Materials Science and Engineering (PhD)

The Doctorate of Philosophy in Material Science and Engineering program is a 53-credit-hour plus dissertation degree program.

The curriculum for The Catholic University of America's Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering program is designed to provide an in-depth education combining advanced coursework and original research. The program includes:

• Total Credits: A minimum of 53 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree.
• Core Areas: Courses covering topics such as nanotechnology, biomaterials, energy storage, molecular simulation, and additive manufacturing.
• Advanced Courses: Options include Polymer Engineering, Artificial Organ Engineering, Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Materials, Processing of Nano-materials, Lithography of Nanostructures, and more.

Comprehensive Examination

• After completing the required coursework, students must pass a comprehensive examination to advance to candidacy. This exam assesses the student's preparation and understanding of their research area.

Dissertation

• Proposal: Students must submit and present a dissertation proposal for approval.
• Research: Conduct original research that contributes new knowledge to the field of materials science.
• Defense: The dissertation must be successfully defended in an oral examination before a committee.

Additional Requirements

• Research Experience: Students engage in interdisciplinary research, often collaborating with faculty on innovative projects.

$1,350 / credit hour

More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.