Polymer Engineering administers a graduate program in which students are guided through a course of study and research under the supervision of a faculty member leading to the award of Doctor of Philosophy in Polymer Engineering. Basic requirements of the Graduate School for the doctoral degree are set forth and described in the current Graduate Bulletin (graduate catalog) available from Graduate School or online at https://www.uakron.edu/gradsch. Requirements of the Polymer Engineering program are also listed in the Graduate Bulletin. The combined requirements of the Graduate School and Polymer Engineering program represent the minimum standards for attainment of the degree. In an effort to tailor the program to each student's background and research interests, Polymer Engineering and/or the student’s advisor may request requirements beyond the minimum in order to ensure academic and professional success.
12 credits - required for all students
Residency Requirements - A doctoral student may meet the degree requirements of the Graduate School and Polymer Engineering by fulltime study or a combination of full- and part-time study. The minimum residency requirement for a doctoral candidate in all programs is at least two consecutive semesters of full-time study and involvement in Polymer Engineering activities.
Continuous Enrollment Requirement - The Graduate School requires that a doctoral student register for a minimum of one graduate credit during each fall and spring semester of study; however, the Polymer Engineering program also requires a minimum of one graduate credit in the summer session.
Time Limit - All doctoral requirements must be completed within ten (10) years of starting coursework at The University of Akron or elsewhere. This refers to graduate work after receipt of a master’s degree or the completion of 30 semester credits. 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, director of the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, and college dean.
Students with undergraduate or graduate degrees in 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 Engineering.
Requirements for admission into the Polymer Engineering 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 Engineering 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 Engineering 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