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How to Apply

How to Apply / Frequently Asked Questions

For graduate study in Polymer Science and Engineering, all interested students need to complete an Online Application. The secure Online Application, Academic Calendar, Frequently Asked Questions and several other informative topics are on the Graduate School's Website.  

After completing an online application and paying the fee, you will receive a student ID number as well as a password to check the status of your application. For best results, send all supporting materials directly to the Graduate Student Service Center (see below). All changes or additions must be directed to the Service Center. The department does not have access to modify the application file. The Service Center can also help with other questions you may have regarding the online application too.

Graduate Student Service Center
530 Goodell Building
University of Massachusetts
140 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9272

Telephone: (413) 545-0722 (8:30am to 5:00pm Monday – Friday)

Email: gradadm@grad.umass.edu

Application Deadline

We will consider all applications that are submitted by January 1st for the following fall semester. We do not offer spring admissions. Offers for the fall semester are made by April 15th, and are considered by the Polymer Science and Engineering Department as an academic unit, not by individual professors within the Department. (Advisor selection is conducted during the first semester of the Ph.D. program.)

Ph.D. and MS Program

Only applications for the Ph.D. program are guaranteed consideration. While we definitely accept students that have MS degrees in any field that is relevant to studies in our program, the PSE Department does not offer a master’s program. Students typically become eligible for a non-thesis master’s degree while completing coursework for their Ph.D.

GRE, TOEFL and GPA

GRE scores are not required for application to the Polymer Science & Engineering program.  GRE scores can be submitted optionally if available.

The average total TOEFL score that the University of Massachusetts receives now is above 610. The department follows the University's minimum requirements; however, admission to our program is very competitive. Below are the minimum scores the University requires.

Minimum IELTS score: 6.5
Minimum IBT score between: 79-80

If you are taking the GRE and TOEFL test, the Institutional Code for the University of Massachusetts Amherst is 3917 - no department code is necessary. TOEFL scores are good for two years. 

Acceptance and Financial Support

Upon acceptance, financial support is offered, contingent upon the student making satisfactory degree progress. This fellowship offer includes a cost-of living stipend, waiver of tuition and curriculum, waiver of 95% of health insurance and imposes no teaching requirement. The University will require you to pay some minimal fees (fees vary according to course load, but students pay less over the years as their total number of course credits diminishes). For current information on fees, visit the Office of the Bursar’s website: http://www.umass.edu/bursar/fee_schedule.htm

For further information:
For further information on the Polymer Science & Engineering Program, email Lisa Groth, Graduate Program Manager at psegraduate@umass.edu