Materials Science and Engineering - PhD

Length: 4 years
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (Co-op Available)
Type: Thesis-based
Options: Co-op

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.

Policy-focused

Our focus is on policies which address economic benefits, social well-being and environmental protection and optimize outcomes across these three priorities. Students 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.

Thesis-based curriculum

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.

Useful Links

How to apply

Program highlights

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

Research areas

Nanotechnology
Nanomaterials
Energy and fuel cells
Automotive materials and corrosion
Steel and steelmaking
Recycling
Electrochemical technology
Biomaterials
Electronic materials
Computational modelling
Physical metallurgy
Polymers

Learn more about research

Academic Prerequisites

Master’s Degree (MAsc, MSc, or equivalent) in a related field.

Find English language requirements here.

Anticipated Admission Range

Minimum B+ (77-79%)

How to Apply Materials Science and Engineering PhD degree requirements

Student working on machine. Hands-on experience.

Additional requirements

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.

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
Due to high volume of applications, the department cannot provide status requests.

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.

Co-op and Student Life

Graduate Co-op

Master’s and PhD students may complete 4 to 12 months of co-op experience in various types of organizations, including corporations, non-profit organizations, government agencies, startups and research institutions.

Explore Co-op
Engineering Graduate Society

The EGS actively supports engineering graduate students through events, workshops, bursaries, and collaboration with various campus organizations, focusing on representation, community building, and academic and professional development.

Visit the EGS site
Life in Hamilton

Hamilton, also known as The Hammer or Steeltown, is a thriving city close to the U.S. border and Toronto, with easy access for students commuting from the Greater Toronto Area via the on-campus GO Bus Terminal.

Discover Hamilton, ON