Doctoral program · Rossin College
PhD in Materials Science and Engineering
The PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at Lehigh University’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science is the department’s only graduate degree, carried out in Lehigh’s state-of-the-art nanotech facilities and structured around a qualifying examination, a general examination built on a defended research proposal, and a dissertation.
- Degree awardedDoctor of Philosophy in Materials Science and Engineering
- DepartmentMaterials Science and Engineering
- Credit hoursNot published
- Fall deadlineDecember 15
- GRENot required
- Application fee$50 USD
Overview
What the PhD in Materials Science and Engineering is
Graduate students in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) carry out research which advances current understanding and knowledge in the field, working closely with faculty in Lehigh’s state-of-the-art nanotech facilities.
Research thrusts cover microstructural characterization, processing and properties of nanomaterials, ceramics, electronic materials and packaging, and metal processing and performance, with interdisciplinary projects in photonics, polymers, composites, solid free-form and nanoscale fabrication, and materials for bioapplications.
The department maintains active collaborations with researchers from Europe, South America, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East, and received $4.5 million from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to support web-based graduate courses. Sponsoring agencies include NSF, NASA, the Office of Naval Research, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and industrial partners.
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering maintains the authoritative program detail — see the department page.
Research
Research thrusts
Doctoral research in the PhD in Materials Science and Engineering spans 8 areas published by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
Microstructural characterization
Processing and properties of nanomaterials
Ceramics
Electronic materials and packaging
Metal processing and performance
Photonics, polymers and composites
Interdisciplinary projects.
Solid free-form and nanoscale fabrication
Interdisciplinary projects.
Materials for bioapplications
Interdisciplinary projects.
Affiliated research centers
Center for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
Center for Photonics and Nanoelectronics
Center for Polymer Science and Engineering
Energy Research Center
Institute for Metal Forming
International Materials Institute
Degree requirements
What the doctorate requires
Lehigh publishes the following requirements for the PhD in Materials Science and Engineering.
- Program of study
A candidate for the PhD prepares a preliminary program of courses and research, providing for specialization in some field — largely through research — in consultation with the adviser.
- Qualifying examination
The student passes a qualifying examination that must be taken in the first or second year of doctoral work.
- General examination
The program requires preparation and defense of a research proposal as a portion of the general examination.
- Dissertation and defense
Preparation and defense of a dissertation.
- Foreign language
The department does not require a foreign language.
Lehigh’s catalog does not state a credit-hour total for the Materials Science and Engineering PhD Consult the department or the graduate program adviser for the current figure.
Funding
Financial support
Prospective Rossin College graduate students have access to a variety of financial support, both internal and external. The Department of Materials Science and Engineering does not publish program-specific stipend or assistantship figures.
- PhD applications submitted by December 15 are considered for financial aid.
- Financial aid for Lehigh’s graduate programs consists mainly of fixed-rate federal student loans through the Office of Financial Aid.
- Loan eligibility requires enrollment at least half-time — six credits during the academic year, three credits in summer.
- Emergency loans and grants are available through the Graduate Life Office.
Admissions
How to apply
Applications for admission — all semesters, all levels — are completed online. Applications open September 1; PhD applications for fall admission are due December 15 for financial aid consideration.
What to submit
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts (with English translation for international applicants)
- Statement of purpose / essay
- Letters of recommendation (typically three)
- Résumé or CV
- Application fee of $50 USD
The GRE is not required or considered for any Rossin College graduate program.
English proficiency minimums
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 81 (old scale) / 4 (new scale); Speaking 22/4, Writing 20/4, Reading 20/4, Listening 16/4 |
| IELTS | Overall 6.5; Speaking 6.5, Writing 6, Reading 6.5, Listening 6 |
| Duolingo English Test | Overall 125; Speaking 125, Writing 120, Reading 125, Listening 110 |
| Cambridge | Overall 176; Speaking 176, Writing 169, Reading 176, Listening 169 |
| Pearson (PTE) | Overall 68, with 53 or higher on each band |
Scores expire two years from the test date. MyBestScore and One Skill Retake formats are not accepted. Waivers are available for applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of an English-speaking country, earned a U.S. degree with two or more years of in-person study, earned a degree taught in English in an English-speaking country, or studied or worked full-time in an English-speaking country for two or more years within the last five.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Which department at Lehigh offers the PhD in Materials Science and Engineering?
The PhD in Materials Science and Engineering is offered by Lehigh University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, within the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. Full program detail, faculty and current requirements are maintained on the department’s own page: https://engineering.lehigh.edu/mse/graduate/phd
Is the GRE required for the PhD in Materials Science and Engineering?
No. The GRE is not required or considered for any P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science graduate program. Scores may be submitted but may not be reviewed.
What is the application deadline for the PhD in Materials Science and Engineering?
PhD applications for fall admission are due December 15 for financial aid consideration. Applications open September 1.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee is $50 USD. Applications for admission at all levels are completed online through Lehigh’s graduate application portal.
What research areas can I work in as a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering student?
Research thrusts published by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering: Microstructural characterization; Processing and properties of nanomaterials; Ceramics; Electronic materials and packaging; Metal processing and performance; Photonics, polymers and composites; Solid free-form and nanoscale fabrication; Materials for bioapplications.
What is the qualifying examination for the PhD in Materials Science and Engineering?
The student passes a qualifying examination that must be taken in the first or second year of doctoral work.
Is a foreign language required for the PhD in Materials Science and Engineering?
The department does not require a foreign language.
What English proficiency scores are required?
International applicants must meet Lehigh’s minimum scores: TOEFL iBT overall 81 (old scale) or 4 (new scale); IELTS overall 6.5; Duolingo English Test overall 125; Cambridge overall 176; or Pearson (PTE) overall 68. Scores expire two years from the test date. Waivers are available in defined circumstances.
Where is the PhD in Materials Science and Engineering based?
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is located in Whitaker Laboratory, 5 East Packer Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18015-3195, on Lehigh University’s campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Who do I contact about the PhD in Materials Science and Engineering?
The department can be reached at rmk220@lehigh.edu or (610) 758-4222. General Rossin College graduate enquiries go to engineering@lehigh.edu.
Contact
Talk to the department
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Address
Whitaker Laboratory
5 East Packer Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18015-3195
Phone and email
(610) 758-4222
rmk220@lehigh.edu
P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science
19 Memorial Drive West
Bethlehem, PA 18015
engineering@lehigh.edu
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