Program Overview

Master of Science in Materials Science

The Master of Science in Materials Science program offers two options: a thesis and a non-thesis track. Both tracks require a total of 30 credits.

Degree Requirements for Master of Science with Thesis

The thesis track consists of 24 credit hours of coursework and 6 credits of thesis work on a research topic approved by the advisor.

• Required Core Courses (9 credits):
  • MSEG608 – Structure and Properties of Materials I (3 credits)
  • MSEG803 – Equilibria in Materials Systems (3 credits)
  • MSEG804 – Kinetics in Materials Systems (3 credits)
• Required Non-Core Courses (6-15 credits): Choose a minimum of two from the following four courses. If more than two are taken, they can count as electives.
  • MSEG640 – Applied Quantum Mechanics I (3 credits)
  • MSEG841 – Solid State Materials I (3 credits)
  • MSEG832 – Principles of Polymer Synthesis (3 credits)
  • MSEG835 – Polymer Physics (3 credits)
• Technical Elective Courses (9 credits): Elective courses are chosen after discussion with the student's research advisor and are usually related to the student's area of research. Students can choose 600-800 level technical courses from any of the departments within the College of Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry.
• Master's Thesis Requirements (6 credits):
  • MSEG869 – Master's Thesis (6 credits)
  • A thesis containing original results of the student's research effort must be presented to and approved by the student's research advisor and the Department Chairperson
• Additional Requirements:
  • Must take four 800-level courses to earn the degree.
  • Students must earn a grade of B- or higher in all courses counting towards the degree requirement. The University requires graduate students to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to earn their degree.
  • Attend departmental seminars.

Degree Requirements for Master of Science with Non-Thesis

The non-thesis track consists of 30 credit hours of coursework.

• Required Core Courses (9 credits):
  • MSEG608 – Structure and Properties of Materials I (3 credits)
  • MSEG803 – Equilibria in Materials Systems (3 credits)
  • MSEG804 – Kinetics in Materials Systems (3 credits)
• Required Non-Core Courses (6-15 credits): Choose a minimum of two from the following four courses. If more than two are taken, they can count as electives.
  • MSEG640 – Applied Quantum Mechanics I (3 credits)
  • MSEG841 – Solid State Materials I (3 credits)
  • MSEG832 – Principles of Polymer Synthesis (3 credits)
  • MSEG835 – Polymer Physics (3 credits)
• Technical Elective Courses (9 credits): Elective courses are chosen after discussion with the student's research advisor and are usually related to the student's area of research. Students can choose 600-800 level technical courses from any of the departments within the College of Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Must take four 800-level courses to earn the degree.
  • Students must earn a grade of B- or higher in all courses counting towards the degree requirement. The University requires graduate students to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to earn their degree.
  • Attend departmental seminars.