Master of Science / Master of Engineering

The combined degrees of a MS in Materials Engineering (either Thesis or Independent Study Option) along with a BS in Materials Engineering or affiliated field may be achieved in five years.

For students in MATE or METE BS programs, a minimum of 158 credit hours are required to complete the combined (BS+MS) degree. For students in affiliated BS programs, there are commensurate requirements.

Students graduating with a BS in Materials Engineering must include a minimum of 6 credit hours of approved upper‐ division or graduate course work from other departments in the above list, as part of the general breadth requirements for the MS degree. The breadth requirement may be waived for non‐materials students, but they are highly encouraged to take all courses towards their MS degree in Materials Engineering. The student must select courses in close consultation with the MS advising committee and research work should be directed towards a publication. Students for the 5‐year program must apply for graduate standing, normally in their 6th semester.

Admission is contingent upon their having a 3.0 GPA and the acceptance of their proposed course of study. Students with upper division standing may apply, but admittance into the program will be conditional. Graduate admission will be contingent upon adherence to the approved programs of study and a 3.0 minimum overall cumulative GPA. Graduate status will be granted upon fulfillment of the requirements for the BS degree.

Students must fulfill all the requirements for their BS program and complete the following additional requirements:

• A minimum of 12 credit hours of 500 level courses;
• 9 additional credit hours of upper or 500 level courses that may include no more than 3 credit hours of MATE 491 (directed study),
• 2 credit hours of MATE 592, and
• 6 credit hours of MATE 591 (Thesis) that will be defended in a public oral defense.
• Any aditional requirement needed to full-fill the M.S. degree as listed below under Master of Science (with Thesis)

Students will be able to:

1. Critically assess the literature.
2. Effectively engage in written dissemination of technical findings and conclusions
3. Effectively engage in oral dissemination of technical findings and conclusions
4. Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in Materials Engineering.
5. Find professional employment shortly after graduation.

Full time graduate students must formalize an advisory committee that will consist of an academic advisor from the department and at least two additional members. The selection of an advisor must be completed by the end of the first semester while the remaining members of the committee along with thesis topic must be decided by the end of the second semester. Department faculty must not be in the minority in the committee. Part time or DE students must formalize their advisor by the time they complete 12 credits. The student must meet with his or her committee at least once per year.

a)  At least 24 credit hours of coursework that must include: (i) a minimum of 12 credit hours of 500 level courses, and (ii) at least 6 hours of upper level (300+) courses outside the Materials Department, unless the student is from a non‐ Materials background. No more than 3 hours of MATE 581 Directed Study.

b)  6 credit hours of MATE 591 (Thesis) that will be defended in a public oral defense. Students may take MATE 500 (Directed Research) in multiple semesters but the credits may not count toward their degree requirements. Graduate students must take MATE 592 each semester offered. The student may appeal to their advisory committee for possible exception.

Courses must be approved by the advisory committee, and the research should be directed toward a journal publication. Students must inform faculty advisors in advance regarding courses that they plan to take in the following semester.

Students are required to write a thesis proposal (or independent study proposal) and defend it in a public oral defense before the advisory committee at least one full semester (fall or spring) before the final defense.

The final thesis must be successfully defended in a public oral defense before the advisory committee.

Students will be able to:

1. Critically assess the literature.
2. Effectively engage in written dissemination of technical findings and conclusions 
3. Effectively engage in oral dissemination of technical findings and conclusions 
4. Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in Materials Engineering.
5. Find professional employment shortly after graduation. 

The Master of Engineering degree is a coursework-only option for students seeking a non-research-based advanced degree focused on satisfying the needs of practicing engineers. Students selecting the Master of Engineering option must complete two additional three credit elective course (total of 30 course credits vs. 24 course credits and 6 thesis credits for the Master of Science Option). Students must take MATE 592 each semester offered (for a maximum of two times). Students may appeal to their advisory committee for possible exception. 

 At least 30 credit hours of course work that must include: (i) a minimum of 15 credit hours of 500 level courses and (ii) at least 6 hours of upper level (300+) courses outside the Materials Department, the requirement that these courses be outside the Materials Department may be waived if the student is from a non‐materials background. No more than 3 hours of MATE 581 Directed Study is permitted.
The student must work with his/her faculty advisor in advance regarding courses that they plan to take in the following semester to meet the requirements as set by the departmental Master of Engineering Graduate Committee.
Students must take MATE 592 each semester offered (for a maximum of two times). Students may appeal to their advisory committee for possible exception.

Students will be able to:

1. Critically assess the literature.
2. Effectively engage in written dissemination of technical findings and conclusions 
3. Effectively engage in oral dissemination of technical findings and conclusions 
4. Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in Materials Engineering.
5. Find professional employment shortly after graduation.