Overview
Materials Science & Engineering is about unravelling the fundamental principles governing the behavior of materials to enable technologies across a broad range of applications. This includes performance functionalities of all classes of materials across length scale ranging from the macro-scale down to nano-scale.
Equivalent of 4 half courses (12 units) beyond the Master’s degree and successful defence of a thesis is required. Candidates are required to pass a Comprehensive Examination and Research Proposal.
Under some circumstances, arrangements can be made with the Department for part-time Ph.D. study.
Our focus is on policies which address economic benefits, social well-being and environmental protection and optimize outcomes across these three priorities.
Develop the ability to step back and to see an issue in its entirety. Then, take an evidence-based approach to develop and propose policy solutions.
Graduates of our policy program find work in a variety of challenging and fulfilling roles.
In this program you will…
- Have opportunities to be involved in on-the-ground policy initiatives with community and industry partners
- Learn to initiate and drive real evidence-based policy solutions
- Develop the research, analytical, and communication skills the policy profession demands
- Get the skills that will allow you to work across business, government and communities
- Build professional connections and learn from conversations with leading stakeholders to navigate your way towards a great career
Have questions about the program?
Ph.D. – Areas of Research
- Nanotechnology
- Nanomaterials
- Energy and fuel cells
- Automotive materials and corrosion
- Steel and steelmaking
- Recycling
- Electrochemical technology
- Biomaterials
- Electronic materials
- Computational modelling
- Physical metallurgy
- Polymers
Ph.D. – Admission Requirements
For admission to the Ph.D. degree program: successful completion of a Master’s degree with at least a B+ average.
If all minimum requirements are met for admission to the MSE program, your application will be made available to all faculty currently accepting students. You will be contact by any interested faculty directly and any offers of admission will come from the School of Graduate Studies.
Please note a complete applications consists of the following documents submitted with online application.
- Transcripts
- English Language Proficiency
- Statement of Interest
- Letters of Recommendation – 2 academic reference submitted electronically by referee
Transcript
- Please attach to online application
- Transcript of academic work completed to date. If the final transcript does not show that a completed degree has been conferred, an copy of your diploma is also required.
- Official copy of these documents will be required if an offer of admissions is made.
Letters of recommendation
Letters of Recommendation are submitted electronically. Please follow the directions that are provided once you have initiated your application.
English Language Proficiency
- Please attach to online application
- Applicants whose native language is not English will be required to furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language. Such applicants are required to supply this evidence as part of their application.
- Applicants may be exempted from this requirement if they have completed a university degree at which English is the language of instruction (Please attach proof – letter from institution)
- The most common evidence is a score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Equivalent scores on other recognized tests may also be considered.
- Minimum accepted TOEFL scores (as outlined in the Graduate Calendar for the Faculty of Engineering):
- iBT: (Internet Based Test): 88
- Paper Based Test: 550
- Computer Based Test: 213
- The IELTS is also accepted, with a minimum score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each category.
- Please note that TOEFL scores expire after two years. Only current tests will be considered.
- The McMaster University Institution Code is 0936.
- The Department of Materials Science and Engineering’s Code is 69.
- Students who have completed an Academic ESL program through Canadian academic institutions may petition to have this considered in lieu of TOEFL. Please attach all documents/proof to online application
Statement of Interest
- Please attach to online application
- Simply a few paragraphs indicating the type of research you are interested in pursuing.
Resumé – (Optional)
- Please attach to online application (In the same format as you would submit for an employment opportunity)
Publications are not required and will not be be assessed.
Acceptance Deadlines
Applications are available for review by all faculty members until the acceptance deadline. If a faculty member is interested in your application, you may be contacted by the member on or before the acceptance deadline. Applicants do not need to find a supervisor before they apply. Please see the Admission Deadline page for acceptance deadlines.
Due to high volume of applications, the department cannot provide status requests.
Ph.D. – Admission Deadlines
Applications open 11 months prior to start of term. Deadlines are listed below. If you cannot have all of the required materials submitted by these deadlines, we cannot guarantee that a decision concerning your application will be processed by the time of your desired entry date (especially if you need time to obtain a student visa).
- For May Admission:
- International Students Deadline: November 15
- Domestic Students Deadline: February 1
- Acceptance Offer Deadline: on or before February 25
- For September Admission:
- International Students Deadline: March 15
- Domestic Students Deadline: June 1
- Acceptance Offer Deadline: on or before June 30
- For January Admission:
- International Students Deadline: July 15
- Domestic Students Deadline: October 1
- Acceptance Deadline: on or before October 30
- For May Admission:
Ph.D. – Tuition and Fees
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering offers the following funding for PhD students:
Approximate annual salary:*
Domestic – $30,643.50
International – $29,039.50
2021/22 Tuition and Fee amounts for “Research” programs can be found on the School of Graduate Studies website.
*Subject to change. This is valid only for 2021/22 academic year. Specific financial details will be provided in your offer letter.
Ph.D. – Request More Information
Thank you for your interest in McMaster University Faculty of Engineering. Please fill out the form below, and we will connect with you to answer all of your questions.
Ph.D. – Related Courses
Code | Title | Instructor | Outline | Info |
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MATLS 6D03 Graduate | Corrosion and its Control (Not offered 2023-24) |
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MATLS 6FF3 Graduate | Synthesis, Applications and Environmental Impact of Nanomaterials (Offered: Winter 2024) |
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MATLS 6I03 Graduate | Sustainable Manufacturing Processes (Offered: Winter 2024) |
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MATLS 721 Graduate | Advanced Thermodynamics and Phase Transformations (Not Offered 2023-24) |
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MATLS 724 Graduate | Materials Characterization by Electron/Ion Microscopy (Offered: Fall 2023) |
Sessional Instructor: Dr. Bhavesh Kamaliya
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MATLS 725 Graduate | Transmission Electron Microscopy (Offered: Winter 2024) |
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MATLS 726 Graduate | Advanced Topics in Electrochemistry (Not Offered 2023-24) |
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