The Master of Science in Polymer and Materials Sciences graduate program at Coppin State University is designed to give students an understanding of the general phenomena of design, synthesis, characterization, and function that leads to an in-depth understanding of the structure-property relationships in a large number of materials, specifically on one broad class of materials classified as biomaterials, bioplastics, blended fuels, nano-materials, biomarkers, and soft polymers (polyester gel, oil and resins).
Students who are interested in this program may come from various backgrounds/training including, but not limited to, graduates of chemistry, engineering, physics or materials sciences.
As this program requires computational skills and analytical thinking, a good knowledge of mathematics is preferred. Students enrolled in this program will be expected to take a set of core and elective courses, complete a thesis, based on an original research in materials or polymer sciences, and pass a public defense of their thesis work.
At the completion of the M.S. program, students will be able to pursue careers in teaching and research at colleges and universities as well in research for government agencies and industry, in the operation and control of manufacturing processes, and in management or development positions in the materials-polymer industries.
Program Objectives
The Master of Science in Polymer and Materials Sciences program (PMS) is designed to facilitate a value-added engagement between Coppin State University and industrial partners with the ultimate objective of accelerating research and technological innovations that are needed by the manufacturing enterprise. The selection of research areas will be driven through an industry-university partnership with a focus on themes relevant to the industry. To this end, the member companies will have (i) direct input on the research directions funded through the PMS, (ii) participation and engagement with faculty during regular meetings, (iii) strengthen the opportunity to hear and see new capabilities/toolsets from synthesis to processing to characterization of new or improved materials/polymers with added value, and (iv) providing in situ internship experiences.
Admission Requirements
Students should apply to Coppin State University School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must submit:
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from the undergraduate degree granting institution, and all other colleges and universities attended
- Three (3) current letters of reference from the current employer, instructors, or other persons who can attest to their character, integrity, and academic potential
- A personal statement (2 pages) describing educational preparations, goals and careers. You should outline your short and long-term educational and career objectives in relation to your chosen field.
- Include at least two (2) research areas, together with the names of particular faculty members with whom you wish to perform your research work, and explain why you want to be mentored by that faculty. In addition, you could include other relevant information, such as any undergraduate research experience, internships, study abroad or other experiences you may have had to document your preparation for the graduate studies in your chosen field.
- Students holding a degree in biology or chemistry or any other sciences will be expected to have taken the following courses at the undergraduate level:
- Calculus I
- Organic Chemistry I and II
- Physics I and II
Degree Requirements
A total of 36 credits (30 course credits and 6 research credits); pre-thesis written proposal; final written thesis is required to fulfill the requirements for an M.S. degree in Polymer and Materials Sciences. A pre-thesis written proposal should be submitted to the advisor and thesis reader (submission at the end of the spring semester of the first year). The written thesis must exhibit an advanced level of understanding of the principles of materials and/or polymer science that was developed in the courses and in specialized research reading. A final thesis describing the research in a scholarly manner is required. In addition, attendance and participation is required in seminar-type discussions scheduled by the department.
Plan of Study
Core Courses (20 Credits)
- CHEM 501: Polymer Nanoparticles - Synthesis and Applications (4 credits)
- CHEM 502: Computational Chemistry (4 credits)
- CHEM 531: Foundation of Biomaterials (4 credits)
- CHEM 571: Thermodynamics of Polymer (4 credits)
- CHEM 590: Polymer Chemistry I (4 credits)
Thesis: CHEM 550 (6 credits)
Elective Courses (10 credits)
- BIOL 507: Biomarkers and Molecular Diagnostics (4 credits)
- CHEM 510: Advanced Instrumentation (2 credits)
- CHEM 511: Electrochemistry for Polymers and Materials (2 credits)
- CHEM 591: Advanced Polymer Chemistry (4 credits)
