Students with an undergraduate degree in chemistry, physics, or engineering and a grade point average of 2.75 or better may apply. Students holding a degree in biology or natural sciences usually need additional courses on the undergraduate level in physical and analytical chemistry. For such students a special provisional admission may be given for one or two semesters, followed by a full admission upon a student's successful completion of the remedial undergraduate courses. 

When to apply:

• Applications are accepted for each Fall semester. Prospective students should apply in the fall prior to the semester to start graduate study.

• Deadline for U.S. applicants is February 1

• Deadline for International applicants is March 1

What to submit:

    Submit to Graduate School:

• Completed online Application for Graduate School, include application fee

• Official Transcripts from all Colleges or Universities attended

• International Students: TOEFL (> 550 PBT, > 213 CBT); Internet Based Test (>78)

• International Students:  GRE Scores are required (Use Institution Code - R1829) (No minimum scores required, scores are evaluated by the Admissions Committee)

    Submit to the Department of Polymer Science:

• Three Letters of written recommendation (from professors or an employer/supervisor).  There are no forms for the letter of recommendation.

• Personal Statement regarding past experience and possible research interests.

• SEND TO: Melissa Bowman

  The University of Akron

  Department of Polymer Science

  Goodyear Polymer Center

  Akron, Ohio 44325-3909

Financial aid and the cost of study:

Stipends and Tuition Scholarships:

The department supports all incoming qualified full-time graduate students.  For 2007, the standard stipends for the departmental graduate assistantships and industrial fellowships can be up to $22,000 for 12 months.  Students who receive financial aid also are awarded a tuition scholarship for instructional and general fees.  

For current tuition and fees, please check the following website for the Office of the Registrar: 

     http://www.uakron.edu/busfin/studentfin/tuition.php

   Fellowships: 

Lord Corporation Graduate Fellowship:  The University of Akron's Department of Polymer Science is pleased to announce the Lord Corporation Graduate Fellowship for students entering graduate study in the fall 2007 semester.  This renewable $25,000 per annum fellowship also provides a full tuition scholarship.  Eligible students will be completing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in science of engineering, have exceptional academic standing, and be US. citizens or permanent residents.  A student interested in competing for the Lord Corporate Graduate Fellowship in the context of study toward a Ph.D. in Polymer Science should first contact Melissa Bowman, Coordinator of academic Programs, Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3909, phone:  330-972-7542, email: mb8@uakron.edu. Submission of an application before January 20 2007 is encouraged for full consideration. 

Frank N. Kelley Fellowship:  The one-time fellowship of $3.000 will be awarded each year to one student in the Department of Polymer Science and one student in the Department of Polymer Engineering, each in his/her 4th year of graduate study at The University of Akron, on the basis of the student's research and course work performance in the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering at The University of Akron.

Health Insurance Information:

     http://www.uakron.edu/studentaff/health