Materials Science and Engineering PhD
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Minimum Required Credits: 30.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 14.1801
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 17-2131
About the Program
Students in the Materials Science and Engineering PhD program gain advanced expertise in core areas of materials science, including materials synthesis, processing, characterization, and modeling. Typical coursework and research cover traditional metals, ceramics, and polymer systems, as well as advanced and value-added complex material systems such as hybrid materials and composites, nanomaterials, thin films, and biomaterials. The program provides a strong technical foundation that enables graduates to conduct independent research and collaborate effectively with professionals across diverse engineering disciplines. Graduates also demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and possess strong written and oral communication skills appropriate for professional materials engineers and scientists.
The PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering offers a strong foundation in the fundamental behavior of materials and the development of technical skills in materials selection, design, processing, testing, and application. The program features advanced coursework and research with our world-leading faculty in areas such as energy materials, electronic materials, biomaterials, polymers and soft materials, computational materials science, and advanced materials design and processing, with additional opportunities for specialized learning through emerging topics and research participation.
Graduate programs in Materials Science and Engineering prepare students for a wide range of career paths. Graduates may continue academic research at research institutions as postdoctoral researchers or faculty members. They may move directly into technical, research, or management roles across a variety of industries, including government, aerospace, polymers, textiles, biomedical, chemical, telecommunications, and manufacturing. The program equips students to contribute effectively in both research and leadership capacities, addressing complex challenges and driving innovation in their chosen fields.
Drexel’s renowned co-op program gives PhD students a clear advantage by providing hands-on industry experience alongside their studies. Our world-leading faculty offer unique opportunities for students to pursue cutting-edge research. Our flexible curriculum in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering allows students to combine advanced coursework, laboratory research, and co-op work, developing both practical skills and a deep understanding of materials science. This integrated approach prepares graduates for successful careers in industry or academia, equipping them for technical, research, and leadership roles.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the School of Engineering
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the graduate requirements for admission to Drexel University. The graduate student body reflects a broad spectrum of undergraduate backgrounds. Because of the expansion into interdisciplinary areas, qualified non-MSE engineering, physical, and biological science graduates may also join the program.
For specific information on how to apply to this program, visit Drexel University's Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Admissions webpage.
Degree Requirements
Post-Bachelor's Students or Post-Master's Students without an MS in Materials Science and Engineering
| Core/Foundational Courses | ||
| MSE 5040 | The Art of Being a Scientist | 3.0 |
| Select two of the following courses: | 6.0 | |
| Thermodynamics of Solids and Phase Transformation | ||
| Solid State Materials | ||
| Stucture and Properties of Polymers | ||
| Subject-Area Focused Courses | ||
| Select four courses from the list below: | 12.0 | |
| Introduction to Materials Engineering 1 | ||
| Materials Processing Lab | ||
| Characterization Lab - Nanoscale to Macroscale | ||
| Ceramics | ||
| Computational Techniques in Materials | ||
| Introduction to Composite Materials | ||
| Synthesis of Functional Solids | ||
| Materials for Additive Manufacturing | ||
| Recycling of Materials | ||
| Materials for Energy Storage | ||
| Nanomaterials | ||
| Polymer Synthesis and Engineering | ||
| Polymer Characterization | ||
| Mechanical Behavior of Solids | ||
| Biomedical Materials | ||
Select any 5800-7800 level MSE Special Topics course | ||
Select any 5900-7900 level MSE Independent Study course 2 | ||
| Seminar Series | 4.0 | |
| Materials Seminar Series | ||
| Research | 23.0-120.0 | |
| PhD Research | ||
| PhD Dissertation | 6.0 | |
| PhD Defense | ||
| Electives | ||
| Technical Electives | 6.0 | |
Select any College of Engineering and Computing (CoEC) course at the 5000-9997 level | ||
Select any STEM related course at the 5000-9997 level | ||
| Total Credits | 60.0-157.0 | |
- 1
MSE 5004 is a required course for students without an undergraduate or graduate degree in materials science and engineering.
- 2
Students seeking to take more than 6 credits of independent study may do so with department approval.
Post-Master's Students with an MS in Materials Science and Engineering
| Core/Foundational Courses | ||
| MSE 5040 | The Art of Being a Scientist | 3.0 |
| Subject-Area Focused Courses | ||
| Seminar Series | 4.0 | |
| Materials Seminar Series | ||
| Research | 17.0-120.0 | |
| PhD Research | ||
| PhD Dissertation | 6.0 | |
| PhD Defense | ||
| Electives | ||
| Technical Electives | 0.0-9.0 | |
Select any College of Engineering and Computing (CoEC) course at the 5000-9997 level | ||
Select any STEM related course at the 5000-9997 level | ||
| Total Credits | 30.0-142.0 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
- Materials Science and Engineering program graduates possess the core technical competencies in their field necessary to successfully interface with other engineering disciplines in the workplace.
- Materials Science and Engineering program graduates are leaders in their chosen fields.
- Materials Science and Engineering program graduates are engaged in lifelong learning.
- Materials Science and Engineering program graduates possess written and verbal communication skills appropriate for professional materials engineers and/or scientists.