Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science and Engineering

The Ph.D. degree program in MSE aims to develop a strong foundation in materials science through classroom and laboratory experience, and to produce tangible intellectual achievement(s) from independent research at the frontier in the field of engineering or applied science of materials. Degree requirements include satisfactory completion of at least 32 course credits beyond the bachelors level beginning with a required four-course, 12-credit core curriculum.

An applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from a recognized college or university. While this degree will normally be in the field of engineering or applied science, degrees in other fields may be acceptable. Undergraduate courses that may be required to remedy deficiencies must be taken without credit. An applicant should have at least a B average for admission into graduate studies. Each candidate must complete the Application for Admission. The application includes: The ON-LINE APPLICATION. Transcripts of all academic work. Three letters of recommendation. These can be submitted directy by recommenders through our online recommendation form. We also welcome letter of recommendation from Interfolio (see INTERFOLIO WEBSITE for more information). Applicant’s Statement of Purpose essay. UVA Engineering is excited to share that a fee waiver for the $85 application fee will be automatically applied to your application if you are applying for 2024 admission. GRADUATE RECORDS EXAM (GRE) general test scores (Institution code 5820). NOTE: All programs have made the GRE optional for 2023 applications; however, if you choose to submit self-reported scores at the time of application you will be required to submit official scores at the time of matriculation. TOEFL or IELTS scores for applicants whose native language is not English (institution code B875). If you are a Permanent Resident of the U.S. or if you have a bachelor degree entirely at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, you do NOT need to provide these scores. GRADUATE RECORDS EXAM (GRE) are an optional credential and as an applicant you may decide if you want to submit your scores as part of your application. Should you choose to submit your scores, please send to institution code 5820. Please note, applicants who choose to include self-reported scores at the time of application are required to submit official GRE scores upon matriculation. The minimum internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score requirement is 90 (including sectional minimums of 22 in speaking, 22 in writing, 23 in reading and 23 in listening). The minimum paper-based TOEFL score requirement is 600. Applicants may submit scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as an alternative to the TOEFL exam. The minimum IELTS score requirement is 7.0 in each section