{"id":20378,"date":"2022-07-11T14:33:22","date_gmt":"2022-07-11T18:33:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/?page_id=20378"},"modified":"2024-04-04T12:32:09","modified_gmt":"2024-04-04T16:32:09","slug":"tecs-graduate-handbook","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/tecs-graduate-handbook\/","title":{"rendered":"TECS Graduate Handbook"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n
Welcome to our Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science (TECS) at North Carolina State University. I\u2019m excited to tell you about our graduate programs and the research opportunities within TECS and encourage you to apply to one of our challenging graduate degrees. All of the areas I outline below are shown in detail on the TECS Grad website and I invite you to browse this site. In particular, check out our Graduate Student Handbook links. We developed this online resource to guide you through the entire graduate program as well as highlight our many resources that are available to you. However, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us<\/a>. Some of our advanced research, teaching and outreach is focused into one of the 70+ centers and institutes at North Carolina State University. The Textile Protection and Comfort Center<\/a> is recognized as a world leader in garment protection and comfort. The Nonwovens Institute<\/a> has unmatched capabilities in graduate research, development and innovation in garment protection and all aspects of nonwoven materials. Our department is part of the Wilson College of Textiles, which has laboratory and pilot scale production facilities that are unmatched in an academic setting. We are located on NC State\u2019s award winning Centennial Campus<\/a>. Centennial Campus is a model for academic, industry, and government partnerships. Our department is not only known for its strength in research and partnerships with industry. We are also committed to teaching and close mentoring. Recently, we developed a unique teaching certificate that a growing number of our students are pursuing. We are proud of the teaching certificate program, especially as it enables close mentoring between our faculty and our students who are eager to improve their communication skills. The teaching program is part of our graduate scholars initiative, which aims to help our students develop key professional skills to prepare them for the next phases of their professional lives. Our students are from all over the globe. Many of our students publish in top peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences. We\u2019re so proud of the number of awards and honors our students earn, and we have a strong and well-connected alumni base \u2013 many of whom are leaders in their chosen field. Our faculty, staff and students, both current and alumni, are a diverse and welcoming family. Perhaps one day you\u2019ll join us! Please contact me<\/a> any time. I look forward to hearing from you. Emiel DenHartog Successful applicants will have a science or engineering background. Those pursuing textile engineering must have an undergraduate engineering degree or demonstrated proficiency in the appropriate calculus-based sciences and core technical competencies. If these requirements are not met, additional coursework may be required prior to admission into the program. Those pursuing textile chemistry must have an undergraduate degree in chemistry, textiles or an equivalent degree with demonstrated proficiency in the appropriate calculus-based math and core chemistry competencies, including physical chemistry and organic chemistry. If these requirements are not met, additional coursework may be required prior to admission into the program. Applicants are also expected to meet the following minimum requirements: an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or First Class Honors in the bachelor\u2019s degree; a TOEFL score of 213 for the computer-based, and 80 for internet-based (international students) OR IELTS scores with an overall band score of at least 6.5; and three letters of reference. GRE is optional (prefer scores in the 65th percentile). Additional information can be found by clicking on these links:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fall: June 25 | Spring: November 25<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fall: March 1 | Spring: July 15<\/p>\n\n\n\n Return to top of page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The TECS Graduate Program is aware of the concern that graduate students have in obtaining funding to pay for tuition and be provided a stipend in order to relieve a student\u2019s financial burden when attending graduate school. The TECS department has limited stipends for Teaching Assistantships (TAs). Most students are also hired as Research Assistants (RAs) after their first semester as a graduate student. In some cases, a TA or RA scholarship may be offered to top students upon acceptance into the graduate program. In these cases, where possible, graduate student\u2019s tuition is covered under the Graduate Student Support Program (GSSP)<\/a>. Student fees, however, are the personal responsibility of all students unless there\u2019s a second sponsor specifically for fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Account payments are only accepted electronically via MyPack Portal, under the \u201cFor Students\u201d