Skip to main content

Begin your Materials Science journey at Carolina!

Leaders in Research & Innovation

UNC - Chapel Hill is consistently ranked as a top public research University in the nation (Fifth in top public university rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 “Best Colleges,” for the 20th consecutive year. Sixth among research universities for federal funding devoted to development and research).

Small Cohort Size

Our average cohort size is 6. That means more faculty, staff and resources are dedicated for your success. Read about our graduate student experiences through our alumni testimonials and meet some of our current students.

Our Graduate Students are Fully Funded

All of our PhD candidates’ tuition, fees and health insurance are covered through research and teaching assistantships. A stipend is also provided so you can focus on your degree.

How do I apply?

Thank you for your interest in the Materials Science PhD program in the Applied Physical Sciences department! Admission to our program is competitive and students are selected on the basis of their academic preparation, ability, and research focus fit. We recommend that you contact faculty within your research interest as you prepare your application.

Apply to our Materials Science PhD Program

Have questions that you’d like to ask about our PhD program?

Prospective Student Inquiry Form

 
 

Living in Chapel Hill and the Research Triangle

Chapel Hill has a friendly, small-town feel with an eclectic vibe. It is routinely ranked as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the U.S. It is home to award-winning restaurants, outstanding public schools and healthcare systems, a thriving economy and a vibrant music and performing arts scene.

 
 

UNC-Chapel Hill is one of the most affordable public research universities for graduate education.

Less financial burden now translates into more financial freedom after you graduate. Click here to look at the cost-of-living comparison between Chapel Hill and other cities of peer institutions.

Discover the Research Triangle Park

Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh form the Triangle region of North Carolina — a dynamic hub of innovation, technology, healthcare and entrepreneurship. In addition to UNC, the Triangle is home to other top-tier universities, a robust business community and Research Triangle Park (RTP), the largest research park in the U.S.

Murray Hall Images