Ph.D. REQUIREMENTS: MATERIALS CHEMISTRY

First Year

Advisory Exams
Begin taking required Materials Major courses
At least three graduate-level courses in materials, preferably including Chemistry of Inorganic Materials (Chem 630-Hamers), Chemistry of Organic Materials (Chem 842-McMahon) and at least one other graduate-level materials course approved by the Materials Chemistry Program Chair. Substitutions permitted with approval of Materials Chemistry Program Chair and major adviser.

Begin accumulating Minor credits
Attend Materials seminars (often jointly hosted with analytical or physical chemistry)
Join a research group by November 15/Begin Research

Second Year

Continue progress in thesis research

File Minor Agreement Form (submit halfway through coursework) - Obtain form from Chemistry Graduate Office.

Thesis research proposal and background exam - complete by end of spring semester (written proposal and progress report on your own research, 30-minute seminar presentation, committee examination/defense)

Finish required coursework (Major and Minor credits)
Attend materials-related seminars when possible

Third Year

Continue Research
Attend Seminars
Independent Research Proposal
Written NSF-style proposal for research outside of your thesis area.

Check topic with adviser and materials chemistry chair before writing.
Written proposal, seminar presentation, committee defense.

File Request for Preliminary Warrant 3 weeks prior to defense - Obtain from Chemistry Graduate Office.

Fourth (and subsequent) Year(s)

Continue Research
Attend Seminars
Write and defend Ph.D. Thesis

File Ph.D. Final Oral Committee
Approval Form 3 weeks before oral exam - Obtain from Chemistry Graduate Office.