tab, in \u201cCashier\u2019s Office\u201d, in \u201cAccount Summary\u201d. From there you can make a payment with an electronic check, or a credit card (with fee). Out-of-state tuition may be paid by a research project or teaching assistantship for students who are not residents of North Carolina, providing they are making satisfactory progress. Out-of-state U.S. students should be aware that they need to get started on their residency status AS SOON AS THEY ARRIVE<\/strong>, in order to be approved for in-state residency for tuition purposes the following year (see the \u201cResidency<\/a>\u201d section). While the primary goals of our Graduate Programs are focused graduate research and education, the TECS Department recognizes that all of us (students, staff and faculty) should continually seek to improve our personal and professional skills. The goal of our Graduate Professional Development Program is to help our graduate students develop into effective, well-rounded scientists who are fully prepared to join whatever line of work they ultimately choose after graduation. Learn more about NC State programs and job searching resources<\/a>. In applying for teaching positions, many universities ask for teaching experience, a teaching philosophy statement and teaching portfolios. To assist our graduate scholars, TECS has worked with NC State Graduate School to put together a teaching certificate that provides teaching training, experience, and assistance in developing a portfolio and philosophy. Students who participate in this program receive the Certificate of Accomplishment in Teaching (CoAT) by attending workshops developed by the Graduate School and by teaching laboratory or lecture classes in TECS. This experience is also an excellent way of demonstrating good communication skills, which many employers desire. When applying for an employment opportunity, employers usually require a resume (industry) or curriculum vitae (academia). Although there are many resources available for how to create these, there is little assistance for how to describe your skills in a way that distinguishes you from the many other applicants. We provide guidance and individual assistance in preparing these documents and cover letters for applications as well as helping each student identify their unique set of skills. Often researchers have difficulty identifying their accomplishments and will put their research in their resume in a way that is not effective (e.g. \u201cResearched cotton bleaching technology.\u201d) rather than stronger statements (e.g. \u201cDeveloped new process for bleaching cotton that reduces water, time, and damage to cotton fibers.\u201d). Jeff Sackaroff<\/a> is the director of career services for the Wilson College of Textiles. Jeff has decades of experience in helping both current students and college alumni in achieving success in finding high quality employment. This includes organizing an annual Wilson College of Textiles Career Fair, where many companies visit the college for on-campus interviews. During the fall and spring semesters, the college Graduate Seminar Committee organizes weekly seminars featuring prominent research scientists and industry leaders. While students are required to attend the seminar for at least two semesters, all students and faculty in the college are encouraged to attend continuously. The seminars are excellent ways to interact with leaders in their fields and broaden our perspectives on a wide variety of topics. View the Graduate School\u2019s FAQs. You can find additional answers to questions in The Graduate School\u2019s New Student Survival Guide<\/a>. The Master of Science in Textile Chemistry degree program emphasizes the fundamental principles of polymer science, dyeing and finishing technology, color science, dye chemistry, and fiber formation. Our program is highly relevant to many of the chemical, retail and textile industries, as well as environmental, medical and forensic science. Graduates of textile chemistry are recruited by a broad range of companies, such as DuPont, Proctor & Gamble, Nike, General Motors, fiber and textile companies all over the globe, and state and federal agencies involved with forensic science. Master\u2019s Thesis <\/strong>In order to complete the degree in a reasonable time, students should identify a topic and start work on a thesis early. Identification of a thesis topic should be done during or before the second semester in residence. It is the student\u2019s responsibility to take the initiative to engage in activities that will lead to the identification of a thesis topic. While there is no unique sequence of steps that should be taken in order to arrive at the definition of an appropriate problem, a few suggestions may be helpful. A student may enter the graduate program with a definite interest. A student may be able to identify a thesis topic from course work or readings. Some portion of the research in which a faculty member is engaged may be developed as a thesis. Each professor has interests and ideas that may provide stimulating suggestions. Graduate students should contact faculty members; they welcome the opportunity to get acquainted with students. Other sources of stimulation and advice are discussions with other students, attendance at professional meetings, and familiarity with the relevant literature. Finally, in carrying out term paper requirements