Program Overview

Materials Science and Engineering

Brown University’s one or two-year, on-campus master’s in materials science and engineering empowers you to revolutionize industries by designing, creating, and manufacturing materials that drive innovation.

Program Overview

The master's in materials science and engineering prepares you to develop innovative solutions for complex industrial and technological challenges. Whether you aspire to engineer next-generation semiconductors for quantum computing, create sustainable biomaterials for medical implants, or design ultra-lightweight composites for aerospace applications, this program will help you achieve your career goals.

Program Structure

This Master of Science (Sc.M.) program offers options to customize your intellectual and practical experiences:

• Part-time or full-time study
• Interdisciplinary coursework
• Research engagement and thesis completion
• Experiential learning experiences

Curriculum

The interdisciplinary curriculum provides you with both the expertise to practice your profession as well as the foundation necessary to collaborate with the engineers who will use the materials that you develop. The program’s flexibility enables you to craft a unique learning experience that aligns with your interests through a broad range of topics:

• Biomaterials
• Ceramics
• Metals
• Polymers
• Composites
• Electronic materials
• Energy materials
• Thin films

Experiential Learning

Along with the coursework, you’ll have opportunities to engage in experiential learning with industry partners and research in Brown’s state-of-the-art facilities in microscopy, materials characterization, materials processing, and fabrication.

Application Information

Application Requirements

• GRE Subject: Not Required
• GRE General: Recommended
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for any non-native English speaker who does not have a degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction or from a University in the following countries: Australia, Bahamas, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada (except Quebec), Ethiopia, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Gambia, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales), West Indies, Zambia
• Official Transcripts: Required
• Letters of Recommendations: Three (3) recommendations required
• Personal Statement: A 1,000-word personal statement that gives your reasons to pursue graduate work in the field of your study
• Resume/CV: Required

Dates/Deadlines

• Priority Deadline: February 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
• 5th Year Deadline: May 1, 2026

Tuition and Funding

Graduate Tuition & Fees: Please visit the Student Financial Services Office for up-to-date tuition rates. The program offers limited need-based assistance in the form of tuition scholarships. These scholarships are evaluated on financial need as a need basis and are determined through the submission of a FAFSA form for US students or a CSS profile for international students.

Completion Requirements

Non-thesis Students take a total of eight courses to satisfy the degree requirements. Students are expected to complete this program option in three semesters, taking three courses in the first and second semesters, and two courses in the third semester.

Thesis Students take a total of eight courses, including independent reading and research courses. Students are expected to complete this program option in four semesters, taking three courses in the first semester, two in the second and third semesters, and one in the fourth semester. Students can switch between degree options during the program for greater flexibility. Students interested in pursuing the thesis option usually identify a faculty advisor during their first or second semester at Brown.

Professional Non-thesis and thesis students can also complete the professional track. In addition to the above requirements, a paid or unpaid experiential learning experience of three to six months is a required component of the professional track. Experiential learning can include a summer internship or completion of ENGN 2960 (Experiential Learning in Industry (ELI)) as an elective course. Assistance in obtaining internships will be provided by the School of Engineering and the Center for Master’s Student Excellence.

Leadership

• Dean of Engineering: Tejal Desai
• Associate Dean of Educational Initiatives: Celinda Kofron
• Academic Director: Lucas Caretta

Additional Information

Brown undergraduates can apply to this program as a fifth-year master’s degree.