MACR Frequently Asked Questions

The Macromolecular Science and Engineering Ph.D. program is approximately 4-5 years, depending on individual pace and academic vigor.  

The program takes place on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. 

Students with a bachelor’s degree or those who will have their bachelor’s degree by the start of their incoming semester are eligible to apply.

Yes, your tuition will be covered, but you would be responsible for student services fees.

Yes, you will receive a stipend in addition to tuition assistance.

All majors are accepted and encouraged to apply.

The MACR program is more than 30 years old.

Department decisions begin as early as January 15.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early as slots fill quickly.

Two letters of recommendation are required.

1. Complete application
2. Include two letters of recommendation
3. Request official transcripts
4. Send GRE test scores (and if applicable TOEFL test scores)

You should send your test scores, your recommendation letters, and your official transcripts to:

Virginia Tech
Macromolecules Innovation Institute (0201)
Graduate Program
Attn: MACR Program Administrator
1075 Life Science Circle, Suite 130, Blacksburg, VA 24061

You will not be considered unless we receive all four items listed above.

Once an applicant submits an application, the MACR Program Admissions Committee will review the applications and make a recommendation to the Program Director.

Upon the MACR program director’s recommendation, the Graduate School will communicate the final decision via letter from the Dean’s office.

The sooner a completed application is submitted, the earlier you will receive a decision.

You may contact the MACR Program Administrator at (540) 231-6717 or mii@vt.edu. Please indicate “MACR Graduate Program” in the subject line

No. The MACR program is one of many graduate programs offered by the Graduate School. The MACR program is, however, housed in the MII office.

Five.

You can join any group from any department that has a research-relevant theme that can support your research objectives.

Yes, you can be co-advised by more than one department/advisor.

Yes.

• MACR 5015 — MACR Fundamental Lab I
• MACR 5016 — MACR Fundamental Lab II
• MACR 5004 — Macromolecular Graduate Seminar
• MACR 5024 — Writing Skills, MACR
• MACR 5994/7994 — Research & Dissertation

Yes. Your preliminary examination is your qualifying exams as a Ph.D. candidate.

100% of our students receive jobs after graduation, and jobs range from engineering to design and across many industries and disciplines. 

No, you do not have to TA your first year. Your funding is subsidized by MII the first year and by your advisor for each subsequent year.

The MACR program hosts a number of events throughout the year. You can access our upcoming events through our website's Events & Industry tab.

The average student takes anywhere from 4-5 years to graduate.

There is anywhere from 7-17 new graduate students per year with a total of 45-50 in any given year.