The goal of the graduate program is to educate incoming students in the theory and practice of polymer science. As a student in our program, you will receive valuable training for a future career in academia, commerce or industry, particularly in industries which manufacture, process and use polymeric materials.

The thrust of our program is to educate by active participation. Students engage in their research under the guidance and supervision of a faculty member. The current state of polymer science is revealed to students through formal courses, seminars, colloquia, independent reading and daily interactions. 

The environment is exciting and stimulating - the variety and vigor of the wide ranging research areas provide an impetus for achievement.

The Polymer Science Program of the Department of Chemistry offers the student a unique opportunity for advanced study and research training in the growing field of macromolecular science.  Provision is made to include the broadest coverage of both practical and theoretical aspects of polymer science, taking advantage of the unique facilities at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in chemistry of macromolecules, plastics engineering and other related fields.

M.S. in Polymer Science
Course Requirements
Thesis Examination

M.S. in Polymer Science

The Polymer Science Program of the Department of Chemistry offers the student a unique opportunity for advanced study and research training in the growing field of macromolecular science. Provision is made to include the broadest coverage of both practical and theoretical aspects of polymer science, taking advantage of the unique facilities at UMass Lowell in chemistry of macromolecules, plastics engineering, and other related fields.

Course Requirements 

A candidate for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry must have a minimum of 18 credit hours of course work, exclusive of research and seminar, as well as complete of thesis based upon original research.  Of the credit requirement, a minimum of 15 credits must be taken in the Department of Chemistry.  The remaining course credits (three or more) may be taken in chemistry (polymer science) or in such related fields as plastics, physics, mathematics, biology or engineering.  Credit normally is not allowed for 4000 level subjects in chemistry, except for those so designated in the catalog or approved by a student's adviser.  All students must take 97-601-602, Polymer Science Seminar and 97-603-604, Polymer Science Colloquium each year they are in residence. The first semester of Polymer Science Seminar and Colloquium may be given concurrently with the first semester of Chemistry Seminar and Colloquium. For more info see requirements.

See the graduate catalog for course of study and course descriptions.

Thesis Examination    

Each candidate for the master's degree must appear for an oral examination in the field of polymer science before an examining committee.  The examining committee will include the student's Advisory Committee plus an additional graduate faculty member.  The chairman for the examination shall be the student's thesis adviser.  While only members of the examination committee and the Dean of the Graduate School may conduct the examination, all faculty members may attend.  Applications to take the examination must be filed by the student with the Chairman of the Department of Chemistry at least one month prior to the close of the last semester.