Materials Science and Engineering Major, MS

Thesis Option

A total of 30 hours is required for the MS with a major in materials science and engineering. Additional requirements include the following.

• A major consisting of 12 hours of graduate courses in materials science and engineering consisting of MSE 511 , MSE 512 , MSE 513 , and MSE 514 .
• Additional courses up to 12 hours total in related areas. These courses must include MSE 515  and MSE 516  for the metallurgy concentration; MSE 539 , MSE 540 , and MSE 552  for the polymers concentration; two graduate specialization courses approved by the student’s faculty committee for the materials concentration; two courses from the approved nanomaterials specialization list for the nanomaterials concentration; and two courses from the approved specialization list for the biomaterials concentration.
• Master’s thesis MSE 500 , totaling 6 to 12 hours.
• Satisfactory performance on a comprehensive oral examination administered by the faculty committee.

All resident students are required to participate in the graduate seminar in materials science and engineering, as appropriate, during each semester in which it is offered. Three hours of MSE 503  may be counted toward degree requirements.

Non-Thesis Option

Any candidate may apply for a non-thesis option. Upon acceptance, a supervisory committee of three will be appointed. At least two members of the committee will be from the faculty in the major area. The requirements for completion of the non-thesis option are as follows.

• Completion of a total of 30 hours of graduate course work. At least 18 of those hours must be in the department and include MSE 511 , MSE 512 , MSE 513 , and MSE 514 . Up to 12 hours may be in related areas. Three hours of MSE 503  may be counted toward degree requirements. The non-thesis option for all concentrations must include the same courses required for the thesis option. The faculty committee must approve the candidate’s degree program.
• Satisfactory completion of MSE 580  as a culminating experience. This course shall include a comprehensive examination administered by the faculty committee.