Materials Engineering Doctoral Programs

We offer two doctoral programs: The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and the Doctor of Engineering (D.E.), which is more industrially oriented. Both require course work and a dissertation, which is conducted over several years. Some of our students conduct their dissertation research in our campus labs, while others conduct research in locations such as WPAFB, UDRI and local industry with the appropriate arrangements. Course selection is customized to support each student’s particular area of research. We offer a diverse array of material engineering classes, and students can also take graduate-level courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and other engineering disciplines as needed. Given our classes and access to world-class experts in materials, doctoral students are well supported for success.

Plan of Study

Click here to go to the University Catalog for overview and courses for the Materials Engineering doctoral programs.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Materials Engineering
A minimum of 60 semester hours:

• 30 hours of course work beyond the M.S. and 30 hours of research leading to a dissertation.

Doctor of Engineering (D.E..) in Materials Engineering
A minimum of 60 semester hours:

•  39 semester hours of course work beyond the M.S. and 21 hours of research leading to a dissertation.

Program Details

In the doctorate programs, you'll learn from materials experts, including engineers and scientists from the University, as well as adjunct professors from UDRI, Wright-Patterson AFB and local industries. Some of our graduate students are able to find financial support for conducting materials research alongside engineers at UDRI and the Air Force Research Laboratory's Materials Directorate at WPAFB.  

Admission Requirements

In addition to the online application, you should submit the following:

1. Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Office of Graduate Admission Processing. Hand-carried transcripts, official copies marked Issued to Student and unofficial copies are not acceptable.
2. Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
3. A personal statement or resume.
4. Results from the GRE are not required. However, candidates are welcome to submit a score in support of their application.

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited program in engineering, physics, chemistry, applied mathematics or other appropriate program of study. Applicants with a different undergraduate degree may be required to complete prerequisites. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. Some programs require higher GPAs for admission. In some cases, applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be admitted on a conditional basis.

Additional requirements apply for international students.

Application Deadlines

Applications accepted on a rolling basis with the following approximate general deadlines:

• Fall Term: June 15
• Spring Term: Nov. 15
• Summer Term: March 15

Please contact your department chair to follow up on exact deadlines.