ME Degree (Polymer Engineering and Science)

Most courses are offered every semester. Contact the Office of Engineering Outreach for current availability.

ME 417
Introduction to Polymer Processing
ME 418
Engineering Design with Polymers
ME 419
Fundamentals of Injection Molding
ME 441
Rheology of Food and Biomaterials
ME 508
Composite Materials
ME 699
Independent Study
ME 708
Advanced Composite Materials
ME 717
Advanced Polymer Processing
ME 718
Modeling and Simulation in Polymer Processing
ME/ChE 525
Macromolecular Hydrodynamics
ME/ChE 925
Rheology Research Seminar

Internationally Known Program

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is one of the largest departments in the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It enrolls more than 200 graduate students from all over the world in MS and PhD programs. They are taught by 40 faculty members.

As a mechanical engineering student, you are part of a stimulating learning community of highly motivated students, energetic educators, creative researchers, and a dedicated staff. You will learn from internationally known professors who conduct in-depth research as well as teaching the principles of engineering.

About Polymer Engineering and Science

Master of Engineering in Polymer Engineering and Science brochure
[205 KB PDF]

The master of engineering is offered with an option in polymer science. This interdisciplinary program prepares engineers and scientists for professional practice in the polymer industry.

UW-Madison has attained international recognition for its research and teaching in polymer engineering and science. The program admits students with exceptional performance in their bachelor's degrees. It further attracts exceptional students with relevant experience. Students may be admitted with a bachelor's degree from any of the physical sciences, such as chemical engineering, chemistry, engineering mechanics or mechanical engineering. The degree is ideal for practicing engineers and scientists who are not able to leave their positions in industry and attend classes on campus.

Engineering Polymer Industrial Consortium

The Polymer Consortium is a university-industry-government collaborative initiative to create, integrate, transfer and apply knowledge of polymer engineering and processing. It is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and effectiveness of companies involved in design and manufacturing of plastic components or production of manufacturing and sensing equipment related to the plastics industry.

Web: http://pec.engr.wisc.edu

Admission and Degree Requirements

• Since the degree program is administered by Mechanical Engineering, the candidate must first be admitted to graduate studies through the Mechanical Engineering Department.

• Mechanical Engineering: Admission Information for Prospective Graduate Students
• Applicants should clearly indicate "Master of Engineering—Polymer Engineering and Science" on their statement of "Reasons for Graduate Study."

• Twenty-four credits of polymer science courses are required beyond the BS degree.

• At least 18 credits must be formal lecture or laboratory courses.

• At least six credits must be formal lecture or laboratory courses numbered 600 or higher.

• At least three credits must be formal lecture or laboratory courses numbered 700 or higher.

• Students may not take more than six credits of independent study. Students are encouraged to work on a research project with a Polymer Engineering Center or Rheology Research Center faculty member. Topics may include issues and problems related to the student's work interests.

• Students are required to take two credits of Rheology Research Center (RRC) seminar.

• No transfer credits are allowed.

Rheology Research Center

The Rheology Research Center (RRC) generates useful knowledge of rheology and disseminates this knowledge through publications, seminars and graduate education. The RRC sponsors the world's only weekly seminar series on rheology. The series has featured more than 200 invited lectures by world-class researchers.

The RRC offers the world's most extensive series of advanced lecture courses on polymers and rheology. The Center promotes research in rheology leading to MS and PhD degrees and also administers the Master of Engineering (Polymer Engineering and Science) degree. Details about RRC can be found at rrc.engr.wisc.edu.

Faculty Profiles

• Professor A. Jeffrey Giacomin
• Professor Sundaram Gunasekaran
• Professor Tim A. Osswald
• Professor Thatcher W. Root
• Professor Robert E. Rowlands
• Professor Lih-Sheng (Tom) Turng