Polymer Science

The Master of Science degree is awarded for the completion of a prescribed program of course studies, cumulative exams, a formal presentation, and a research project that leads to the preparation of a thesis describing the research in a scholarly manner. A public discussion referred to as a departmental "formal seminar" is required which reviews the literature pertinent to the research problem. A written review of the literature will be submitted to the advisor and thesis reader for a grade in advance of the completion of the thesis (submission in the fall of the second year for FT students).  The written thesis must exhibit the advanced  level of understanding of the principles  of polymer science that was developed in the courses and in specialized research reading. 

Admission Requirements

• GRE
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose

Students with an undergraduate degree in chemistry, physics, engineering, or polymer science with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better may apply.

Students holding a degree in biology or natural sciences will be expected to have taken the following additional courses on the undergraduate level:

• Calculus III and/or Differential Equations
• Organic Chemistry I and II
• Thermodynamics
• Physics I and II

Application Deadline

• December 15 (early consideration deadline) for Fall enrollment
• February 1 (final deadline) for Fall enrollment

Additional Information

An independent, original, and scholarly research investigation is required for the M.S.  degree.  It must be submitted to the Department of Polymer Science as a research thesis in the form specified by the UA Graduate School Guidelines for Thesis/Dissertation.  It will then be considered and accepted or rejected by the student's research professor and the faculty reader. Then the thesis  must  be approved by the Chair of the Department, the Dean of  the  College, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Assistantship/Scholarship Information

Not all departments offer graduate assistantships. Students should inquire with the department directly to determine assistantship availability.

Financial Aid Information

Paying for college is a vital part of the education process. It is important to be informed of the many sources of aid available. Student loans are available to degree-seeking graduate students. Information on student loans can be found through the Office of Student Financial Aid. The Office of Student Financial Aid is located in Simmons Hall.

Tuition and Fees

Current tuition and fees schedules can be found through the Office of Student Accounts.