for courses, students have an opportunity to get the background understanding and information which will enable them to sense a problem that is both interesting and of reasonable scope. The master\u2019s thesis is intended to be a focused research exercise on a manageable topic. It should be focused on a well-defined topic with restricted scope. At the same time, it must be carried out with care and rigor. Peer-reviewed publications and at least one conference paper is expected. The committee will supervise the work throughout the preparation of the thesis with the chair or co-chairs taking major responsibility. The student should consult with the chair and the committee in connection with any major problems, and keep them informed of progress. It is beneficial for all concerned that concise (monthly) reports are provided to the committee to keep them abreast of progress and any problems that need to be addressed. Regular meetings with the chair or committee are also usually very helpful. Be sure to take full advantage of workshops that are made available by The Graduate School. For instance, M.S. students should take this Electronic Theses and Dissertations<\/a> workshop at the end of their first year. Once the thesis has been completed, it should be carefully edited and tentatively approved by the committee. The student may then proceed to arrange a suitable time and place for the oral examination according to the rules of the Graduate School, using MyPack Portal<\/a>. All theses are submitted electronically to the Graduate School. Once the thesis is defended, it must be approved by the advisory committee with original signatures of the members of the advisory committee on the title page. Once the student has the signed title page, they can meet with the graduate thesis\/dissertation editor. Before final approval, the thesis will be reviewed by the Graduate School to insure that it conforms to the specifications prescribed in the \u201cElectronic Thesis and Dissertation Guide<\/a>.\u201d The editor will give the student a date by which the thesis must be submitted electronically in order for the student to graduate in a given semester. Students should plan to provide a final copy of the thesis to each committee member, if they request it. Advisory Committee<\/strong> At the master\u2019s level, the advisory committee shall consist of at least: 1) two members from the TECS graduate faculty, and 2) a third committee member who is a NC State University Graduate Faculty Member, but is not part of the TECS Core Faculty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n M.S. TC Option A (Thesis Degree) Program Requirements<\/strong> Students must take a minimum of 32 credit hours to fulfill the degree requirements including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note<\/strong>: Classes may count in more than one course requirement (a, b, or c) from above. As examples: Advisory Committee<\/strong>. The advisory committee shall consist of at least three Graduate Faculty members, two of which must be part of the Graduate Program Faculty in Textile Chemistry; if the committee has co-chairs, then a fourth member from the Graduate Faculty is also required. The chair or at least one co-chair must be a member of the Graduate Program Faculty in Textile Chemistry. The chair or co-chair will also serve as the student\u2019s academic advisor unless the student elects to have a separate academic advisor. The chair or co-chair will also serve as the student\u2019s formal academic advisor, although all committee members have responsibility to advise the student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Master\u2019s Thesis<\/strong>. The master\u2019s thesis should be a research exercise that necessitates expertise at the M.S. level and is concentrated in the textile chemistry area on a well-defined topic that has a restricted scope. The thesis work must be carried out using the scientific method and with care, rigor, and ethics. An understanding of the relevant literature and the state of the art in the field of interest is also expected. A thesis research project needs to generate new knowledge, or apply technical knowledge in an innovative way, and thus thesis work should be of sufficient quality that it could yield at least one peer-reviewed publication and\/or proceeding or presentation at a technical conference. The committee will supervise the work throughout the preparation of the thesis with the chair or co-chairs taking major responsibility; the student should consult with the chair and the committee regarding any major problems and keep them regularly informed of progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Master\u2019s Thesis Document<\/strong>. The thesis document must be formatted according to the NC State Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) guide and submitted electronically to the Graduate School. Once the thesis is orally defended, it must be unanimously approved by the advisory committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Master\u2019s Thesis Defense and Oral Examination<\/strong>. Candidates for the thesis-based Master\u2019s degree must unanimously pass a comprehensive oral examination that demonstrates to the advisory committee that they possess a reasonable mastery of textile chemistry and supporting fields, as well as that they exhibit master\u2019s level critical