Polymers and Coatings Science (MS)

The M.S. program in Polymers and Coatings Science offers a distinctive curriculum with strong industry integration. Students gain academic preparation in polymers and coatings science through lecture and laboratory courses, followed by a rigorous industrial internship or industry-sponsored research. While on the internship, students specialize in targeted areas and develop advanced skills through directed study along with their fieldwork. The program is designed to efficiently prepare students for challenging careers in the polymers and coatings industry. The program also provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies in areas related to disciplines. This program is unique in California and relies on the strong partnerships between the department and the polymers and coatings industry for its success. 

Requirements for Admission

Students apply via Cal State Apply and must submit an official transcript, curriculum vitae, personal statement describing motivation for pursuing the M.S. in Polymers and Coatings Science, and three letters of recommendation.

International Students must meet all the standard eligibility criteria and demonstrate proficiency in English (English Proficiency Exam Requirements)  

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biochemistry or materials engineering or a closely related field with strong foundation in undergraduate coursework in organic chemistry and physical chemistry. Applicants with relevant work experience or equivalent coursework may be considered for conditional acceptance. Conditionally accepted students will be required to take organic chemistry and/or physical chemistry at the discretion of the MS program coordinator.

Minimum GPA: a minimum of 2.5

Application due date: Fall enrollment only. Please see Graduate Student Dates and Deadlines for application deadlines.

Advancement to Candidacy

Culminating Experience

Complete one of the following:

• Project Option: This is a supervised graduate-level industrial internship. Students will participate in research and development activities at an approved industry site.  They are required to provide regular progress updates to their graduate faculty advisor and deliver a formal report and seminar summarizing their work each semester. Throughout the internship, students will work on preparing a written thesis and presenting a 30–40-minute oral defense, presented to the graduate faculty advisor and attended by the industrial project supervisor. Following the presentation, the graduate faculty advisor and the industrial project supervisor will have the opportunity to ask questions related to the project.
• Thesis Option: Along with a faculty advisor, students will work on a specific research topic, preparing a written thesis and presenting a 30-40 minute public defense, after which a three-person committee will have the opportunity to hold a private session to ask questions related to the research.