About the Program

The Materials Engineering Graduate Program is structured for students interested in cutting-edge materials and materials-processing challenges.  In most advanced aerospace, energy and environmental systems developed today, materials limitations are presenting the most difficult obstacles for practical implementation.

Consider the University of Dayton if you want to

  • study with materials experts respected by scholars worldwide
  • use research facilities acknowledged as among the best-of-the-best
  • earn a degree that will make you more competitive with more practical knowledge
  • have access to up to 35 different classes offered on a 2-year cycle

At the University of Dayton, you can expect

  • a close working relationship with the program director
  • part-time or full-time options
  • courses available at lunchtime, in the evenings and during the summer
  • selected on-site graduate courses at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and at General Electric Aircraft Engine division
  • material engineering programs leading to a master's degree (M.S.), a doctor of engineering degree (D.E.) or a doctor of philosophy degree (Ph.D.)

University of Dayton graduate students routinely receive financial support for conducting materials research with engineers at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) and the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Materials Directorate at WPAFB. Many of these professionals serve as University research advisers and faculty.

Our flexible and student-centered program has a 40-year reputation of achievement. In fact, problem solving in structural materials including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites and nano-materials has earned the University's Materials Engineering Graduate Program a national reputation for excellence.

The Program draws on the strength and the presence of materials engineering entities throughout the region. Up to 70 percent of UDRI research is materials related. And at WPAFB, AFRL has one of the largest and best-equipped materials research laboratories in the world. Materials science and materials engineering are well entrenched in our area through UDRI, AFRL-Materials Laboratory, AFRL-Propulsion Laboratory, the Composite Center, AK Steel, GEAE, Edison Materials Technology Center (EMTEC) and more.

National recognition has been achieved because we concentrate on research and study in areas integral to our region: aerospace-alloys, composite-materials, composite processing, non-destructive evaluation (NDE), and structural-ceramics. Our national recognition attracts funding and also international students from countries such as Japan, France and Germany, which enhances our international reputation. All this would not have been possible without maintaining a position of "front-line" leadership in materials engineering.

What is unique about our program?

We offer master and doctoral degrees based on state-of-the-art classes in materials engineering taught by professors with practical experience from two world-class materials laboratories. This opportunity provides our students with the chance to work in a "real-world" research lab and to network with a wide-base of science and technology leaders for securing exciting future employment.

Admission requirements

You should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited engineering program. If you have a science undergraduate degree, you may need to complete prerequisite courses.  Applicants should have a minimum 2.7 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. You should submit the following information in addition to the online application:

  • an official academic record of all previously attended colleges or universities, which must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Graduate School office at UD.  Unofficial copies, hand-carried transcripts, and official copies marked "Issued to Student" are not acceptable;
  • three letters of recommendation from professors or employers;
  • a personal statement or résumé;
  • results from the GRE are not required. However, you are welcome to submit a score in support of your application;
  • additional requirements for international students can be found online, visit gradadmission.udayton.edu/international