thinking skills and can apply disciplinary technical knowledge with promptness and accuracy. The oral examination includes a public oral presentation about the thesis work and sufficiently answering questions from the audience and, most importantly, the advisory committee, that are focused on any aspect of the thesis project, including methodology, approach, relevance, data analysis, and interpretation. The examination may not be held until all other requirements, except completion of the coursework for the final semester, are satisfied. In order to formally schedule the defense, the student must first get written approval at least 13 business days in advance from both the TECS director of graduate programs and the advisory committee chair\/co-chairs; approval will not be granted until a complete written thesis document is provided to these individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Return to top of page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Non-Thesis (M.S. Option B)<\/strong> In order to obtain a M.S. TC degree under Option B, students must take a minimum of 32 credit hours, including 2 semesters (6 credit hours) of independent study, TC 630, to the satisfaction of the student\u2019s advisor. Generally, research and thesis preparation courses (TC 695, 699), which may be used in the M.S. Option A (thesis-based) track, may not be used to fulfill the course work requirements for the M.S. Option B degree. An exception is made for M.S. students on the way to a Ph.D. degree. These individuals may count 6 hours of thesis research toward their degree. Students enrolled in this program option will develop a Plan of Graduate Work under the direction of their faculty advisor. Students in the Option B programs are not eligible for research assistantships. No<\/strong>te:<\/strong> Classes may count in more than one course requirement (a, b<\/em>, or c<\/em>) from above. As examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research and thesis preparation courses (TC\/TE 695, 699), which may be used in the M.S. Option A (thesis-based) track, may not be used to fulfill the course work requirements for the M.S. Option B degree. An exception is made for Ph.D. students who are seeking the M.S. degree enroute<\/strong>; these students may count six hours of doctoral-level thesis research toward their degree in lieu of the independent study credits, as long as the preliminary examination has been passed unconditionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Graduate Faculty Member in Textile Chemistry will be assigned to serve both as academic advisor and as chair of the master\u2019s committee. No additional committee members and no comprehensive final exam are required for this non-thesis degree program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Return to top of page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The M.S. TC (Option B) may be taken entirely by distance, or in a hybrid format. The requirements for the M.S. TC are the same whether courses are taken via distance or not. For more information contact the director of graduate programs<\/a>.
Why choose Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science for your Graduate Education?<\/strong> The Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science Department has a long and distinguished history of teaching, graduate research, and service to industry. Our faculty members are engineers and chemists from literally all over the world. We have backgrounds in organic, physical and analytical chemistry, and biomedical, materials science, chemical, mechanical, textile, industrial and even aeronautical engineering. If you spend any time in our department you will quickly realize that we are friendly and welcoming group and enjoy contributing to the vibrant campus community at NC State. For instance, faculty and students together enjoy helping to organize and perform in an annual music event with proceeds going to select charities. Our department is fortunate to have an outstanding staff that supports our approximately 50 master\u2019s students, 80 doctoral students, and 40 interdisciplinary faculty members. At the master\u2019s level, we have a Master\u2019s of Textile Chemistry<\/a> and a Master\u2019s of Textile Engineering<\/a>. While most students complete a thesis, we also have a non-thesis option in both degrees. Our M.S. in TC is available for study online. Many of our master\u2019s students go on to pursue Ph.D.s. We have two Ph.D. programs in the Wilson College of Textiles, Fiber and Polymer Science<\/a> and Textile Technology Management<\/a>. In TECS, we are genuinely engaged in interdisciplinary research. Our research areas are quite broad and are designed to maximize our positive impact on the world. A few examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Return to top of page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nAdmission Requirements and Procedures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Application Deadlines For U.S. Citizens and permanent residents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Application Deadlines For Internationals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tuition and Fees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Return to top of page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nGraduate Professional