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Materials Science - M.S.

Materials Science - M.S.

The M.S. Materials Science program offers a comprehensive curriculum and cutting-edge research opportunities in materials science. With experienced faculty and access to state-of-the-art facilities, you'll be prepared for a successful career in this field.

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Master’s Degree in Materials Science

Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Master’s Degree in Materials Science offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education focused on the study of materials and their applications in various industries. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory experience, covering key areas such as materials characterization, nanotechnology, and biomaterials. Students engage in hands-on research projects, allowing them to explore cutting-edge developments in materials science and engineering. With a strong emphasis on problem-solving and innovation, this degree prepares graduates for advanced roles in research and development, equipping them with the skills needed to address complex challenges in sectors like aerospace, electronics, and healthcare.

Program Information for Materials Science - M.S.

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Science degree in Materials Science provides students with extensive scientific training, cutting-edge research opportunities and engineering skills necessary for a variety of careers in academy and industry. Program faculty and students conduct research through Â鶹ÊÓƵ's participating departments and the Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute. Such research includes liquid crystal synthesis and molecular design; properties of liquid crystals and related advanced materials; lyotropic liquid crystals and bio-related materials; opto-electronics; and nanoscience and nanotechnologies. These important research foci are inherently interdisciplinary.

Admissions for Materials Science - M.S.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 50 PTE score
    • Minimum 100 DET score

Submission of GRE scores (general and subject test in physics or chemistry) is not required, but strongly recommended. Admission will be granted by examination of the student's background on an individual basis. Students from a variety of undergraduate majors—such as physics, chemistry, engineering and materials science—are invited to apply.

1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: January 15
      Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Develop an advanced understanding of the fundamental science of soft materials and ability to apply acquired knowledge of physical and chemical properties of advanced soft materials and devices such as liquid crystals, polymers, colloids and active matter.
  2. Gain experience in presenting scientific data in research publications, articles, posters and oral presentations.
  3. Apply acquired knowledge to the development of new soft materials, new theories and effects and advanced materials such as liquid crystal-based devices.
Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
MTSC 62242CHARACTERIZATION OF SOFT MATTER 3
MTSC 63000PHYSICS OF SOFT MATTER 3
MTSC 63015CHEMISTRY OF SOFT MATTER 3
MTSC 63020APPLICATIONS OF SOFT MATTER 3
Approved Electives, choose from the following:12
BSCI 50158
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
BSCI 50220
BIOINFORMATICS
BSCI 51120
BIOLOGICAL LIGHT MICROSCOPY
CHEM 50352
INORGANIC MATERIALS CHEMISTRY
CHEM 50451
ORGANIC MATERIALS CHEMISTRY
CHEM 50559
NANOMATERIALS
CHEM 50571
SURFACE CHEMISTRY
CHEM 60254
BIOMEMBRANES
CHEM 62691
SEMINAR: INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY
MTSC 60498
RESEARCH
MTSC 62241
STATISTICAL MECHANICS OF SOFT MATTER
MTSC 62249
LABVIEW FOR DATA ACQUISITION AND INSTRUMENT CONTROL
MTSC 62335
ADVANCED LIQUID CRYSTALLINE AND POLYMERIC MATERIALS
MTSC 62450
LIQUID CRYSTAL OPTICS I: THEORY
MTSC 62452
LIQUID CRYSTAL OPTICS II: OPTICAL SYSTEMS
MTSC 62460
LIQUID CRYSTAL MATERIALS SCIENCE
MTSC 62462
LIQUID CRYSTAL SCIENCE: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
MTSC 62640
LIQUID CRYSTAL, POLYMER AND COLLOID COMPOSITES
MTSC 62643
ELECTRO-OPTICS OF LIQUID CRYSTALS: MODELING AND DEVICE DESIGN
MTSC 62647
STRUCTURED FLUIDS
MTSC 62650
COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS SCIENCE
MTSC 62651
NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
MTSC 63010
LYOTROPIC LIQUID CRYSTALS
MTSC 63025
ACTIVE MATTER
MTSC 63100
EMERGING DISPLAY TECHNOLOGIES
MTSC 64491
SEMINAR: LIQUID CRYSTALS
MTSC 64495
SPECIAL TOPICS IN CHEMICAL PHYSICS
MTSC 65006
LIQUID CRYSTAL DEVICE PROTOTYPING
MTSC 65008
LIQUID CRYSTAL DEVICE CONSTRUCTION
MTSC 65032
SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION
PHY 66403
ADVANCED CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
PHY 68401
LIQUID CRYSTAL PHYSICS
Additional courses with advisor approval
Culminating Requirement
MTSC 60199THESIS I 16
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30
1

Candidates selecting to complete the thesis will present and interpret results of original research that must be defended before a committee of the materials science graduate faculty. Upon approval of the thesis topic, the student is required to register continuously for MTSC 60199 each semester for a total of 6 credit hours. A student who has completed the required 6 credit hours of MTSC 60199 but has not finished the thesis is expected, thereafter, to register continuously for MTSC 60299 each semester until all degree requirements are met. No more than 6 credit hours of MTSC 60199 may be counted toward completion of degree requirements. Credit hours earned in MTSC 60299 do not, under any circumstances, count toward the degree.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
Admission Timeline for Fall Admission
  • Applications begin to be accepted in August.
  • Application deadline is January 15th.  We will continue to accept applications past the deadline, they simply have a decreasing chance, the later they arrive, for consideration for admission.
  • Applications reviewed at the end of January. Applications must be complete at time of review for admission consideration.
  • Top applicants interviewed February-March.
  • Begin to send offers mid February.
  • Our application process remains formally open until our entire class is full.
  • Rejection notices are not usually sent until June. 

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Materials Science - M.S.

Graduates of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Master’s Degree in Materials Science are well-equipped for a variety of careers in research, engineering, and product development across multiple industries. They can work as materials scientists, research engineers, or quality assurance specialists in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and biomedical engineering. Their expertise enables them to develop new materials, improve existing products, and ensure compliance with safety and performance standards. Many graduates also pursue roles in academia or governmental research institutions, contributing to innovative projects and advancements in materials technology. Additionally, some may choose to continue their education by pursuing a Ph.D. in materials science or related fields.

Computer and information research scientists

15.4%

much faster than the average

32,700

number of jobs

$126,830

potential earnings

Physical scientists, all other

-3.0%

decline

22,800

number of jobs

$107,210

potential earnings

Physicists

7.3%

faster than the average

18,200

number of jobs

$129,850

potential earnings

Materials scientists

3.4%

about as fast as the average

7,000

number of jobs

$99,460

potential earnings

Biochemists and biophysicists

4.0%

about as fast as the average

34,600

number of jobs

$94,270

potential earnings

Biological scientists, all other

2.2%

slower than the average

44,700

number of jobs

$85,290

potential earnings

Chemists

4.7%

about as fast as the average

86,700

number of jobs

$79,300

potential earnings

Chemical engineers

4.4%

about as fast as the average

32,600

number of jobs

$108,540

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' . Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.