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Current Students

Sample Schedule

As a full-time graduate student, you are expected to complete the Ph.D. program in 5 years. This requires at least 10 credits per quarter. Note that you may not be considered "in good standing" if these timeframes are not met.

Students looking to plan their schedule for the upcoming year can view the tentative course schedule.

The following is a standard schedule for a full-time Ph.D. student entering with an undergraduate degree in materials science and engineering but no graduate degree.

First year

  • Select a faculty adviser by the end of your first quarter, if not already assigned.
  • Take background, core, and elective courses selected with your faculty adviser.
  • Begin research with your faculty adviser's guidance.
Quarter Course Title Credits
AUTUMN MSE 510 Bonding, Symmetry & Crystallography (core) 3
  MSE 520 Department Seminar 1
  MSE 5xx Elective course requirement

3

  MSE 503 Thermodynamics (if not previously completed)

3

  MSE 600 Research 1 or more
WINTER MSE 541 Defects in Materials (core) 3
  MSE 5xx Elective course requirement 3
  MSE 520 Department Seminar 1
  MSE 600 Research 1 or more
SPRING MSE 525 Kinetics (core) 3
  MSE 520 Department Seminar 1
  MSE 5xx Elective course requirement 3-4
  MSE 600 Research 1 or more
SUMMER MSE 600 Research 2

Second year

  • Take additional courses to broaden base of study and lend support to the major field.
  • Complete written qualifying exam (QE).
  • Request non-thesis master’s degree (after QE is complete).
Quarter Course Title Credits
AUTUMN MSE 520 Department Seminar 1
  MSE 5xx Elective course requirement (if necessary) 3
  MSE 600 Research 1 or more
WINTER MSE 520 Department Seminar 1
  MSE 600 Research 1 or more
  Electives as needed to expand background and research area
SPRING MSE 520 Department Seminar 1
  MSE 600/800 Research: MSE 600 until QE passed and supervisory committee formed; MSE 800 after that. 1 or more
  Electives as needed to expand background and research area

Third year (autumn quarter)

  • Establish your Ph.D. supervisory committee.
  • Keep registering for MSE 600 until you pass the QE and have established your supervisory committee. After that, register for MSE 800.

Third through fourth years

  Complete your general examination (GE).

Fourth through fifth years

  • Establish your reading committee; usually three members of your supervisory committee.
  • Complete your final examination (dissertation defense).