The purpose of the PhD programs is to prepare the student for a career as a productive research scholar in nanosciences, nanoengineering or nanomedicine. The programs are intended for students with career interests in industrial research and development, academic scholarship and research, or government research agencies.

     Students accepted into one of the PhD programs are required to construct a preliminary program of graduate study with the assistance of their academic advisor at the completion of the PhD courses for one semester. This preliminary program will consist of the student's choice of concentration (specialization) and a tentative concentration course curriculum.