UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON · UNITED STATES
Materials Science and Engineering, PhD
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities across campusResearch Scope
- Access to major facilities like the Materials Science Center and Wisconsin Microscopy and Characterization CenterFacilities
- Emphasis on data-driven materials design and computational methodsResearch Focus
- Diverse student body with varied undergraduate backgroundsStudent Profile
- Graduates achieve long-term success in diverse career pathsCareer Outcomes
The Materials Science and Engineering PhD program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison focuses on developing new materials to address critical global challenges. Research areas span a wide range, including energy, healthcare, sustainable manufacturing, aerospace, and computing. The field is undergoing a revolution, moving from trial-and-error to data-driven design using computational methods, machine learning, and high-throughput synthesis and characterization. This program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, with faculty collaborating across campus and welcoming students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and research centers, preparing them for successful careers in industry, national laboratories, and academia.
Careers
Materials Science and Engineering graduates from UW–Madison find successful long-term careers in a variety of sectors, including private industry, national laboratories, and academia, both within the U.S. and internationally.
- Materials Scientist
- Materials Engineer
- Researcher
- Professor
- Industry Professional
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic and GPA requirements for the Materials Science and Engineering PhD program?
- A Bachelor's Degree in physical sciences or engineering is normally expected, including mathematics through differential equations, at least one year each of general physics and chemistry, a course in physical chemistry or modern physics, and an elementary course in properties of materials. A minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 is required, with most admitted applicants having an undergraduate GPA above 3.5.
- How do I apply to the Materials Science and Engineering PhD program?
- Applications are submitted online and require unofficial academic transcripts, English proficiency scores (if applicable), three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume. Ensure you meet the UW–Madison Graduate School's minimum requirements and the program's specific academic and English proficiency standards.
- What are the application deadlines for the Materials Science and Engineering PhD program?
- The fall deadline for applications is December 15. There is also a spring deadline on September 1 and a summer deadline on December 15. To be considered for fellowships, all application materials must be submitted by the December 15 fall deadline.
- What are the tuition and fee details for international students in the Materials Science and Engineering PhD program?
- Information about tuition and fees for international students is available from the Bursar's Office. Contact the department for specific international tuition rates.
- What funding opportunities are available for Materials Science and Engineering PhD students?
- Funding opportunities include Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs), and competitive Fellowships. Application Fee Grants are also available in limited circumstances. RAs involve matching applicant interests with faculty research, while TAs are decided based on the graduate school application.
- What are the potential career outcomes for graduates of the Materials Science and Engineering PhD program?
- Graduates find successful long-term careers as Materials Scientists, Materials Engineers, Researchers, Professors, and Industry Professionals in sectors such as private industry, national laboratories, and academia, both within the U.S. and internationally.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA BS in the physical sciences or engineering is normally expected. Undergraduate studies should include mathematics through differential equations, at least one year each of general physics and chemistry, a course in physical chemistry or modern physics, and an elementary course in properties of materials. Deficiencies may be admitted and must be made up.
GPAA minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 is required. Admission is highly selective, with most admitted applicants having an undergraduate GPA above 3.5.
Graduate School English Proficiency RequirementsRefer to the Graduate School's policy for minimum requirements.
Applicants must meet both the Graduate School's minimum requirements and the program's specific requirements. Admission is highly selective.
Fees
Tuition (international)Contact the department for specific international tuition rates.
Tuition (home)Contact the department for specific domestic tuition rates.
LivingContact the department for estimated living costs.
Information about tuition and fees is available from the Bursar's Office. Funding opportunities like assistantships and fellowships are also available.
How to apply
1. Review RequirementsEnsure you meet the Graduate School's minimum requirements and the program's specific academic and English proficiency standards.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather unofficial academic transcripts, English proficiency scores (if applicable), three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume.
3. Submit Online ApplicationComplete and submit your application through the UW–Madison online application portal.
4. Consider Funding DeadlinesTo be considered for fellowships, all application materials must be submitted by the fall deadline (December 15).
Scholarships
Research Assistantships (RAs)Comparable to similar stipends from other institutions
Teaching Assistantships (TAs)Approximately the same as research assistantships
FellowshipsVaries
Application Fee GrantsCovers part or all of the application fee
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic and GPA requirements for the Materials Science and Engineering PhD program?
+
A Bachelor's Degree in physical sciences or engineering is normally expected, including mathematics through differential equations, at least one year each of general physics and chemistry, a course in physical chemistry or modern physics, and an elementary course in properties of materials. A minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 is required, with most admitted applicants having an undergraduate GPA above 3.5.
How do I apply to the Materials Science and Engineering PhD program?
+
Applications are submitted online and require unofficial academic transcripts, English proficiency scores (if applicable), three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume. Ensure you meet the UW–Madison Graduate School's minimum requirements and the program's specific academic and English proficiency standards.
What are the application deadlines for the Materials Science and Engineering PhD program?
+
The fall deadline for applications is December 15. There is also a spring deadline on September 1 and a summer deadline on December 15. To be considered for fellowships, all application materials must be submitted by the December 15 fall deadline.
What are the tuition and fee details for international students in the Materials Science and Engineering PhD program?
+
Information about tuition and fees for international students is available from the Bursar's Office. Contact the department for specific international tuition rates.
What funding opportunities are available for Materials Science and Engineering PhD students?
+
Funding opportunities include Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs), and competitive Fellowships. Application Fee Grants are also available in limited circumstances. RAs involve matching applicant interests with faculty research, while TAs are decided based on the graduate school application.
What are the potential career outcomes for graduates of the Materials Science and Engineering PhD program?
+
Graduates find successful long-term careers as Materials Scientists, Materials Engineers, Researchers, Professors, and Industry Professionals in sectors such as private industry, national laboratories, and academia, both within the U.S. and internationally.