Material Science and Engineering Doctor of Philosophy Program



The information and program qualifications related to the Material Science and Engineering Doctor of Philosophy Program, under the Department of Material Science and Engineering of the Graduate School, are summarized below.

Information About The Program

The Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering is a multidisciplinary education and research program that focuses on the relationships between the structure, properties, processing, and performance of materials from a scientific and engineering perspective. The program aims to educate qualified engineers and researchers who possess advanced knowledge in materials science and engineering, are capable of applying scientific research methods, and can develop innovative solutions to engineering problems.

The curriculum consists of engineering-oriented courses covering fundamental topics in materials science and engineering while incorporating contributions from different disciplines. Interdisciplinary collaboration is strongly encouraged within the program, and particular emphasis is placed on co-supervised thesis studies. Through collaborations with departments such as Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and Aerospace Engineering, students gain experience in multidisciplinary research environments.

The program also supports students’ participation in international research collaborations and academic exchange programs such as ERASMUS. Research activities are conducted in areas that shape contemporary and emerging technologies, including nanotechnology, nanomaterials synthesis and characterization, surface engineering and surface treatment technologies, advanced ceramic materials, energy systems, and automotive technologies.


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Active Student Count

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Program Profile

The aim of the Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering is to educate qualified engineers and researchers who are capable of analyzing the relationships between the structure, properties, processing, and performance of materials at an advanced level, and who can apply scientific research methods to develop research-based solutions to engineering problems.

The program aims to provide students with a strong theoretical foundation in materials science and engineering, supported by experimental studies and advanced characterization techniques, while fostering an interdisciplinary perspective. Within this framework, students are expected to develop competencies in following current scientific and technological developments, applying analytical thinking, and evaluating engineering problems through scientific methods.

The program also supports students in conducting academic research at national and international levels, effectively utilizing modern laboratory infrastructure, and actively participating in interdisciplinary research environments. Through research activities carried out in collaboration with industry, the program aims to enhance students’ R&D competencies and to educate graduates capable of addressing industry-oriented problems.

Another objective of the program is to cultivate individuals who are innovative, ethically responsible, and capable of working in multidisciplinary environments, enabling graduates to take active roles in academia, industry, and research institutions.


Registration Requirements

Application Term : Previous Application / 2025-2026 Spring Semester

Application Requirements (For T.C Nationality)
ALES Numerical must be minimum 80 (old system GRE Quantitative minimum 720, new system GRE minimum 156 ). Graduate GPA must be minimum 3.00/4 (76.66/100). Minimum GPA from undergraduate to doctorate must be 3.5/4 (88.33/100).
Quota (For T.C Nationality): 12

Application Requirements (For International Students)
ALES Numerical must be minimum 80 (old system GRE Quantitative minimum 720, new system GRE minimum 156 ). Graduate GPA must be minimum 3.00/4 (76.66/100). Minimum GPA from undergraduate to doctorate must be 3.5/4 (88.33/100).
Quota (For International Students): 6

Transfer Quota : 2

Click here for quotas and conditions for all semesters.
Application Page
Graduate Education and Training Regulation Senate Principles

Application requirements, application dates, and quotas are updated in real-time from the Application System.


Program Learning Environments

Educational and research activities within the program are conducted in modern classrooms, research laboratories, and laboratories equipped with advanced materials characterization infrastructure. Courses are supported not only by theoretical instruction but also by seminars, project-based work, and research-oriented learning approaches. Students have the opportunity to participate in experimental studies related to materials processing, production, and characterization within well-equipped laboratory environments. In addition, interdisciplinary thesis studies, international research collaborations, and industry-supported projects provide students with opportunities to gain hands-on research and R&D experience.


