The instruction in our program is a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Our faculty, who are experts in their respective fields, provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of ceramic engineering, while also offering opportunities for hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories. This balance of theory and practice ensures that our students are well-versed in the field's academic aspects and have the practical skills necessary to excel in the industry.

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The requirement for entry into this program includes a baccalaureate degree in materials science or engineering, ceramic engineering or science, glass science or technology, or metallurgical science or engineering.  A baccalaureate degree in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related discipline may also be acceptable

Minimum GPA 3.2

GRE: Verbal + Quantitative 302, Analytical Writing 3.5

Transcripts are required.

English proficiency test score requirements: TOEFL 85, IELTS 6.5, PTE 58, Duolingo 115

Other requirements: Resume/CV, Statement of Purpose, three recommendation letters.

Exceptions may be made in rare situations.

The minimum number of hours (beyond the bachelor's degree) required for the PhD degree is 72. For students with a master’s degree, a block of 30 credit hours can be transferred and count toward the total 72-hour requirement; a minimum of 12 hours of coursework and a minimum of 24 hours of research are required. For students without a master’s degree, a minimum of 30 hours of coursework and a minimum of 30 hours of research are required. All students are required to take the four core graduate courses, including MSE 6110 (Bonding, Crystallography, and Structure-Property Relations), MSE 6120 (Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria), MSE 6130 (Kinetic Theory for Materials), and MSE 6140 (Communication in Materials Science and Engineering). All students are required to take and pass qualifying and comprehensive exams, as well as successfully defend the thesis, in accordance with Missouri S&T rules.

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Many potential graduate students have questions about how to apply to the graduate program and what makes them eligible. This document is aimed to answer some of those questions you may have. Email Dr. Wen at wenha@mst.edu if you have other questions that are not covered.

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Presently, most graduate students in ceramic engineering, metallurgical engineering, and materials science and engineering are fully funded graduate research assistants (GRAs). GRAs are provided with a monthly stipend, and tuition and fees are paid for by research grants. However, graduate research assistantships are highly competitive, and admission into the graduate programs does not guarantee a graduate research assistantship. Graduate students interested in applying for graduate research assistantships should directly contact faculty who work in areas of interest to the student.

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Graduate Student Handbook