Prospective Students

Degree Programs

Ph.D. Program

A doctoral degree in the Polymer Science requires students to follow the general rules, regulations, and requirements for the Doctoral degree as established by the Graduate School in the latest Graduate Catalog. Additional program requirements for a Ph.D. degree are listed below. 

The typical duration of a Doctoral degree is 5 years. Most graduate students enrolled in the PhD program are supported by graduate assistantships, which include a salary, tuition waiver, and premium medical and dental insurance at a discounted price. 

Program Requirements 

  • Core Courses
    • Polymer core courses are required for all Master’s and Doctoral Degrees: Polymer Physics, Polymer Properties, Polymer Synthesis, Polymer Physical Chemistry, Polymer Characterization I & II, and Seminars in Polymer Science
  • Academic Credits
    • Students must complete no less than 30 academic credits beyond a bachelor’s degree or 15 academic credits beyond a master’s degree 
    • After completing the core course curriculum, “elective” courses must be approved by the student’s advisory committee 
  • 15 credits of doctoral dissertation research 
  • Maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 or greater
  • Selection of a Major Advisor and Advisory Committee 
  • General Exam – 2 parts
    • Written cumulative exam
    • Oral examination
  • Research Dissertation
    • Dissertation proposal 
    • Written research dissertation 
    • Oral defense of the dissertation

    Master’s in Science Degree

    Two options are offered for individuals seeking to obtain a Master of Science (MS) degree: Plan A and Plan B. Plan A emphasizes research and includes a thesis requirement. Plan B emphasizes coursework and often completed on a part-time basis by students who work full-time elsewhere.

    Students must follow the general rules and regulations for the Master’s degree, as established by the Graduate School in the latest Graduate Catalog. Additional program requirements are listed below.

    Master’s Plan A   – with a thesis

    21 credits of content coursework

    • Including polymer core courses: Synthesis, Physical Chemistry, Characterization I & II, Properties, and Polymer Physics

    9 credits of Master Thesis Research

    Master’s Plan B – non-thesis

    30 credits of content coursework

    • Including polymer core courses: Synthesis, Physical Chemistry, Characterization I & II, Properties, and Polymer Physics

    Curriculum

    Curriculum specifications include required and auxiliary courses.  Visit our Curriculum page for the full list of course requirements.

    Funding

    Most graduate students enrolled in the PhD program receive financial support as graduate assistantships. The position includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and an attractive benefits package with medical and dental insurance.  This allows students to focus the majority of their efforts on laboratory research with limited teaching requirements.

     

    Admissions Process

    Applications received by the first week of January (January 6) will receive greater consideration, but the admissions committee will continue to accept applications until all available positions are filled.  

    Application Form
    The on-line application form is available at LINK

    Please indicate Area of interest as Natural Sciences and Field of Study as Polymer Science.   

    Application Form

    The on-line application form is available at LINK

    Please indicate Area of interest as Natural Sciences and Field of Study as Polymer Science.   

    UConn Graduate School Requirements

    For updated UConn Graduate School Admissions Requirements, visit Site.

    1. Transcripts – An original transcript is required, International students may submit their transcripts electronically. Please review the Graduate School website (link is above) for details and physical as well as email addresses.
    2. GPA Requirement 
      1. An undergraduate cumulative grade-point average no less than 3.0
      2. A grade-point average of at least 3.0 for the final two undergraduate years or exceptional work during the final undergraduate year (3.5 or better)
    3. English Proficiency - International students whose native language is not English must submit evidence of their proficiency in the English language. Please visit the Graduate School admissions page for more up to date details.
      1. TOEFL: (old scale) 79 minimum
      2. TOEFL: (new scale) 4.5 minimum
      3. IELTS:  6.5 minimum
      4. PTE:  60 minimum is required on the
      5. Duolingo: 110 minimum is required on

    Note: These scores were valid as of 2026. Please review the UConn Graduate School Admissions Requirements

    1. Degree Equivalent to a 4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. Please review the Graduate School website (link is above) for details

       

      Polymer Program Requirements 

        • A bachelor’s or a master’s of science degree in: chemistry, engineering, physics, or mathematics. Completion of the Organic Chemistry course sequence is recommended.
        • Three recommendation letters, can be submitted with application or directly to gradadmissions@uconn.edu or osker@uconn.edu
        • The Graduate School requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, however, the Polymer Program prefers a 3.5 minimum.
        • CV/Resumé

        NOTE: GRE scores are no longer required for Polymer Program Admission

         

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