Polymer Science
A Breadth of Properties and Applications
Polymers are everywhere because they combine fluid- and solid-like behavior, allowing scientists and engineers to design materials for countless uses. Beyond plastics, polymers are found in everyday products like shampoos and paints, as well as advanced technologies including aerospace composites, medical implants, OLED displays, semiconductors, and molecular sensors.
Polymer Science
A Breadth of Properties and Applications
Polymers are everywhere because they combine fluid- and solid-like behavior, allowing scientists and engineers to design materials for countless uses. Beyond plastics, polymers are found in everyday products like shampoos and paints, as well as advanced technologies including aerospace composites, medical implants, OLED displays, semiconductors, and molecular sensors.
What is polymer science?
Polymer science is chemistry applied toward designing and understanding materials. This interdisciplinary field encompasses organic chemistry, materials science, and engineering. It combines organic chemistry and engineering fundamentals to create and characterize materials with real-world applications.
Possible Career Paths
Students who complete the polymer science track work in a wide variety of chemistry and engineering roles within the life sciences, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, paint, performance clothing and shoes, and construction materials sectors as well as peripheral sectors. Alumni from this track develop skills which have been successfully transferred to a wide variety of engineering and management roles in consumer product development, manufacturing, raw material development, and research and development.
- Drug delivery (pharmaceuticals)
- National defense
- Sporting/athletic goods
- Nail polish/cosmetics
- Food and packaging
- Coatings and paints
- Plasticizers, thermal and mechanical analysis
- Biomaterials and biomedical devices
Example Positions and Job Titles
Polymer Scientist
- Works as the materials expert in synthesis, characterization, applications, and failure analysis of polymers
- High demand across aerospace, electronics, energy, and consumer products
- Offers broad career flexibility in R&D and technical leadership
Research & Development (Polymer) Chemist
- Designs and tests new polymer materials and formulations for innovative applications
- Ideal for graduates interested in lab-based innovation
- Common in coatings, biomedical materials, packaging, and electronics
Polymer and Process Engineer
- Optimizes manufacturing processes and improves polymer product performance at scale.
- Combines materials science with industrial problem-solving
- Highly valued in manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries
Course Sequence: Timeline
First 6 months: Coursework at the Knight Campus
Summer, Fall
Students complete core coursework and optional electives.
Students will attend information sessions with corporate and national labs to learn about opportunities, network, and interview with partners to line-up internships.
Second 9 months: Internship with External Partner
Winter, Spring, Summer
Students fulfill their internship requirement through employment with internship partners beginning in January and ending in September.
The majority of students complete their master's degree in 15 months.
To learn about how students fund the program, visit the Scholarships and Funding Opportunities page.
Curriculum at a Glance
Course schedule
SUMMER | FALL | WINTER | SPRING |
|---|---|---|---|
Polymer Organic Chemistry | Industrial Projects Lab | ||
SUMMER Year Two: Internship |
Full Course Descriptions
Polymer Science
Course | Credits | Term | Instructors | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Summer | Casey Check | Students are introduced to the chemistry used to create polymers – a foundation that will lead to being able to synthesize materials with desired physical properties. Organic chemistry concepts relevant to the design and synthesis of polymers as well as the application of these concepts within a laboratory setting are a key focus. |
CH 669: Polymer Synthesis & Characterization Lab | 4 | Summer | Casey Check | During the second course, students build a foundation of the structure-properties relationship of polymers. Theoretical physical polymer chemistry concepts are presented through the lens of real-world consequences; this is supported by a laboratory component that provides hands-on experience with commonly encountered thermal and mechanical characterization instruments. The objective is to merge theory with reality to yield a functional understanding of polymer structure-properties behavior. |
CH 668: Physical Chemistry of Polymers and Coatings | 4 | Summer | Skip Rochefort, Casey Check | Students will explore the flow behavior of polymers in both the solution and melt state through both lecture and hands-on experimentation and characterization. Rheology builds upon the content delivered in the first two courses and provides context for the effect of polymer structure and physical properties on their processability. Understanding flow characteristics provides insight into how final products can be made using polymers. |
CH 610: Professional Communication in Science | 1 | Summer | Stacey York | Students learn and apply foundational skills critical for career progression of scientists and engineers. Core elements include: composing a competitive resume; sharing impactful answers during behavioral and technical interviews; and building a strong professional network. |
CH 670: Industrial Projects Lab | 4 | Fall | Casey Check | The final core laboratory course provides an opportunity for students to apply their newly obtained polymer science knowledge to solve real-world, industrially sponsored research projects. The goal of this laboratory course is to provide an open-ended, realistic experience similar to those of a typical internship or industrial job position. Students will work in small teams similar to research groups within a company. The goal of this course is to prepare students with the skills and experience needed to excel in their upcoming internship positions. |
Electives: Chemistry-related Graduate Electives | 8 | Fall | Varies | Students further specialize or broaden their knowledge through 8 credits of elective coursework. Popular electives amongst students include: Advanced NMR, Electron Microscopy, Surface Analysis, and Polymer Science Based Product Development of Consumer Goods. |
CH 601: Research Internship | 10 per term, 30 total | Winter, Spring, Summer | Casey Check | Within an academic, clinical, industrial, or national lab setting, students gain hands-on experience in the application of their knowledge. Each term, students write a review paper to demonstrate advancement of technical knowledge and development of written communication skills. Learn more about the internships. |
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Applications for Summer 2026 are now open. Join the Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program and transform your career.