South Dakota - School of Mines and Technology
PhD in Materials Engineering and Science
Rapid City, USA
PhD
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The PhD in Materials Engineering and Science at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology offers doctoral study in materials production, behavior, and applications. You’ll pursue multidisciplinary research combining engineering and science with flexible departmental choices. Candidates choose a science or engineering emphasis. Sample specializations: cold spray, computational modeling, corrosion, composites, hydrometallurgy, nanoscale electronic materials, thin films, polymer synthesis.
Career Outcomes: Graduates pursue career opportunities in materials research, process development, failure analysis, corrosion engineering, nanotechnology, semiconductor development, R&D, academia, or industry. Typical roles: research scientist, materials engineer, product developer, professor, technical lead. Employers include companies, national labs, and universities.
The doctor of philosophy program in materials engineering and science (MES) offers a student the opportunity to expand his/her knowledge and understanding of the science and technology of materials production, behavior, and applications. The student will undertake multidisciplinary approaches, combining the basic elements of both engineering and science, to the solution of materials-related problems. Because such problems are found in every science and engineering discipline, the degree applicant has considerable flexibility in the selection of the department in which to pursue dissertation research, within the confines of the applicant‘s academic preparation and interests. Candidates will study either a science or engineering emphasis within the MES Ph.D. program. For example, research emphasis may be placed on improving processes for the production of metallic, polymeric, ceramic, or other structural or electronic materials. Alternatively, the degree candidate may investigate mechanisms for improving material properties, which in turn, could lead to new or better applications. Classroom and individualized instruction will provide the necessary theory to complement such creative activities.
Example areas of specialization include but are not limited to
- Cold Spray Processing
- Computational Modeling
- Corrosion Inhibition
- Development of Multiphase Materials
- Direct Write Technology
- Fiber Reinforced Composites
- Friction Stir Welding
- Geotechnology
- Hydrometallurgical Extraction
- Magnetic Nanocomposites
- Nanoscale Electronic Materials
- Polymer Matrix Composites
- Polymer Synthesis
- Security Printing
- Semiconductor Materials and Devices
- Strengthening Mechanisms
- Surface Chemistry of Flotation
- Thermophysical Properties
- Thin Films
Financial assistance is dependent on the department and funding that is available in a given year.
Financial assistance is available for graduate teaching assistants (GTA) and for graduate research assistants (GRA). A GTA handles laboratory sections, grades papers, or performs other assigned instructional duties. A GRA is compensated to conduct supervised research, which generally relates to the student’s thesis or dissertation research.
A full-time GTA or GRA is equivalent to approximately twenty (20) hours per week of assigned duties during the academic year. Part-time service is compensated in accordance with expected hourly effort. Completion of coursework and other degree requirements requires additional effort beyond compensated hours. Graduate assistants must be degree-seeking students and registered full-time (9 or 10 credits each fall and spring semester, and 2 credits each summer session) during the period of appointment.
Approximately 50% of all graduate students receive assistantships. Graduate assistants who hold a teaching or research assistantship are eligible for a tuition reduction that covers 100% of tuition and program fees for campus courses. The general activity fee and other miscellaneous fees as applicable are assessed at the regular rate. Specialty courses such as field camp and remedial courses are not eligible fore reduced tuition. For an out of state Master's student, the value of a 20-hour per week assistantship with tuition reduction is at least $25,000 for the academic year. Ph.D. stipends are typically higher. Additional summer support may also be available.
Admitted students will be automatically considered for research assistantship support based on the information provided in the admissions application. No further application materials are required. Financial awards are primarily granted to research students who begin enrollment in the fall. Graduate students wishing to be considered for financial assistance should submit their application and all required admission documents by February 15.