Introduction to Graduate Studies at the University of Michigan
The Macromolecular Science and Engineering Program
As an introduction to graduate studies at the University of Michigan, please take a moment to view the following video produced by the college of engineering. Many of the faculty highlighted in this production are professors in the Macromolecular Science and Engineering Program. They represent some of the top and most highly sought after researchers on campus. The video also gives a quick glimpse at what life is like living in Ann Arbor. Enjoy!
There are general Ph.D. Degree requirements set by the Rackham Graduate School. These are set forth in "Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies" and cover residence, minimum total fees, preliminary examinations and candidacy requirements.
The specific Program requirements include completing most of the course requirements prescribed in each specialization or option by the end of the second year, passing a two part comprehensive written examination, selection of a research area and a Research Supervisor and Dissertation Committee.
An early start in research is encouraged as soon as the students have demonstrated satisfactory progress in courses and have selected a Research Supervisor. The interdisciplinary nature of the Program allows for a wide range of research possibilities.
Counseling on both the general and specific requirements is provided by an advisor representing the Executive Committee of the Macromolecular Science and Engineering Program. The advisor is designated through a selection process during the student's first month. The student then chooses among seven specializations or options: Biomaterials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry (synthetic or physical), Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Organic Electronics and Photonics, or Physics. An individualized option or specialization is also available as described below.
The progress to a Ph.D. is normally four to five years with coursework being emphasized during the first two years. Students are approved for candidacy after they have completed the basic prescribed courses satisfactorily, passed the comprehensive exam, formed a Dissertation Committee and passed a preliminary oral examination by that Committee.
Course requirements will depend upon your choice of specialization both for courses in that field and in Macromolecular Science and Engineering. The course distribution should be a minimum of three courses in Macromolecular Science and Engineering, a minimum of three courses from those required in the specialization, plus additional approved courses to complete the minimum credit hour requirement (30) for the M.S. degree. These course requirements consist of a minimum of thirty credits of graduate work with not more than six credits and not less than four allowed for a research project. There is to be a written report describing the results of such a research project. All courses must be approved by the advisor.
You can get a Master's Degree in Macromolecular Science and Engineering right along with your current Bachelor's Degree in any of the fields listed below by just continuing on one more year here!
Take advantage of this now while the time is right in your life.
Possible Bachelor's/Master's combination with Macro include the following areas: Biomedical Engineering (subject to approval with the BME department) with Concentrations in Biochemical Eng., Bioelectrical Eng., Biomechanical Eng.; Chemical Engineering; Chemistry; Materials Science and Engineering; Mechanical Engineering or Physics.
SGUS Programs incorporate the various Macro Master's Degree requirements with the Departmental Bachelor's. Contact us for these individual programs.\
Email us for further information macromolecular@umich.edu.
There are several specializations or options from which to choose. These include Biomaterials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, (Synthetic or Physical) Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Organic Electronics and Photonics or Physics.
The general requirements in all of these specializations or options for the Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering is 30 credit hours; 12 of these from Macromolecular Science and Engineering courses and 12 more from the specialization courses and then an additional 6 hours of graduate credit. See the next page for the courses available
It is recommended that in all the options an introductory course such as MacroSE 412 be taken as part of these credits by all students who do not have a strong polymer back-ground. The specific course requirements for you are recommended by the Director and your advisor. Contact the Macromolecular Science and Engineering admissions office if you would like more information on these requirements.
An individualized selection of courses may be proposed by students who already have a Master's Degree or have equivalent experience. This course program must be approved by the Executive Committee.
A minimum of 30 hours of course work. This must include a minimum of 12 hours from Biomaterials Engineering and 12 hours from Macromolecular Science. These courses must include a graduate course in biomaterials, biochemistry and biophysics.
A minimum of 30 hours of course work. This must include a minimum of 12 hours from Biomedical Engineering and 12 hours from Macromolecular Science. These courses must include a graduate course in biomaterials, biochemistry and/or biophysics and biomedical engineering.
A minimum of 30 hours of course work from Chemistry and Macromolecular Science Courses. This must include a minimum of 12 hours from Chemistry and 12 hours from MMS.
A minimum of 30 hours of course work from Chemical Engineering and Macromolecular Science courses. This must include a minimum of 12 hours from ChE and 12 hours from Macromolecular Science. These courses should include: MMS 790, MMS 800, MMS 535 or 412 or 512, MMS 536, ChE 528, graduate courses in transport phenomena, numerical methods or mathematical modeling and polymer processing.
A minimum of 30 hours of course work from Materials Science and Engineering and Macromolecular Science courses. This must include a minimum of 12 hours from MSE and 12 hours from MMS. These courses should include: MMS 790, MMS 800, MMS 535 or 412 or 512, MMS 536, a graduate course in metals and a graduate course in ceramics.
A minimum of 30 hours of course work from Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Macromolecular Science courses. This must include a minimum of 12 hours from EECS and 12 hours from MMS. These courses should include MMS 790, MMS 800, MMS 535 or 412 or 512, MMS 536 and MMS 538. In addition, these courses must include a course in Device Physics, Applications and Fabrication.
A minimum of 30 hours of course work from Physics and Macromolecular Science courses. This must include a minimum of 12 hours from Physics and 12 hours from MMS. These courses should include: MMS 790, MMS 800, MMS 535 or 412 or 512, MMS 536, MMS 538 and an advanced course in the physical properties of polymers. Please speak with the Director about selecting Physics courses for this option.
Additional options in Mechanical Engineering and in Nuclear Engineering are available. An individualized option may be proposed by students. Such students must submit a detailed program in writing for approval by the Executive Committee.
The following is a list of courses available to Macromolecular Science and Engineering students. Those courses marked with an asterisk (*) are recommended as providing a good preparation for the required Comprehensive Exam for the Ph.D.
/MacroSE Indicates a course cross-listed with Macromolecular Science.
Our doctoral students receive full financial support through the durration of their graduate careers. During the First year, PhD students receive this support in the form of a fellowship, thereby allowing students to focus on their studies and research. After this first year, students receive financial support from various internal and external sources. Internal support comes in the form of GSRA positions, GSI positions, and Rackham fellowships. External sources of funding include but are not limited to NDSEG, NSF, and NIH.
3062C H. H. Dow Building
2300 Hayward Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2136
(734) 763-2316
Take a look at some of the cool research going on in the macro program.
