Macromolecular Science, MS

Degree: Master of Science (MS)
Field of Study: Macromolecular Science

Program Overview

Courses leading to the Master of Science (MS) degree in Macromolecular Science are offered within the Case School of Engineering. They are designed to increase the student’s knowledge of macromolecular science and of their own basic area of scientific interest, with application to specific polymer research problems. Research programs derive particular benefit from close cooperation with graduate programs in chemistry, physics, materials science, chemical engineering, biological sciences, and other engineering areas. The interdisciplinary academic structure allows the faculty to fit the individual program to the student’s background and career plans. Basic and advanced courses are offered in polymer synthesis, physical chemistry, physics, biopolymers, and applied polymer science and engineering. A laboratory course in polymer characterization instructs students in the use of modern experimental techniques and equipment. Graduate students are also encouraged to take advanced course work in polymer solid state physics, physical chemistry, synthesis, rheology, and polymer processing. 

Graduate Program Rules 

Graduates entering the Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering are subject to the academic rules of the University, of the School of Engineering, and of the Department. Consult the Graduate Student Handbook.

A short abstract of important points include:

  1. GPA requirements are described below in the Departmental Rules.
  2. A student receiving a “U” in a course is automatically placed on probation and must remove themselves from probation within one year (usually by repeating the course).  If a course is repeated, both original and revised grades will count in the grade point average.
  3. Some students are admitted on a probationary basis and must achieve a 3.0 GPA after two semesters to remain in good standing (this is a rule of the Engineering School).
  4. Students entering the graduate program for a PhD will need to fill out the Academic Program by the end of their second semester.  
  5. All students are required to serve as teaching assistants.  Responsibilities as a TA include serving as an instructor, lab assistant, recitation leader, grader, or tutor in an undergraduate course.  After fulfilling the required teaching assistant program, UNIV 400, students will make sure that three teaching courses (400T, 500T, and 600T) are listed on their Academic Program. Completion of this teaching requirement will be monitored by Graduate Studies and is required in order to graduate.

Engineering School Rules

Most of these rules are incorporated in the number and type of courses required by the Department.  However, Case School of Engineering PhD students are required to:

  1. Maintain full-time status as a PhD bound student; 
  2. Maintain a grade point average of 3.2 or above; and
  3. Continue making satisfactory academic progress as certified by their advisor.

Departmental Rules

  1. The GPA requirement established by the university at various stages of the graduate program shall exclude MS thesis credits which will be graded “S” or “U” until a final grade is given at the end of the program.  Hence a student must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in coursework.
  2. Thesis-Focused Track MS students must give a departmental seminar (as part of the student lecture series).
  3. Project-Focused Track MS degrees are limited to non-fellowship students.
  4. Coursework may be transferred from another university, subject to Graduate Committee approval if:
    • the courses duplicate requirements of the department; 
    • the courses were in excess of the undergraduate degree requirements; or
    • the courses were taken in a graduate program elsewhere; 
    • a grade of B or better was achieved in those courses; 
    • a petition is made to and approved by the Graduate Committee of the Department 
    • the transferred grades will not count in the GPA at CWRU
       
  5. The Department reserves the right to withhold financial support to a student if that student takes an undue amount of time in completing their MS requirements (normally no longer than 3 years for MS).

  6. It is expected that all students will present the results of their research in a Departmental Seminar. Attendance and registration for the EMAC 677 seminars are also mandatory. 

  7. The department requires the equivalent of six credit hours of departmental assistance.  This requirement takes the form of grading, laboratory assistance and/or general departmental duties and is designed to utilize no more than three hours/week of a student’s time.  The departmental service requirement must be completed within the first two semesters of study.  However, the departmental service requirement form must be turned in at the end of each semester until the obligation is met. 

  8. Vacation Policy.  Graduate students in the department who receive fellowship support for 12 months are normally entitled to two weeks vacation plus national holidays.  Alternative arrangements may be made with the student’s advisor, giving ample advance notice.  In certain situations, it is possible to take a leave of absence without financial support.

  9. Prior to graduation, a student is required to clean out their laboratory space including removal of waste solvents and hazardous material.

  10. Failure to comply with all of the above course requirements may result in termination or delay in graduation.

Graduate Policies

For graduate policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.