UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · UNITED STATES
NanoEngineering Doctoral Degree Program
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
84 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€98k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 3 specialized focus areasSpecializations
- Emphasis on original research for publicationResearch Focus
- Mandatory teaching assistant experienceTeaching Experience
- Completion of 10 coursesCoursework Requirement
- 4-stage examination processExaminations
- Maximum 7 years to complete degreeProgram Duration
The NanoEngineering PhD program at UC San Diego is designed to prepare students for careers in research and teaching, with a strong emphasis on research. Students specialize in one of three focus areas: Biomedical Nanotechnology, Molecular and Nanomaterials, or Nanotechnologies for Energy and the Environment. The program requires completion of 10 courses, including core courses, electives within the chosen focus, and electives from other areas. Students must also successfully pass several rigorous examinations throughout their studies, culminating in a dissertation defense. The program aims to provide a tailored and in-depth educational experience to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the student's chosen field.
Curriculum
The PhD program requires the successful completion of 10 courses. These include 5 required core courses, 3 electives from the student's chosen focus area, and 2 additional electives. These additional electives can be chosen from the remaining focus areas, specific engineering/science courses, or graduate-level courses in engineering, mathematics, or general science (Biology, Physics, Chemistry), with faculty advisor consent. Students must also enroll in NANO 200 each quarter, though these units do not count towards degree requirements. Specific course details and approved electives can be found on the Nano MS web page. All examinations must be completed in-person.
- Year 1-2
- Core Courses
- Electives
- NANO 200NANO 200
- Comprehensive Exam
- Literature Review Exam
- Year 3-4
- Dissertation Research
- Ph.D. Senate Exam (Advancement to Candidacy)
- Teaching Assistantship
- Year 5-7
- Dissertation Completion and Defense
Careers
The Ph.D. program in NanoEngineering is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in research and teaching. Graduates are equipped to pursue prominent roles in academia, industry, and government.
- Researcher
- Professor
- Industry Scientist
- Government Researcher
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the NanoEngineering PhD program?
- Applicants must achieve a minimum of 70% in each component of the comprehensive examination. Students must complete at least one quarter as a Teaching Assistant before their dissertation defense. Further details on specific academic prerequisites and required documents can be found on the UC San Diego Graduate Admissions website.
- What is the estimated cost of attendance for international students?
- The estimated cost of attendance for non-California residents for the 2026-2027 academic year is approximately $114,095 on campus or $114,587 off campus. This estimate includes tuition, fees, living expenses, books, personal expenses, and transportation.
- How long does the NanoEngineering PhD program typically take to complete?
- The program is designed to be completed within a maximum of seven years. Pre-candidacy status is limited to four years, and university support is available for six years.
- What are the specialization areas within the NanoEngineering PhD program?
- Students can specialize in one of three focus areas: Biomedical Nanotechnology, Molecular and Nanomaterials, or Nanotechnologies for Energy and the Environment.
- What are the career prospects after completing the NanoEngineering PhD program?
- Graduates are prepared for careers as Researchers, Professors, Industry Scientists, and Government Researchers in academia, industry, and government.
- How can I apply to the NanoEngineering PhD program?
- Prospective students should visit the UC San Diego Graduate Admissions website to find the application process, required documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, and program-specific deadlines.
Entry requirements
Master's degree or equivalentMinimum of 70% on the comprehensive examination to be admitted to or continue in the Ph.D. program.
All PhD students are required to pass four examinations: Comprehensive Exams, Literature Review Exam, Ph.D. Senate Exam (Advancement to Candidacy), and Dissertation Defense. All exams must be completed in-person. Students must achieve a minimum of 70% in each component of the comprehensive exam. M.S. students must score at least 60% in each component. Students must complete at least one quarter as a Teaching Assistant prior to the dissertation defense. Pre-candidacy status is limited to four years; university support is available for six years. The dissertation must be defended and submitted within seven years.
Fees
Tuition (international)Rady FT MBA Non-California Resident Supplemental Tuition: $12,245 (This appears to be for MBA, actual PhD tuition needs to be verified). Total estimated cost of attendance for non-California residents is $114,095 (On Campus) / $114,587 (Off Campus) for the 2026-2027 academic year, which includes tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Tuition (home)Full-Time MBA (2-Year State Supported Program) Tuition and Fees: $63,501 (This appears to be for MBA, actual PhD tuition needs to be verified).
LivingLiving Expenses (Food & Housing for students with dependents): $31,548 (Off Campus) / $31,056 (On Campus) for 2026-2027.
The provided fee information is primarily for the Rady School MBA program. Actual tuition and fees for the NanoEngineering PhD program, especially for non-California residents, will need to be confirmed with the university. The estimated cost of attendance for non-California residents for the 2026-2027 academic year is approximately $114,095 (on campus) or $114,587 (off campus), including tuition, fees, living expenses, books, personal expenses, and transportation. California residents' estimated cost is approximately $101,850 (on campus) or $102,342 (off campus) for the same period. These figures are estimates and actual costs may vary. Tuition and fees remain the same regardless of remote or in-person instruction.
How to apply
1. Visit Graduate AdmissionsNavigate to the UC San Diego Graduate Admissions website for general application information.
2. Check Program-Specific RequirementsLook for specific entry requirements, application materials, and deadlines for the NanoEngineering PhD program.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application form.
4. Provide Required DocumentsSubmit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and any other required documents as per the program's instructions.
5. English ProficiencyInternational applicants may need to provide proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS scores), though specific score requirements are not detailed here.
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the NanoEngineering PhD program?
+
Applicants must achieve a minimum of 70% in each component of the comprehensive examination. Students must complete at least one quarter as a Teaching Assistant before their dissertation defense. Further details on specific academic prerequisites and required documents can be found on the UC San Diego Graduate Admissions website.
What is the estimated cost of attendance for international students?
+
The estimated cost of attendance for non-California residents for the 2026-2027 academic year is approximately $114,095 on campus or $114,587 off campus. This estimate includes tuition, fees, living expenses, books, personal expenses, and transportation.
How long does the NanoEngineering PhD program typically take to complete?
+
The program is designed to be completed within a maximum of seven years. Pre-candidacy status is limited to four years, and university support is available for six years.
What are the specialization areas within the NanoEngineering PhD program?
+
Students can specialize in one of three focus areas: Biomedical Nanotechnology, Molecular and Nanomaterials, or Nanotechnologies for Energy and the Environment.
What are the career prospects after completing the NanoEngineering PhD program?
+
Graduates are prepared for careers as Researchers, Professors, Industry Scientists, and Government Researchers in academia, industry, and government.
How can I apply to the NanoEngineering PhD program?
+
Prospective students should visit the UC San Diego Graduate Admissions website to find the application process, required documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, and program-specific deadlines.