PH.D. IN POLYMERS

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Requirements for Admission to Candidacy

 

1.    Normally an M.S. in science or engineering.

2.    The equivalent of the core curriculum for M.S. in Polymers.

3.    Passing the following three-part qualifying examinations.

4.    Passing the Ph.D. proposal defense.

5.    Filing with the Chair of the school of residence a formal statement naming the Thesis Advisor and the Thesis Reading Committee, and setting forth the topic selected for research. This statement should be followed by a written research proposal containing a statement of purpose and methods of investigation of the research, supported by literature references where appropriate. The student must circulate this statement to the faculty of the school of residence and the Polymer Faculty, along with an announcement of the time and place for the comprehensive oral examination.

6.    The comprehensive oral examination must be passed. The subject matter is primarily based on, but not limited to, the applicant's research proposal. The examination is conducted by the Thesis Reading Committee and is open to the faculty and students of Georgia Tech.

7.    Upon satisfactory completion of Items 1 through 5, the applicant's Thesis Advisor informs the School Chair who notifies the Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies and requests that the applicant be formally admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.

 

 

Ph.D Qualifying Examinations

 

 

PART I: Fundamentals Exam

(Undergraduate level; based on Polymer Science & Engineering )

PART II  (Materials Science Track)

Structure and Properties of Polymers (graduate level; based on 6768, 6751 and prerequisites)

PART II (Chemistry Track)

Polymer Synthesis, Structure, & Analysis (graduate level; based on 6750, 6752, and prerequisites)

PART III  (Materials Science Track)

Advanced Aspects of Polymeric Materials, Processes and Properties (graduate level; based on 7771, TFE 6755/Chem 6754, and prerequisites)

PART III (Chemistry Track)

Polymer Physical Chemistry (graduate level; based on 6751, TFE 6755/Chem 6754 and prerequisites)

 

 

     Each student will be allowed a maximum of two attempts to pass the qualifying examinations.

     All three parts must be successfully completed within the first 18 months of residence in the graduate polymer program.

 

 

Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree

 

1.    Admission to candidacy

2.    A 9-credit hour minor approved by the Ph.D. committee and the school of residence. Students in the Chemistry Track have to minor in Organic Chemistry or Physical Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry or Biochemistry.

3.    Additional courses required by the Ph.D. committee

4.    Completing the thesis research, preparation of a written dissertation and passing an oral examination on the thesis and the field in which it lies.

 

In addition, there are a number of requirements imposed by the Institute. These include:

 

GPA Requirement

3.0

Minimum time in PhD program at Georgia Tech

2 years

Minimum Full-time enrollment in residence

2 semesters

Time limit for completion of degree after admission to candidacy (Max)

5 years

Prior approval of dissertation topic

yes

Public defense of dissertation

yes

 

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