PROGRAMS OF STUDY

The Center for Polymer Science and Engineering (CPSE) is an interdisciplinary research-oriented center with faculty representatives from the participating Departments of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, and Physics. It includes the Emulsion Polymers Institute, the Polymer Interfaces Center, and the faculty from the Engineering Polymers Laboratory of the Materials Research Center. The CPSE also has ties with the Zettlemoyer Center for Surface Studies. The CPSE offers graduate studies through the participating departments leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Polymer Science and Engineering. Students may also elect to pursue studies towards degrees in the participating departments while emphasizing polymer courses and research. Both advanced undergraduate and graduate courses are offered in Polymer Science and Engineering. Courses and areas of research emphasize polymer synthesis and characterization, physical polymer science, organic polymer science, engineering behavior, rheology, polymer blends and composites, polymer processing, emulsion polymers, polymer interfaces, and colloid science. The CPSE has 23 faculty from the participating departments, approximately 90 graduate students, four Research Scientists, and several post-doctoral students.

Programs of study are designed to meet the individual student's interests. Programs must also fulfull the requirements of the CPSE or department, and the student's dissertation committee for the Ph.D. At the M.S. level, 30 hours of course work are required for the M.S. in Polymer Science and Engineering, as described in the Degree Requirement section of this home page.