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Our PhD in Materials Science provides an enhanced foundation in the theory of materials construction and a depth of understanding in the research strategies necessary to develop new materials. Through a diverse academic approach integrating physics, mathematics, chemistry, and electrical and computer engineering, you will explore advanced concepts in the materials field complemented by extensive research experience.

Our program reflects the multidisciplinary nature of our approach by providing a thorough grounding in each of the field’s basic disciplines. You will gain research experience in specialized areas through faculty research in each of the participating departments. With an increasing number of technological fields becoming materials-limited in various ways, our program seeks to prepare you to meet the challenges of property improvement and new materials development with a broad-based curriculum that emphasizes fundamentals.

Upon completion of the doctoral program, you will be prepared to enter the materials science field in various roles, from the research and development of new advanced materials to instruction at the university level, among other opportunities.

Start Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer

Curriculum: 90 Credit Hours

Program Length: 4 Years (for students entering with a master's degree) 
6 Years (for students entering with a bachelor's degree)

 

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22,300 Materials science jobs in the U.S. (2022) BLS.gov

6% Projected percent job growth from 2022 to 2032 BLS.gov

$112,000 Average base salary Payscale

Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science

How our curriculum prepares you for success

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    Learn basic disciplines across Materials Engineering topics 

    Our program is multidisciplinary and involves the Departments of Physics, Chemistry and Engineering, with the Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department administering the degree. 

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    Meet the challenges for new materials development 

    Our program will prepare you for the challenges of new materials development and property improvement while keeping in mind that some technological fields are becoming materials-limited. 

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    Be prepared for a career in research or academia 

    Our Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science program is designed to prepare you for conducting research in the materials field or becoming a faculty member at a university.

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    Gain  specialization through research  

    You will receive access to in-depth specialization in areas that our faculty are researching in participating departments.  

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    Dissertation and defense 

    In your time at DU, you will prepare a publishable quality dissertation supported by your research with the support and advisement of our Materials Science program faculty.  

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Application Information

Spring 2025 Final Deadline

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Admission Steps

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Tuition

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Admission Requirements 

  • Degree and GPA Requirements 

    • Bachelor's Degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution. 

    • Grade Point Average: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree. A master’s degree or higher earned from a regionally accredited institution supersedes the minimum standards for the baccalaureate. For applicants who have completed graduate coursework but not earned a master’s degree or higher, the GPA from the graduate work may be used to meet the requirement. The minimum GPA is a cumulative 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework undertaken. 

  • Prerequisites

    • Mechanical Engineering: Students with a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related areas may apply for the PhD program in Mechanical Engineering (ENME). Admission with only a bachelor’s degree in this field is also possible, but such students are encouraged to enroll first in the MS ENME program. 

    • Materials Science: A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in materials science or closely related field (physics, metallurgy, engineering or chemistry) is usually required for admission to Materials Science. If the student did not receive adequate preparation for studying materials, they are encouraged to apply for the master’s degree. 

    Other Required Materials 

    • We recommend PhD applicants contact faculty to find a research advisor before submitting the application. If we receive an application and there is no research advisor commitment, we will consider the applicant for the master’s program only. 

  • English Language Proficiency Test Score Requirements 

    The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are: 

    • Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80 

    • Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5 

    • Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176 

    • Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115 

    English Conditional Admission: This program does not offer English Conditional Admission. 

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Become a leader in the field with a doctorate in Materials Science from the University of Denver.

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Courses for the PhD in Materials Science

Required Core Courses

  • ENME 4900 - Graduate Professional Development 
  • ENME 4950 - Graduate Assessment 

Materials Science Core Courses

  • ENGR 4200 - Introduction to Nanotechnology 
  • ENME 4400 - Fatigue 
  • MTSC 4020 - Composite Materials I 
  • ENME 4310 - Computational Methods for Mechanics and Materials 
  • MTSC 4215 - Composite Materials II 
  • MTSC 4450 - Fracture Mechanics 

Advanced Math Courses

  • ENGR 3620 - Advanced Engineering Mathematics - Corporate 
  • ENGR 4300 - Advanced Numerical Methods (Advanced Numerical Methods) 
  • ENGR 4350 - Reliability 
  • ENGR 4620 - Optimization 
  • ENGR 4765 - Robot Control 

Credit Hour Requirements

  • For students entering with a master’s degree, up to 45 credits may be transferred and applied to the doctorate degree. In addition, a minimum of 45 credits must be completed at DU. The total number of credits required for the degree is 90. 

  • For students entering with a bachelor’s degree, 90 credits are required, at least 75 of which must be completed at the University of Denver. 

Dissertation Defense

After successful completion of the qualifying exam and the comprehensive exam, you will be required to complete and defend a dissertation of publishable quality based on your original research. Your dissertation must be completed in written form in accordance with the University’s graduate school guidelines and must be defended in the final oral defense. The defense committee members will consist of your entire PhD committee.  

Graduate Teaching and Graduate Research Assistantships 

You can access funding through graduate teaching and research assistantships. While these assistantships are competitive, you are encouraged to apply before the priority admissions deadline. Learn more about GTA/GRA positions at DU. 

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Get Started on Your PhD in Materials Science

Be a leader in materials science with a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Denver’s Ritchie College of Engineering and Computer Science.

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