The Ph.D. degree in Materials Science provides students with extensive scientific training, cutting-edge research opportunities and engineering skills necessary for a variety of careers in academy and industry. Program faculty and students conduct research through Kent State's participating departments and the Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute. Such research includes liquid crystal synthesis and molecular design, properties of liquid crystals and related advanced materials, lyotropic liquid crystals and bio-related materials, opto-electronics, and nanoscience and nanotechnologies. These important research foci are inherently interdisciplinary.<br><br>Program Learning Outcomes<br><br>Graduates of this program will be able to:<br><br> Develop an advanced understanding of the fundamental science of liquid crystals and related advanced materials and ability to apply acquired knowledge of physical and chemical properties of soft materials and devices such as liquid crystals, polymers, colloids and active matter<br> Gain experience in presenting scientific data in research publications, articles, posters and oral presentations<br> Apply acquired knowledge to the discovery of new advanced materials and development of advanced materials-based devices and applications