CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Dipole Moments
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
—
Duration
—
IELTS
€52k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
This program explores the experimental determination of molecular dipole moments, a fundamental property influencing how molecules interact with electric fields. You will learn how to measure dipole moments using laboratory experiments based on electrical capacitance. The course covers the theoretical underpinnings, including how capacitance changes when molecules with dipoles are placed between charged plates and how thermal motion affects this alignment. You'll also delve into Peter Debye's clever method for determining dipole moments by analyzing the temperature dependence of measured capacitance, providing a practical application of physical chemistry principles.
Curriculum
The program focuses on understanding and calculating molecular dipole moments through experimental and theoretical approaches. Key concepts include electrical capacitance, thermal motion, and the Debye equation.
- Year 1
- Capacitance Measurement Fundamentals
- Molecular Dipoles and Electric Fields
- Debye's Method for Dipole Moment Determination
- Temperature Dependence of Capacitance
- Polarizability of Molecules
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees and estimated living costs for this Master's program?
- Tuition for Master's programs is $60,900 per academic year. Estimated annual living expenses, excluding tuition and health insurance, are $34,018.
- When does the application open for Fall 2027 admissions?
- The application for Fall 2027 admissions opens on September 9, 2026.
- What documents are required for the application?
- Required documents include a PDF of transcripts from all attended institutions, a resume, a statement of purpose, and your TOEFL score report if applicable.
- What are the English language proficiency requirements?
- A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 overall is required. Expired scores may be accepted if a degree was recently completed in the US and an official report with a photo is provided.
- Are GRE scores required for this program?
- No, GRE scores are not required for admission to this program.
- What academic background is recommended for applicants?
- A strong undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Engineering is strongly encouraged, along with college-level coursework in life sciences, statistics, and programming.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeStrongly encouraged in Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Engineering (or a combination).
College-level courseworkAt least one life science, statistics, and some programming.
CourseworkIdeal candidates will have taken algorithms and data structures.
TOEFL iBTMinimum 100 overall. Expired scores may be accepted if a degree was recently completed in the US and an official report with photo is provided. Waivers are not issued based on prior English-language education.
GREs are not required for admission. If prompted during application, enter a future date as this field is disregarded.
Fees
Tuition (international)For Masters programs, tuition is $60,900 per academic year.
Tuition (home)For Masters programs, tuition is $60,900 per academic year.
LivingEstimated annual living expenses are $34,018, not including tuition or health insurance. This includes housing ($14,752), food ($8,664), books and supplies ($2,212), personal/miscellaneous ($4,098), travel allowance ($1,756), transportation fee ($302), technology fee ($490), student activities fee ($244), and estimated loan fees ($1,500 for federal loan borrowers). Health insurance costs are TBD.
All fees are for the 2026-2027 academic year and are subject to change. The listed living costs are estimates.
How to apply
1. Open ApplicationThe application for Fall 2027 admissions opens on September 9, 2026. You can apply to other SCS programs simultaneously.
2. Prepare DocumentsGather all required documents as PDFs: transcripts from all attended institutions, a resume, a statement of purpose, and your TOEFL score (if applicable).
3. Request RecommendationsArrange for three letters of recommendation, with at least two from faculty or recent employers, to be submitted on your behalf.
4. Complete Online ApplicationFill out the online application. If asked for a GRE date, enter any future date as GREs are not required.
5. Submit ApplicationSubmit your completed application and all supporting materials through the SCS online portal.
Scholarships
Rales Fellowship Program—
Conference Funding—
Professional Engagement Funding—
Scholarly Project Funding$750
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees and estimated living costs for this Master's program?
+
Tuition for Master's programs is $60,900 per academic year. Estimated annual living expenses, excluding tuition and health insurance, are $34,018.
When does the application open for Fall 2027 admissions?
+
The application for Fall 2027 admissions opens on September 9, 2026.
What documents are required for the application?
+
Required documents include a PDF of transcripts from all attended institutions, a resume, a statement of purpose, and your TOEFL score report if applicable.
What are the English language proficiency requirements?
+
A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 overall is required. Expired scores may be accepted if a degree was recently completed in the US and an official report with a photo is provided.
Are GRE scores required for this program?
+
No, GRE scores are not required for admission to this program.
What academic background is recommended for applicants?
+
A strong undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Engineering is strongly encouraged, along with college-level coursework in life sciences, statistics, and programming.