Polymer Engineering, PhD
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- graduate
- Academic Pathway
- major
- Degree/Program Type
- PHD Doctor of Philosophy
- Format
- In-person
- Course Info
- Curriculum Guide
- College
- College of Engineering and Polymer Science
- School/Department
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering
Program Contact
- Dean's Office: College of Engineering and Polymer Science
-
Auburn Science and Engineering Center
330-972-6978
Overview
With world-class faculty, cutting-edge research and high-quality teaching labs, students from around the world come to The University of Akron’s (UA) polymer programs. We offer both master’s and doctoral degrees in polymer engineering, giving students a top-tier education in the science and engineering of polymers.
Located in Akron, Ohio — a global hub for polymer research and development — our students dive deep into learning about polymers, innovating with them and applying their knowledge to benefit society. Student researchers design next-generation polymers for energy storage and harvesting, use sustainable resources, create materials for drug delivery and biomedical use, and develop polymers inspired by nature.
Our faculty and students lead efforts to create new chemistries and processes that support a more sustainable future.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the program must meet the general admission requirements of The University of Akron along with the following additional program-specific requirements:
Three letters of recommendation, written to address your potential in coursework and in scientific research
A statement of purpose
A resume or CV
While we typically expect incoming students to have a minimum 3.0 GPA, we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications. We consider various factors beyond GPA to determine whether an applicant is a good fit for our program. Every applicant who meets the University’s minimum 2.5 GPA requirement will be carefully evaluated based on all submitted materials.
International applicants
For detailed information on English proficiency scores, waivers, and submission steps, please review the University's English Requirements.
Career Outcomes
Our graduate programs give students the flexibility to specialize in polymer engineering. Courses develop critical thinking, problem-solving and research skills essential for career success. Whether you want to advance in materials science or pursue a career in academia, we offer the coursework, hands-on lab experience and access to renowned faculty to help you reach your goals.
Job titles
Polymer engineer
Principal polymer engineer
Materials scientist
Research scientist
Senior research engineer
Process engineer
Product developer
FEA engineer
Postdoctoral researcher
Assistant professor
Where you will work
Polymer, rubber and tire manufacturers
Chemical and materials companies
Medical device and drug delivery organizations
Energy storage and battery research
Universities and research institutes
PhD in Polymer Engineering FAQs
Akron has been a center of the global polymer industry for more than a century, and the program sits inside that concentration of companies, laboratories and expertise.
Four areas: polymers for energy storage and harvesting, polymers from sustainable resources, polymers for controlled drug release and biomedical use, and materials designed from principles found in nature.
Akron offers both master's and doctoral degrees in polymer engineering. This page covers the doctorate.
Assistantship availability varies by department, so the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering is the address for that question, and degree seeking students may be eligible for loans through the University's Financial Assistance page.
Graduates work as polymer and process engineers, materials scientists, research scientists and product developers, and enter academia as postdoctoral researchers and assistant professors, in industries from tires and medical devices to energy storage.
YES, some things just set us apart.
Akron, a polymer center
More than a century of industry concentration around the program. Learn from internationally recognized faculty who lead in all areas of polymers and advanced materials.
Four research directions
Energy storage, sustainable sources, drug delivery, and materials designed from nature.
Reviewed holistically from 2.5
Above the University's minimum, applications are read in full rather than filtered on GPA.
#1 in polymer science and plastics engineering
Ranked #1 in the U.S. for polymer science and plastics engineering, according to EduRank.
100% job placement
100% job placement rate for polymer engineering graduates.
The Akron Advantage
Polymers for energy storage and harvesting, materials made from sustainable feedstocks, systems for controlled drug release and biomedical use, and materials whose structure is drawn from nature.
Akron has been a center of polymer research and manufacturing for more than a century, and the program sits inside that.
Assistantships sit with departments rather than a central office, so the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering is who to ask, and loans run through the University's Financial Assistance page.
Polymers for energy storage and harvesting, materials made from sustainable feedstocks, systems for controlled drug release and biomedical use, and materials whose structure is drawn from nature.
Akron has been a center of polymer research and manufacturing for more than a century, and the program sits inside that.
Assistantships sit with departments rather than a central office, so the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering is who to ask, and loans run through the University's Financial Assistance page.
One Next Step
Write to the department first. Ask whether your background clears their expectations and whether funding is open for your start term, and you will know shortly whether an application is worth the fee.