How to Apply

Entering the Materials Science and Engineering Program

Students can become part of the Materials Science and Engineering doctoral program in one of two ways:

• as an incoming Ph.D. student admitted to Notre Dame Graduate School through a participating department/program
• or as a current Ph.D. student at Notre Dame who transfers into the program. 

All students who receive a Materials Science and Engineering fellowship are required to join the program.

Students in the Materials Science and Engineering program will still be part of their home department, participating in seminars, graduate student meetings, and more. They will also be part of the Materials Science and Engineering community on campus, participating in the program and related events.

As an Incoming Ph.D. Student

When applying to Notre Dame, incoming Ph.D. students can select the Materials Science and Engineering degree on the Graduate School application that corresponds to the admitting department/program:

•  Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering: Materials Science and Engineering - Ph.D.
•  Biochemistry: Materials Science and Engineering - Ph.D.
•  Bioengineering: Materials Science and Engineering - Ph.D.
•  Chemical Engineering: Materials Science and Engineering - Ph.D.
•  Chemistry: Materials Science and Engineering - Ph.D.
•  Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences: Materials Science and Engineering - Ph.D.
•  Electrical Engineering: Materials Science and Engineering - Ph.D.
•  Physics: Materials Science & Engineering - Ph.D.

To receive email updates about the program, click on the Graduate School Inquiry Form and select any of the degrees listed above.

Students are admitted into the Materials Science and Engineering graduate program through one of seven participating departments or programs. Students will follow the home department's/program's existing process and timeline for recruiting and admissions:

• Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences
• Electrical Engineering
• Physics and Astronomy

After starting graduate studies at Notre Dame, each MSE student will be asked to submit a one-page, advisor-approved overview of his or her research for review by the Materials Science and Engineering Steering Committee. This task is usually completed within the student's first two years. The research overview required template can be downloaded here.

Apply to the Graduate School

Application Requirements

Application Questions Answered

As a Current Notre Dame Ph.D. Student

With the support of their faculty advisor, current Notre Dame graduate students already pursuing a Ph.D. degree in a participating department/program can transfer into the Materials Science and Engineering program (generally sometime in the first three years of their doctoral studies). Students considering a transfer should follow these steps:

1. Review the program details, including the expectations for your thesis research, courses, and interdisciplinary mentor required to earn the Materials Science and Engineering degree.
2. Discuss the opportunity to earn the Materials Science and Engineering Ph.D. with your research advisor(s). (If you don't have a research advisor yet, discuss with your department's Director of Graduate Studies (DGS)). In this discussion, make sure that you and your advisor(s) are in agreement on how your thesis could or does meet the requirements of the Materials Science and Engineering degree. Also ensure that you'll be able to complete the courses required for the degree in your remaining time at Notre Dame.
3. If you and your advisor(s) are in agreement about your joining the Materials Science and Engineering Ph.D. program, email MSE-list@nd.edu to let the program staff know of your interest to pursue the degree.
4. Submit a one-page, advisor-approved overview of your research for review/decision by the Materials Science and Engineering Steering Committee. The Steering Committee meets approximately quarterly for this purpose. Download the required research overview template.
5. Once your research is approved by the Steering Committee, the Materials Science and Engineering program staff will work with your home department and the Graduate School to ensure your transfer into the program.

Materials Science and Engineering Handbook

View Handbook

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