Development<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Return to top of page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nTECS Teaching Certificate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Return to top of page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nProfessional Employment Assistance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Return to top of page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nStudent Career Services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Return to top of page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nGraduate Seminar Series<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Return to top of page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Return to top of page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMaster of Science in Textile Chemistry (M.S. TC)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Return to top of page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMaster of Science in Textile Chemistry (M.S. TC): Option A (Thesis Degree) Program Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Master\u2019s Thesis Defense and Oral Examination<\/strong> Candidates for the master\u2019s degree must pass a comprehensive oral examination to demonstrate to the advisory committee that they possess a reasonable mastery of the subject matter of the major and supporting fields and that this knowledge can be used with promptness and accuracy. The oral examination includes an oral presentation about the thesis and questions focused on the project. Authorization to hold the examination is requested through the Graduate School. The examination may not be held until all other requirements, except completion of the course work for the final semester, are satisfied. A mutually agreeable time of no less than two hours must be scheduled for the examination. A unanimous vote of approval by the advisory committee is required for passing the oral examination. However, approval of the examination may be conditioned upon the completion of additional work to the satisfaction of the advisory committee. Failure of a student to pass the examination terminates the student\u2019s graduate program unless otherwise unanimously recommended by the advisory committee. Oral examinations for master\u2019s degree candidates are open to all faculty, students and staff. Discussion and decisions regarding the student\u2019s performance are confidential to the advisory committee. Graduate School requirements for the master\u2019s degree are outlined in the NC State University Graduate Catalog<\/a>. Students are urged to review carefully the section pertaining to the degree sought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
a. Students must take a minimum of 12 credit hours of courses with substantial chemistry content at the 500 level or above, which includes any course with the prefix of TC (PCC) or CH, or those from the table given below. Other chemistry-based courses must be approved, in advance and in writing (or in the Plan of Work), by the TECS director of graduate programs.
b. Students must take a minimum of 15 credit hours of courses that are offered by the TECS Department, which may have the following prefixes: TC (PCC), TE, TMS, NW, TT, FPS, and TTM. Note that not all courses with these prefixes are offered by the TECS Department, particularly for the interdepartmental programs of TT, FPS, and TTM; the home department for the course instructor(s) usually identifies courses that are offered by a department, but can be confirmed, in writing, by the TECS director of graduate programs, and through an approved Plan of Work.
c. At least 18 credit hours must be letter graded courses at the 500 level or above. Up to 6 credits can be at the 400-level as long as the course prefix is not TC (PCC) and is approved, in advance and in writing (or in the Plan of Work), by the TECS director of graduate programs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 If a student takes 18 credits (meeting Requirement c) with TC 530, TC 565, TT 504, TC 705, CH 723, and TT 504; the first four courses also meet both Requirements a and b, the 5th course only meets Requirement a, and the sixth course only meets Requirement b. An additional six credits in this scenario are not required to meet Requirements a, b, and c, and thus can even be at the 400-level as long as the course prefix is not TC or PCC.
\u2022 If a student takes 15 credit hours of TC courses at >=500 level that are taught by TECS faculty, those credits fulfill both Requirements a and b above, and thus leaving an additional nine credits that can be taken in a supporting area; common supporting areas include: textile technology (TT), nonwovens (NW), textile engineering (TE), textile management (TTM), biomedical engineering (BME), materials science and engineering (MSE), chemical engineering (CHE), chemistry (CH), forest biomaterials (FB), biochemistry (BCH), or statistics (ST).<\/p>\n\n\n\nMaster of Science in Textile Chemistry (M.S. TC): Option B (Non-Thesis) Program Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
M.S. TC Option B (Non-Thesis Degree) Program Requirements<\/strong> Students must take a minimum of 32 credit hours to fulfill the degree requirements including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Master of Science in Textile Chemistry (M.S. TC): Online Option B (Non-Thesis) Degree<\/h2>\n\n\n\n