Program Overview

Master of Science in Engineering at the Nano-scale

The Master of Science in Engineering at the Nano-scale is a one-year, non-thesis master's degree program that combines an interdisciplinary foundation in nanoscience and nanoengineering with significant hands-on nanofabrication experiences. This residence-based M.S. is a 30-credit program, requiring completion of a scholarly paper. It is ideally suited for individuals with bachelor's degrees in science and most engineering fields, who are planning to pursue careers in areas such as biomedicine, aerospace, electronics, information technology, manufacturing, and advanced materials.

Course Requirements

Students seeking the one-year, residence-based M.S. degree in Engineering at the Nano-scale will start their degree in the fall semester and are expected to complete all required coursework, including three credits of research, resulting in a scholarly paper, and their degree by the end of the following summer semester.

• The plan of study is as follows:
  • Fall Semester:
    • Take 9 credits of Core courses
    • Take 3 credits of Elective courses
    • Take 1 credit of E SC 596-Individual Studies
    • Identify adviser (no later than the end of September)
  • Spring Semester:
    • Take 6 credits of Core courses
    • Take 6 credits of Elective courses
    • Take 1 credit of E SC 596-Individual Studies
    • Submit title and one-page proposal on individual study research by spring break
  • Summer Semester:
    • Take 3 credits of Elective courses
    • Take 1 credit of E SC 596-Individual Studies
    • Submit final scholarly paper

Credits

• Core Courses: 15 credits
• Elective Courses: 12 credits
• Individual Studies (Research): 3 credits
• Total: 30 credits

Course Outline

Required Courses:

• E SC 412: Nanotechnology: Materials, Infrastructure, and Safety (Fall) (3 cr.)
• E SC 520: Engineering at the Nano-scale (Fall) (3 cr.)
• E SC 521: Pattern Transfer at the Nano-scale (Fall) (3 cr.)
• E SC 522: Fabrication and Characterization for Top-down Nano-manufacturing (Spring) (3 cr.)
• E SC 523: Fabrication and Characterization for Bottom-up Nano-manufacturing (Spring) (3 cr.)

Elective Courses:

Electives may be customized to complete emphases in: (1) energy, (2) electronics and photonics, and (3) nanomaterials; or to explore cutting-edge topics such as bionanotechnology, nanomechanics, and smart nanostructures.

• E SC 414M: Elements of Material Engineering
• E SC 445: Semiconductor Optoelectronic Devices
• E SC 450: (MATSE 450) Synthesis and Processing of Electronic and Photonic Materials
• E SC 481: Elements of Nano/Micro-electromechanical Systems Processing and Design
• E SC 482: Micro-optoelectromechanical Systems (MOEMS) and Nanophotonics
• E SC 483: Simulation and Design of Nanostructures
• E SC 484: Biologically Inspired Nanomaterials
• BIOE 512: Cell and Molecular Bioengineering
• CHEM 511: Chemical Nanoscience
• E SC 501: Solar Cell Devices
• E SC 502: Semiconductor Heterojunctions and Applications
• E SC 511: Engineering Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage
• E SC 541: Laser-Materials Interactions
• E SC 542: Laser-Integrated Manufacturing
• E SC 550: Power Semiconductor Devices
• E SC 551: High-Power Energy Storage
• E SC 577: Engineered Thin Films
• E SC 581: Microelectromechanical Systems/Smart Structures
• E SC 582: Micro- and Nano-Structured Light Emitting Devices
• E SC 583: Micro- and Nano-Optoelectronic Devices and Applications
• E SC 584: Introduction to Bio-Architecture
• E MCH 543: Shape Memory, Smart Materials and Mechanical Behavior
• E MCH 544: Multiscale Modeling and Materials
• E MCH 545: Nanomechanics

Scholarly Paper Requirements

The topic of the scholarly paper will be determined by the M.S. NANO program director and the student. The scholarly paper must demonstrate the student's capability to integrate and apply concepts and techniques learned in the courses, and thereby, demonstrate the technical, environmental, ethical, and safety knowledge needed to practice engineering at the nano-scale.

Application Criteria

• Bachelor of Science Degree: Prior to starting the program, all applicants must have obtained a baccalaureate degree or equivalent in engineering, science, or a related field from an accredited U.S. university or institution or an officially recognized degree-granting international institution.
• GPA: GPA expectations for applicants are: 3.0 or higher. Scores below the minimum value may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
• Letters of Reference: Three letters of recommendation should be submitted with the completed application.
• Résumé:
• Statement of Intent: Please tell us why you want to pursue an advanced degree in engineering science and mechanics and how it will help you further your career objectives.
• Copies of Transcripts: Transcripts must show all previous coursework.