Thinking about majoring in polymer engineering but I'm having trouble finding schools that are known for it. Can anyone share which colleges have strong programs or well-funded research in this field?
Polymer Engineering is a unique field and not many institutions offer specific undergraduate programs dedicated to it, as it often falls within the broader fields of chemical, materials, or mechanical engineering.
That said, the University of Southern Mississippi stands out because it has a School of Polymer Science and Engineering, offering robust programs and research opportunities. They have both undergraduate and graduate opportunities, ensuring you can continue your studies if you decide to pursue a postgraduate degree.
The University of Akron is also well noted for its polymer programs. It's the home of the largest academic polymer science research group in the world and they offer a Bachelor of Science in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering.
For institutions with a strong research focus in polymers, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and University of California–Berkeley should be on your list. They might not provide dedicated polymer undergrad programs, but their materials science or chemical engineering departments are world-class, housing cutting-edge research on polymers.
Remember, you could also choose to major in materials science or chemical engineering with a focus on polymer studies in any renowned engineering school, and then specialize further in polymer engineering in graduate school. This approach would offer you a broader base of knowledge and potentially open up more opportunities.
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