M.S. in Polymer Science

HOW TO APPLY

You may apply online by clicking here, or on the button below. If you have corrections to your information (particularly your e-mail address) after you have submitted your application, please contact the Graduate School at gradsch@uakron.edu. Note: All communication regarding the status of your application will be sent via e-mail. Thus, it is important that we have your most up-to-date email address.

Apply Online

Please note that ALL application materials, forms, reference letters, and scores must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions rather than to the Polymer Science program. Graduate applications to the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering are reviewed on a rolling basis until February 15th. It is highly encouraged that non-U.S. citizens complete their applications by December 15th in order to meet visa approval timelines. The Polymer Science program admits for Fall semester only.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for admission into the Polymer Science program are as follows:

• Official transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• TOEFL score (for international applicants)

1. A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of:
   • 3.00 or higher overall on a 4.00 scale; or,
   • 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale for work completed in the last two years; or,
   • 75 or higher overall on a 100 point scale.
   • Students coming from foreign universities not offering letter grades must receive a "First Class" grade or equivalent.
   • Students accepted for admission into M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Polymer Science on average have GPA's well above 3.50 on a 4.00 scale.


2. Official transcripts must be submitted to the Graduate School from each college or university attended (except The University of Akron). Official transcripts must be sent to The University of Akron Graduate School, Leigh Hall, Room 515, Akron, Ohio, 44325-2101.


3. NOTE: GRE scores are currently waived until further notice.


4. Three letters of professional recommendation are required. The letters must reference that the applicant has a strong potential to excel in course work and carry out independent scientific research. Reference letters should preferably be uploaded via the Apply Online system. Letters by the referees should be on their official institution/company letterhead. Letters of recommendation that are not on official letterhead or which are without signatures will be disregarded and may delay the application being reviewed. Letters of recommendation should be e-mailed to gradsch@uakron.edu or faxed to 330-972-6475 or mailed in hard copy directly to the Graduate School at the address indicated below.


5. A Statement of Purpose (personal essay) should also be emailed to gradsch@uakron.edu or faxed to 330-972-6475 or mailed in hard copy directly to the Graduate School at the address indicated below.


6. All first year doctoral students are required to serve as teaching assistants. For international students, the Polymer Science program requires the TOEFL. You must achieve a 23 or higher on the speaking portion of the TOEFL and an overall test score of 79 or higher. While the University may accept IELTS scores solely for admission purposes, please note that at the department level admission with funding requires the TOEFL with the minimums previously mentioned.


7. We do not fund master’s students, either domestic or international.

CURRICULUM

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.

• Review our curriculum guide