English Proficiency



Regulations and Guidelines

Regulations and Guidelines


Academic Calendar

Academic Calendar


Course Plans



Course Schedules



Course Adjustment and Exemption Procedures

Course adjustment and exemption procedures are carried out in accordance with the Exemption and Adjustment Procedures Regulation of Istanbul Technical University.
Exemption and Adjustment Procedures Regulation


Program Educational Objectives

- To educate engineers and researchers with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in Materials Science and Engineering who can approach complex problems from an interdisciplinary perspective.
- To prepare graduates who can follow and interpret current scientific and technological developments and apply this knowledge to develop research-based solutions to engineering problems.
- To develop graduates capable of conducting high-quality academic research at national and international levels and contributing effectively to interdisciplinary and collaborative research environments.
- To equip graduates with strong R&D capabilities, enabling them to actively participate in industry-supported research projects and effectively utilize modern laboratory and analytical infrastructure.
- To cultivate professionals who are innovative, entrepreneurial, ethically responsible, and capable of working effectively in multidisciplinary teams.


Measurement and Evaluation

Evaluating Student Success
The student success is evaluated considering Articles 56, 57, 58, and 59 of the Istanbul Technical University Graduate Education and Training Regulation Senate Principles.

ARTICLE 56 - Before the enrollment for the courses begins, the faculty member who offers the course informs the Program Executive Committee about the types, number and contribution percentage to the final grade of the studies within the semester, as well as requirements for a right to take the semester final exam. These requirements shall be finalized by approval of the Program Executive Committee and approval of the chair of the department, who declares them to the student and informs the Graduate School.

ARTICLE 57 - A student may appeal the final grade of a course within one week following the announcement of the grades. Appeals must be submitted to the Graduate School in writing. The relevant faculty member shall re-evaluate the student's success status and submit the result to the Graduate School within one week. Appeals not submitted within the prescribed time frame shall not be considered by the Graduate School.

ARTICLE 58 - Courses in graduate programs shall be evaluated according to the following grading system.
Grade Description Grade Scale
Excellent AA 4.00
Very good plus BA+ 3.75
Very good BA 3.50
Good plus BB+ 3.25
Good BB 3.00
Conditional Pass CB+ 2.75
Conditional Pass CB 2.50
Conditional Pass CC+ 2.25
Conditional Pass CC 2.00
Fail FF 0.00
Fail(No Exam) VF 0.00

ARTICLE 59 - Students who wish to improve their cumulative grade point average may retake courses during the course-taking period. The most recent grade will be counted for the repeated courses.


Internship

There is no internship in this program.


Graduation Requirements

Please visit the links below for more information;

https://lee.itu.edu.tr/


The Awarded Degree and Title

Degree : Doctor of Philosophy    Title : Doctor of Philosophy


Program Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the PhD Program in Materials Science and Engineering are qualified to work as academics and researchers at universities. They may also be employed as researchers, R&D engineers, project managers, or technical consultants in public and private research centers, R&D institutions, and high-technology companies.

Graduates can pursue careers in industries dealing with metallic, ceramic, polymeric, and composite materials, as well as in high-technology sectors such as energy, automotive, defense, aerospace, electronics, nanotechnology, and surface engineering. They are also equipped to contribute to national and international research projects and to scientific and technological advancements in the field.


Number of Graduates

Graduate Statistics (Last Five Years)
YearNumber of Graduates
20211
20226
20236
20247
20254


Program Outcomes

P.O.1 Graduates with the knowledge and skills to research and determine the properties of existing engineering materials and to research and develop new engineering materials.
P.O.2 Graduates who know of technologies for the production, shaping and protection of engineering materials that will contribute to the design of new products and processes.
P.O.3 Graduates who can successfully take part in production and R&D studies in various industrial and research institutions at national and international level.
P.O.4 Graduates who are creative and have acquired the ability to learn for continuous self-improvement.
P.O.5 Graduates having quality and environmental awareness who will transfer this awareness to practice.
P.O.6 Graduates with qualifications that will be unquestionably recognized at the national and international level.
P.O.7 Graduates with social, social, ethical, and economic awareness and responsibility.


Turkish Qualifications Database

The qualification has not yet been incorporated into the TYÇ.


Program Coordinator

Doç. Dr. Duygu Ağaoğulları
E-mail: bozkurtdu@itu.edu.tr
Business Phone : 0212 285 6858
Web: https://research.itu.edu.tr/tr/persons/bozkurtdu


Head of the Department

Prof. Dr. Güldem Kartal Şireli
E-mail: kartalgu@itu.edu.tr
Business Phone : 0212-2853545
Web: https://research.itu.edu.tr/tr/persons/kartalgu