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 Ph.D. 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 M.S. in
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 MS is not required to apply to our program. Application criteria and recommended backgrounds of potential students are listed below.
Recommended Background:
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.
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 "mid-year" or Spring admission is possible. Deadlines to apply for Fall 2009 admission are:
- International Students: February 1st, 2009
- Domestic Students: March 28th, 2009
- Students seeking Spring admission should contact the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials