Program Details

To expand knowledge and understanding of the science and technology of materials production, behavior, and applications.
Location:
Rapid City, United States
Program Type:
Full Degree
Degree Level:
Doctorate
Specialty:
Materials Science

Program Overview

Program Description:
he doctor of philosophy program in materials engineering and science (MES) offers a student the opportunity to expand his/her knowledge and understanding of the science and technology of materials production, behavior, and applications. The student will undertake multidisciplinary approaches, combining the basic elements of both engineering and science, to the solution of materials-related problems. Because such problems are found in every science and engineering discipline, the degree applicant has considerable flexibility in the selection of the department in which to pursue dissertation research, within the confines of the applicant‘s academic preparation and interests. Candidates will study either a science or engineering emphasis within the MES Ph.D. program. For example, research emphasis may be placed on improving processes for the production of metallic, polymeric, ceramic, or other structural or electronic materials. Alternatively, the degree candidate may investigate mechanisms for improving material properties, which in turn, could lead to new or better applications. Classroom and individualized instruction will provide the necessary theory to complement such creative activities. Example areas of specialization include but are not limited to Activities of Multicomponent Systems Computational Modeling Polymer Synthesis Concrete Technology Corrosion Inhibition Development of Multiphase Materials Fiber Reinforced Composites Geotechnology Magnetic Nanocomposites Nanoscale Electronic Materials Polymer Matrix Composites Reaction Kinetics Semiconductor Materials and Devices Strengthening Mechanisms Surface Chemistry of Flotation Thermophysical Properties Thin Films The program is administered directly by the Dean of Graduate Education and sponsored programs, with the head of the MES Ph.D. advisory council serving as program coordinator. The advisory council currently comprises faculty members from the Departments of Civil and Environmental, Mechanical, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, and the Departments of Physics, and Chemistry. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), three letters of recommendation, and a GPA of 3.00 or better are required of all applicants for the MES Ph.D. program. The TOEFL exam is required for students whose native language is not English. All candidates for the MES Ph.D. program are required to successfully complete the following minimum credits and earn a grade of “C” or better, except for a final grade of “S” in MES 800 For more information on this degree, please see the catalog on the program website.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:
We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) North Central Association.
Financial Aid:
No
Requirements:
• Complete the application format on our Graduate Education website. • Pay the $35.00 application fee. • Official transcripts from all U.S. institutions attended, including evidence of your bachelor’s degree if applicable. Transcripts must be mailed directly to SDSM&T by the issuing institution. Email copies are not accepted. A GPA of 3.0 is recommended; students with exceptional ability may apply with less than 3.0 GPA. • One page statement of purpose/personal statement of goals and research interests. • GRE score report: required . The SDSM&T school code is 6652. Scores of 50% or higher are recommended; strong quantitative scores are expected. • Three letters of recommendation. Should be submitted at the time of the online application. However can be submitted via email or postal mail.
International Requirements:
• Third party foreign transcript evaluation for all foreign institutions attended, including evidence of your bachelor’s degree if applicable. Effective August 15, 2012, SDSM&T requires a course-by-course evaluation report sent directly to us from the evaluating institution. We will only accept evaluation reports from Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) or World Education Services (WES). If you use ECE, order a catalog match report. If you use WES, order a course by course report. • Evidence of English proficiency, with the exception of applicants from countries where English is the native language. Applicants who have a prior degree from a university in the U.S. may be considered for exemption. Note that Engineering Management will only consider applications meeting the upper level score criteria.