3 credits)
• 9841:621 Rheology of Polymer Fluids (3 credits)
• 9841:641 Polymer Chemistry and Thermodynamics (3 credits)
• 9841:650 Introduction to Polymer Engineering (3 credits)

General Requirements

Residency Requirements - A doctoral student may meet the degree requirements of the Graduate School and Polymer Engineering by fulltime study or a combination of full- and part-time study. The minimum residency requirement for a doctoral candidate in all programs is at least two consecutive semesters of full-time study and involvement in Polymer Engineering activities.

Continuous Enrollment Requirement - The Graduate School requires that a doctoral student register for a minimum of one graduate credit during each fall and spring semester of study; however, the Polymer Engineering program also requires a minimum of one graduate credit in the summer session.

Time Limit - All doctoral requirements must be completed within ten (10) years of starting coursework at The University of Akron or elsewhere. This refers to graduate work after receipt of a master’s degree or the completion of 30 semester credits. An extension of up to one year may be granted in unusual circumstances by the dean of the Graduate School upon written request by the student and recommendation by his/her advisor, director of the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, and college dean.