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 completed in quarter terms
Program Length: 4 Years (for students entering with a master's degree)
6 Years (for students entering with a bachelor's degree)
Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science
How our curriculum prepares you for success
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.
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.
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.
Gain specialization through research
You will receive access to in-depth specialization in areas that our faculty are researching in participating departments.
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.
Request for Information
Application Information
Winter 2025 Final Deadline
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.
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.