2025-2026 University Catalog
Materials Engineering, PHD
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 Return to: College of Engineering (Graduate)
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About the Program
The School of Materials Engineering at Purdue University offers both MS and PhD degrees in the field of Materials Science and Engineering. These programs emphasize the application of the basic sciences to the understanding of the structure, properties, and processing of materials. Programs of study are designed to broaden and deepen the student’s knowledge of those parts of the field which are of most universal applicability. Admission is based upon prior performance and projected success as indicated by undergraduate scholastic performance, industrial work experience, and recommendations from those most familiar with the student’s record. Purdue Materials Engineering is first and foremost committed to people. The School of Materials Engineering serves diverse peoples through discovery that expands the frontiers of knowledge, learning that nurtures the sharing of knowledge, and engagement that promotes the application of knowledge. For over 50 years, the School of Materials Engineering has been providing quality education and research opportunities in the area of Materials Science.The curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering and provides students with an industry-relevant, team-based experience in state-of-the-art facilities. The faculty are highly innovative, well-respected research leaders who share a common interest in the development and growth of the School. Areas of research include: synthesis fabrication, processing, characterization, design, and modeling of semiconductors, ceramics, metals, soft materials, and polymers for a wide range of applications from energy and sensors to structural and simulation/theory applications. Program Website Program Requirements
90 Credits Required (30 credits from a Master’s may be applied.) Required Courses (30 credits)*
*If not completed by 30 credits of coursework from a Master’s degree. The plan of study is tailored to each student’s specific research area and background and is submitted by the end of the second semester. Although there are no required courses, the School recommends sets of general or “foundational” courses, especially for the first semester when students are registering for classes before they have an advisor and specific research direction. See Core Courses for a list of suggestions. Core Courses (0-15 credits)
Although MSE 60000 is not required, all students will be automatically enrolled in this course, which is based on the undergraduate introductory materials course. The final exam in MSE 60000 is the MSE General Exam (PhD Qualifier), which is required for all PhD students in order to advance to the Preliminary Exam in the second year, so the course is strongly recommended if it has not been taken already for an MS degree. With their adivisor’s approval, however, students may drop the course and prepare for the General Exam by self-study. In addition, students are recommended to enroll at least 2 additional lecture courses (4 maximum). Since students don’t have an advisor or clear research direction at the beginning of the first semester, the School recommends the courses listed below. These courses are intended to provide a basis for more specific courses to support the student’s research area. Two tracks are defined: hard materials (metals and ceramics) or soft materials (polymers). Hard Materials (Metals and Ceramics) Courses (0-9)
Soft Materials (Polymers) Courses (0-6 credits)
Electives (15-30 credits)
Students should speak to their advisor to discuss course options that suit their research interests. Dissertation Research (60 credits)
An acceptable dissertation is based on independent research under the guidance of a major professor. The student is aided by an advisory committee of three faculty members, including the advisor(s), in formulating a plan of study. The dissertation is expected to meet the high standards of a technical publication and the format requirements of the University. At the end of the program, the disseration is defended by the student in an oral examination and must be acceptable to the examining committee with regard to both its technical format and contents. Additional Requirements
Teaching Experience: All PhD students will serve at least one semester as a graduate instructor under faculty direction. During the semester that a student serves as a graduate instructor, they will also be enrolled in MSE 69700, which meets variably throughout the semester to augment the teaching practice with lectures, seminars, and discussions of general teaching methods, as well as aspects specific to MSE. Students should discuss possible assignments with their advisor(s), and a request may be made for a particular assignment based on their individual goals and/or preferences for the teaching experience. During the semester when teaching, appointments will be adjusted to include a ¼-time Teaching Assistantship (with the exception of students supported on a fellowship), with a corresponding reduction (typically to ¼-time) in any Research Assistantship. Some opportunities for additional teaching experience on a voluntary basis may be available. Concentrations
Interdisciplinary concentrations: Additional Information
Competency Expectations: All PhD students must be prepared to demonstrate competence by course credits, self-study, examinations, etc., in mathematics and basic sciences, in materials processing, materials structure and materials properties, as well as in undergraduate course prerequisites to the advanced and graduate level courses in the primary area of the plan of study. The primary area of the plan of study must provide an appropriate balance of breadth and depth of advanced course study in the major area of Materials Engineering, which includes the area of thesis research. Courses in related areas or “minors” often will be selected from other branches of science or engineering related to the research objective. Qualifying Examination: PhD students must first pass the MSE General Exam, which is a comprehensive written exam administered as the Final Exam of MSE 60000 Fundamentals of Materials Engineering offered each fall semester. (Although this course is not required, it is strongly recommended for all MSE graduate students.) Students are then required to take the PhD Preliminary Exam. The PhD Preliminary Exam takes place by the end of the Fall semester of the second year (or equivalent: by the end of fourth semester, counting summer). Eligibility for the PhD Preliminary Exam requires first passing the General Exam. A second failure along this examination sequence will be cause for removal from the PhD program. Preliminary Examination: The objective of the PhD preliminary examination is to determine whether or not the student qualifies for admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. This suitability is determined by demonstrating the following abilities: - Knowledge - ability to show general Materials Engineering knowledge and deep knowledge of their chosen topic.
- Analysis - ability to understand and analyze scientific and engineering concepts and data, to place them in context, and to show how MSE knowledge and classwork relates to their topic.
- Communication - ability to develop written and oral presentations of high scientific quality.
- Creativity - ability to synthesize new ideas to develop and test hypotheses, identify and probe deficiencies, and determine and propose new pathways of research.
- Reasoning - ability to reason through problems using knowledge, analysis, and creativity.
- Research - ability to conceptualize, plan, and perform original independent research.
Graduate Programs Disclaimer
- The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
- Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary.
- Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
- Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
- Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Return to: College of Engineering (Graduate)
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