The Science of Advanced Materials (SAM) doctoral program in the College of Science and Technology provides an interdisciplinary environment to train effective researchers for both academic and industrial careers.

Classes are small and students are engaged in research with faculty mentors by the end of the first year. The formal coursework focuses on the scientific framework for studying materials and is organized around the key methodologies employed in materials research: modeling, synthesis, and characterization.

Throughout their academic and research experiences, students gain hands-on experience exploring chemical, physical and mathematical properties of advanced materials. CMU faculty maintain active research labs and are involved in collaborative relationships with other institutions and with industry, providing valuable contacts with experts in a variety of materials areas.