Overview – MACRO

Macromolecular Science and Engineering is an interdisciplinary program that provides the academic and research basis for studies in the science and technology of synthetic and natural macromolecules. Such large molecules exhibit unusual and specific properties as compared to small molecules and a large field has developed in unraveling the scientific foundations of this behavior, both in the synthetic and the biological areas.

The program at U-M is one of the very few where students can achieve competence in both the traditional discipline of their choice and the interdisciplinary field of Macromolecular Science and Engineering. It is a unique graduate program structure that allows a tailor fitting by the students to their individual interests while permitting the faculty to train the students in the program to a high level of competence. A Ph.D. and Master’s degrees are offered in Macromolecular Science and Engineering with concentrations in the areas of Biomaterials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Organic Electronics or Physics. Other areas of interest include Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering.

The faculty members are drawn from the College of Engineering, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, the Dental School, and the Medical School. The Macro program is an interdisciplinary endeavor, permitting students to acquire a broad understanding of macromolecular science. The faculty believes the approach taken permits the students to eventually make a more significant contribution to macromolecular science. It also allows the students to develop the self-confidence needed to adapt to the changes inherent in modern research and development.

Counseling on both the general and specific requirements is provided by a faculty advisor representing the Executive Committee of the Macromolecular Science and Engineering Program. The advisor is designated through a selection process during the student’s first term. The student then chooses among several major options: Biomaterials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry (organic or physical), Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Organic Electronics or Physics. An individualized option is also available for students who have previously earned a Master’s degree.

The progress to a Ph.D. is normally four- to five-years with coursework being emphasized during the first two years. Students are approved for candidacy after they have completed 18 credits of coursework which includes three specific Macro courses, passing the comprehensive exam, and the Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship Workshops. Additionally, students are required to form a dissertation committee and pass a dissertation proposal oral preliminary examination. 

There are also some general Ph.D. degree requirements set by the Rackham Graduate School.

Program Administration

Program Director
Jinsang Kim
Professor of Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Chemistry