Program Overview

Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering

The master of science in materials science and engineering is one of the highest-rated graduate programs of its kind. With distinguished faculty, acclaimed research centers, and state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms, the program is designed to meet the global demand for analytical and innovative problem solvers by using a transdisciplinary approach to connect fundamental science, driven by curiosity and the thrill of discovery.

Why Northwestern?

• Join our internationally recognized materials community
• Consistently ranked in the top 5 programs in the nation according to US News and World Report
• Highly cited researchers: Seven faculty rank in the top 1% of citations in materials science and chemistry according to Clarivate
• National academy memberships: 20+ among many other awards

Curriculum

• Students may earn their degree on a full-time or part-time basis
• Full-time students typically complete their degree in 3-4 quarters of study
• Coursework: The MS degree requires 12 graduate level courses. Eight of the 12 must be in materials science, of which five must be 400-level courses. The remaining four courses may be in other science and engineering disciplines
• Specializations: Offered in areas including nanomaterials; electronic materials; and materials for energy generation, storage, and sustainability
• Research: Although our MS program is course-based, students can still participate in research by enrolling in an independent study course to work with faculty members on research projects

Research Areas

• Art Conservation Science
• Biomaterials
• Composites
• Energy
• Magnetic Materials
• Materials for Electronics and Photonics
• Materials Synthesis and Processing
• Materials Theory, Computation, and Design
• Metals
• Nanomaterials
• Polymers
• Self-Assembly
• Surfaces and Interfaces

Other Opportunities

• Complete a complementary program: Supplement your major field of study with a minor or training program to build skills in a complementary area
  • Minors:
    • Engineering Management
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Scientific Computing
  • Other programs:
    • Chemistry of Life Processes Training Program
    • Translational Medicine Program
• Network and relationships beyond classrooms and labs: MSE graduate students engage in student organizations, activities, and communities across campus
  • Materials Science Alliance for an Inclusive Community (MATSAIC)
  • Materials Science Student Association (MSSA)
  • Materials Science Umbrella Society (MSUS)
• Join our diverse community close to a global city: Among top engineering schools, McCormick is highly ranked in our percentage of female and underrepresented minority students

Career Paths

• At Northwestern, you’ll have opportunities to participate in laboratory research experience, teaching, and conferences and workshops
• Alumni have become leaders in academia by continuing on to doctoral studies, while others move into industry, professional organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures
• Our graduates typically work in a variety of fields including:
  • Health Care
  • Information Technologies
  • Energy

Faculty Insights

• Success required focusing on the most important problems in my field, finding the right questions to ask and convincing the world, with just a bit of fanfare, that I could solve those problems
• Learn more about Sossina Haile, Professor

Program Details

• The master of science in materials science and engineering is designed to provide students with a transdisciplinary perspective for connecting fundamental science
• The program is led by distinguished faculty and acclaimed research centers
• State-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms provide students with hands-on experience
• The program is designed to meet the global demand for analytical and innovative problem solvers
• Students can participate in research by enrolling in an independent study course to work with faculty members on research projects
• Students have easy access to research partners such as Argonne National Laboratory
• The program offers specializations in areas including nanomaterials, electronic materials, and materials for energy generation, storage, and sustainability
• The program provides students with opportunities to participate in laboratory research experience, teaching, and conferences and workshops
• Alumni have become leaders in academia, industry, professional organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures
• The program is highly ranked in the nation according to US News and World Report
• The program has highly cited researchers and national academy memberships among its faculty
• The program provides students with a diverse community close to a global city
• The program has a strong focus on interdisciplinary research, creating one of the broadest MSE programs and providing ample opportunities to participate in cross-disciplinary research.