MS Materials Science and Engineering

The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering leverages the synergy between engineering and science. Drawing faculty, courses, research and programs from across the University, the school offers students a state-of-the-art education in materials using a transdiciplinary approach to the study of materials.

The objective of the Master of Science degree program with a specialization in Materials Science and Engineering is to provide an in-depth study of Materials Science and Engineering topics through advanced course work and an introduction to research. This degree is offered by School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy at Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and is available both on-line and on-campus.

Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.00 scale at a minimum is required for the last 60 credit hours in the undergraduate transcript.
• Students seeking admission into the program must hold a bachelor of science in engineering applied sciences, or math.
• Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 may be directly admitted in special cases, or they may be encouraged to take several graduate courses as "non-degree-seeking students" to strengthen their background. Good performance in several courses (an average of 3.0 or higher) will lead to reconsideration of applicants. Up to 9 credits taken as a "non-degree-seeking student" may be counted towards a graduate degree.

Program Requirements

• Students must complete a total of 32 credit hours to earn the Master of Science Degree in the School. This includes 30 credits of courses (students may take up to 6 credits of independent study, either Reading and Conference or Applied Project) and 2 credits of seminar.
• Candidates with an undergraduate degree in a field other than Materials Science and Engineering, or a similarly named program, may be required to complete more than 32 semester hours.
• Students are required to prepare a Program of Study (POS) no later than when they complete 50% of their program of study, but it is strongly recommended to file the POS at the end of the first semester. The POS should be approved and signed by academic advisor and head of the academic unit.
• Students must complete a "culminating experience" for completion of the program.

Program of Study

The student's program of study will include 32 semester hours of graduate-level course work including seminar. These courses are divided into the following categories:

A. Core courses

• There are no core courses required. The plan of study is developed in consultation with the advisor.

B. Electives:

• Students must complete a total of 30 credit hours of elective courses (student may elect to take 6 credits of independent study, either MSE593 Applied Project or MSE590 Reading and Conference). Online student can opt to take all lecture courses. Advisement from the MSE faculty advisor is critical in the selection of courses for the degree.

C. Seminar:

• Students must also take two (2) credits of seminar. Online student may substitute seminar with a lecture course.

D. Remedial Courses

Students with deficiencies in any of the following areas are required to complete remedial courses in those areas, in addition to the graduate coursework listed above

• 1. Mathematics and Basic Sciences
  • Mathematics: Calculus through "Partial Differential Equations" (e.g. MAT 270, 271, 272, and 274 typically a total of 15 semester hours of credit total).
  • Physics: One year of calculus-based physics, including laboratory (8 semester hours) and one course in modern physics (3 semester hours).
  • Chemistry: Two semesters of General Chemistry, including laboratory (8 semester hours), and one semester of Physical Chemistry (3 semester hours).
  • Computers: Demonstration of computer literacy through coursework or a diagnostic exam.
• 2. Materials Science and Engineering Fundamentals.

  Depending upon the student's stated intentions to pursue a graduate program with a particular emphasis, the student's supervisory committee may require that the student's undergraduate degree program include any of the following courses, or the equivalent thereof, which provide basic undergraduate fundamentals in materials science engineering. In the event that the student's undergraduate program does not contain those courses identified as required, then those courses may be considered as deficiencies, and the student may be expected to take those courses in addition to the 32 hours of coursework required for the degree.

  • Structure and Properties of Materials (equivalent to MSE 250 or ECE 350)
  • Structure ad Microstructure (equivalent to MSE 355)
  • Physical Metallurgy (equivalent to MSE 420)
  • Thermodynamics of Materials (equivalent to MSE 430)
  • Mechanical Properties of Solids (equivalent to MSE 440)
  • X-ray Diffraction (equivalent to MSE 450)
  • Polymers and Composites (equivalent to MSE 470)
  • Ceramics (equivalent to MSE 471)

Culminating Event

A final examination and/or oral presentation that captures the essence of the master's degree focus and represents a major portion of the student's course work is required for this degree. The examination consists of an overview report and presentation incorporating knowledge gained from the program with integration and reflection of learning as applied to the job. This comprehensive report, typically 20 pages (double-spaced) plus figures, is on a topic of the student's choice but is approved by the faculty supervisory committee. For the distance learning students, a web-based virtual meeting and/or an oral telephone question session can be substituted for the oral presentation.

Thesis Requirement

No thesis is required for this degree