Graduate Programs
In the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials, our primary goal and chief concern is the education of our students in the theory and practice of polymer science and engineering.
We offer several degree options:
The Doctorate in Polymer Science and Engineering is a research-driven degree program. You will acquire knowledge through coursework, seminars, close interactions with faculty members, and primarily through conducting world-class polymer research. With a diverse faculty and research emphases, students have several fields of study from which to choose. In all cases, you will learn to approach and execute a research program in order to advance current understanding and technology.
The Masters in Polymer Science and Engineering is a coursework focused masters which includes a comprehensive thesis component. As with the Ph.D program, students have several fields of faculty and research emphases to focus their independent thesis research.
The online Masters of Polymer Science Engineering with an emphasis area in Composites Engineering is targeted for individuals working in polymer composites industries. Individuals currently employed full-time are encouraged to apply to the program.
This online masters degree is a two-year program comprised of 36 total hours. Requirements include 12 hours of core courses, 18 hours of composite electives and a thesis. Research will be performed collaboratively through the faculty advisor at the industry site. The program requires annual visits on-campus for comprehensive exams and meetings with faculty research advisors
Our graduates, with their backgrounds in problem solving and experience in performing pioneering research, are in high demand. They readily obtain careers in industry, government laboratories, and academia at locations all over the world.
A masters degree is not required to apply to our Ph.D. program. Application criteria and recommended backgrounds of potential students are listed below. If your background doesn't exactly match what is recommended below, don't worry! Contact the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials at the University of Southern Mississippi and we will look at all individual situations. Some typical backgrounds include polymer science or engineering, plastics engineering, chemistry and biochemistry, biology, physics, chemical engineering, and mathematics.
Recommended Background:
At least two semesters of
- Organic Chemistry and Labs
- Calculus
- Calculus Based Physics with Labs
- Physical Chemistry or related coursework
Experience in a research lab (academic or industrial) is preferred but not required.
Required Materials
- Graduate School Application and application fee
- transcripts/GPA
- GRE scores (standard test, not subject area)
- three letters of recommendation
Admission to the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials is competitive and limited. Admission is granted typically for the Fall term, although Spring admission is possible. For more information, please contact us!