Program Overview

Materials Science and Engineering Curriculum and Degree Requirements

The Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) program at Binghamton University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in materials science and engineering fundamentals, research skills, and scientific communication. This preparation is intended for careers in industry and academia.

Curriculum Overview

MSE students typically complete their coursework during the first year and focus on research in subsequent years. Students are expected to choose a research advisor by the end of their first semester.

Coursework Requirements

All MSE students must complete the following courses, with a grade-point average of at least 3.0 (B).

• Complete one of the following courses in materials structure and properties.
• Complete at least two elective courses, with at least half being MSE courses.

Elective Courses

Additional elective courses recently added to the program include:

• MSE-545X - Intro to Mech of Soft Matter (Credits: 3) This course introduces students to the world of soft materials, including colloids, polymers, gels, foams, and active materials. The goals are to provide a strong understanding of the underlying physics driving emergent mechanical responses and to introduce tools for theoretical modeling and experimental characterization. Modules include:
  • Physics of Solutions, Colloidal Suspensions, and Polymer Melts
  • Mechanics of Polymers and Networked Materials
  • Mechanics of Gels
  • Non-equilibrium Systems: Active Matter and Living Systems Prerequisites: PHYS 131 Gen. Physics I or equivalent, ME 211 Intro. to Solid Mechanics or equivalent, ME 331 Thermodynamics or equivalent, ME 362 Sci. of Engr. Materials or equivalent.
• MSE 580C - Micro/Nanomaterials Processing (Credits: 3) This course covers methodology and procedures for selecting materials and processes at various stages of the design process for mechanical engineering applications, as well as mechanics and materials knowledge used in solving practical problems. Prerequisites: PHYS 131 Gen. Physics I or equivalent, ME 211 Intro. to Solid Mechanics or equivalent, ME 331 Thermodynamics or equivalent, ME 362 Sci. of Engr. Materials or equivalent.
• MSE 581A - Taking Energy Materials Lab/Fab (Credits: 4) Introduction to materials and advanced treatment of selected areas of materials chemistry. May be repeated for credit. Recent topics include x-ray diffraction and reactivity, thermodynamics of solids, polymeric materials, and X-ray diffraction. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
• MSE-581E - Special Topics in Materials (Credits: 4) Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
• MSE-581S - Special Topics in Materials (Credits: 4) Introduction to materials and advanced treatment of selected areas of materials chemistry. May be repeated for credit. Recent topics include x-ray diffraction and reactivity, thermodynamics of solids, polymeric materials, and x-ray diffraction. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Master of Science Requirements

To earn an MS degree, students must complete 30 credits and satisfy the Graduate School residence requirements. There are three options:

• Thesis Option: 24 coursework credits plus research leading to a master's thesis (6 research credits). This includes a public presentation of a seminar on the subject of the thesis and its oral defense.
• Project Option: 26 coursework credits plus research leading to a scholarly written report (4 research credits). This includes a public presentation of a seminar on the subject of the research project and its oral defense.
• Coursework-Only Option: 30 coursework credits.

Further information can be found in the MSE handbook.