The Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering prepares you to lead discovery and innovation—whether your future is in industry, government, or academia. This program emphasizes the creation of new knowledge through extensive independent research, from formulating hypotheses to interpreting results and developing principles that drive real-world solutions.
A vital part of your doctoral journey is communicating your findings—presenting, defending, and sharing knowledge that advances the field. Because MSEN is inherently multi- and interdisciplinary, you’ll have access to a wide range of specialized expertise in both research and coursework, allowing you to tailor your path and contribute to materials with meaning.
The Ph.D. in materials science and engineering is more than a degree—it’s a path to discovery and leadership. As a doctoral student, you’ll deepen your expertise in materials while collaborating with world-class faculty and peers from diverse disciplines. Together, you’ll explore solutions that shape industries, improve lives, and drive innovation forward.
Every Ph.D. student will design a degree plan in consultation with their advisory committee to align coursework, research, and career goals. Along the way, you’ll complete the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam, a key milestone that demonstrates readiness for independent research and sets the stage for your dissertation journey.
This multidisciplinary program accepts students from several disciplines, including aerospace engineering, biology, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering and physics.
At Texas A&M, your doctoral studies are more than research—they are an opportunity to create materials with meaning and become a force for good in the world.
Our Ph.D. in materials science and engineering is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to advance technology and make a lasting impact. As a doctoral student, you’ll work alongside leading faculty, collaborate across disciplines, and gain hands-on experience solving some of society’s most pressing challenges.
Students may enter the program with a bachelor’s or master’s degree:
In addition to coursework and research, all doctoral students must successfully complete the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam, which ensures readiness for advanced research and independent scholarship.
This is the primary form of financial support for doctoral students; $2,500/monthly stipend, tuition, and eligible fees. You must be admitted to our department before requesting an assistantship position from our faculty. Once admitted, Ph.D. students should directly contact MSEN faculty to express their interest in joining their research group. The MSEN department will make every effort to pair students with existing research assistantships by sharing admitted application files with faculty and making recommendations where possible. Ultimately it is the student’s responsibility to find a faculty advisor.
For more information on MSEN funding please visit our Graduate Funding Opportunities webpage.