The general requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees as well as course descriptions in Polymer Science are described in the current University Graduate Bulletin (see index for Polymer Science - course prefix 9871). These requirements are set by the Graduate School. The specific departmental requirements listed in the bulletin are set by the Department of Polymer Science. The combined requirements of the Graduate School and Department of Polymer Science represent the minimal standards for the attainment of a particular degree. As such, they do not adequately describe the concern of the DPS faculty that graduate programs also be tailored to each student's background and research interests. Consequently, there are additional requirements and procedures that both the department and the research advisor impose beyond those described in the Bulletin.
8 credit hours of elective courses appropriate to each student's area of interest. Any science, math, or engineering graduate level course is acceptable with the approval of the research advisor.
6 credit hours: 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 and Dissertations. 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.
Residency Requirements – There are no formal residency requirements for the master’s degree. A student may meet the degree requirements of the Graduate School and Polymer Science through either full- or part-time study.
Enrollment Requirement – A master’s student may meet the degree requirements of the Graduate School and Polymer Science through either full- or part-time study.
Time Limit – All requirements for the master’s degree must be completed within six (6) years after beginning graduate-level coursework at The University of Akron or elsewhere. An extension of up to one year may be granted in unusual circumstances by the dean of the Graduate School upon written request by the student and recommendation by his/her advisor, the director of the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, and the college dean.
Students with undergraduate or graduate degrees in biosciences, engineering, materials science, chemistry, or physics with outstanding grade point averages are encouraged to apply for admission in programs leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Polymer Science.
Requirements for admission into the Polymer Science program are as follows:
Please note that application fees for the Ph.D. and M.S. programs have been waived for 2021.
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 gradadmissions@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.
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. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications that are complete by Dec. 15 will receive consideration for early admission. The application deadline is Feb. 15. Exceptional candidates may be considered after the Feb. 15 deadline. The Polymer Science program admits for Fall semester only.
Questions regarding admission or the application process may be directed to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Leigh Hall, Room 515
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325-2101
Phone: 330-972-7663
Fax: 330-972-6475
Email: gradadmissions@uakron.edu
Sarah Thorley
Coordinator of Academic Programs
413 Polymer Engineering Academic Center
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325-0301
Phone: 330-972-8845
Email: sarah3@uakron.edu