The materials science master's degree combines science, engineering, and sustainability to contribute solutions to challenges facing fields as diverse as energy, medicine, clothing, and sporting equipment.

In the materials science master's degree you'll receive a serious interdisciplinary learning experience in materials studies, crossing over the traditional boundaries of such classical disciplines like chemistry, physics, and engineering.

The objectives of the materials science degree are threefold:

• With the advent of new classes of materials and instruments, the traditional practice of empiricism in the search for and selection of materials is rapidly becoming obsolete. Therefore, the program offers a serious interdisciplinary learning experience in materials studies, crossing over the traditional boundaries of such classical disciplines like chemistry, physics, and electrical, mechanical, and microelectronic engineering.
• The program provides extensive experimental courses in diverse areas of materials-related studies.
• The program explores avenues for introducing greater harmony between industrial expansion and academic training.

Materials Science and Engineering Master’s Courses

The materials science degree includes three required core courses, graduate electives, and either a thesis or project.

Courses: The core courses are specially designed to establish a common base of materials-oriented knowledge for students with baccalaureate degrees in chemistry, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, and related disciplines.

There also is an emphasis on experimental techniques, with one required experimental course as part of the curriculum. This aspect of the masters in materials science will enhance your confidence when dealing with materials-related problems.

Electives: Elective courses may be selected from advanced courses offered by the School of Chemistry and Materials Science or, upon approval, from courses offered by other RIT graduate programs. Elective courses are scheduled on a periodic basis. Transfer credit may be awarded based on academic background beyond the bachelor’s degree or by examination, based on experience.

Thesis/Project: Choose to complete a thesis or a project as the conclusion to your program. If you pursue the thesis option, you will take four graduate electives, complete nine credit hours of research, and produce a thesis paper. Alternatively, the project option includes six graduate electives and a 3 credit hour project.

Part-Time Study: The materials science degree offers courses in the late afternoon and evenings to encourage practicing scientists and engineers to pursue the program without interrupting their employment. (This may not apply to courses offered off campus at selected industrial sites.) Students employed full time are normally limited to a maximum of two courses, or 6 credit hours, each semester. If you wish to register for more than 6 credit hours, then you must obtain the permission of your advisor.

Materials Science and Engineering (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
MTSE-601    Materials Science    3
MTSE-704    Theoretical Methods in Materials Science and Engineering    3
MTSE-705    Experimental Techniques    3
MTSE-790    Research & Thesis    6
     
Graduate Electives
12
Second Year
MTSE-790    Research & Thesis    3
Total Semester Credit Hours    
30
Materials Science and Engineering (project option), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
MTSE-601    Materials Science    3
MTSE-704    Theoretical Methods in Materials Science and Engineering    3
MTSE-705    Experimental Techniques    3
MTSE-777    Graduate Project    3
     
Graduate Electives
15
Second Year
     
Graduate Elective
3
Total Semester Credit Hours    
30
Electives
Course
MTSE-602    Polymer Science
MTSE-617    Material Degradation
MTSE-632    Solid State Science
MTSE-704    Theoretical Methods in Materials Science and Engineering
MTSE-780    Theory of Microsensors and Actuators
MTSE-799    Independent Study

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS program in materials science and engineering, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for information on application deadlines, entry terms, and more.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of recommendation are required. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• Not all programs require the submission of scores from entrance exams (GMAT or GRE). Please refer to the Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements page for more information.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit official test scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for additional information on English requirements. International applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver. Refer to Additional Requirements for International Applicants to review waiver eligibility.

Candidates not meeting the general requirements may petition for admission to the program. In such cases, it may be suggested that the necessary background courses be taken at the undergraduate level. However, undergraduate credits that make up deficiencies may not be counted toward the master’s degree.

Any student who wishes to study at the graduate level must first be admitted to the program. However, an applicant may be permitted to take graduate courses as a nonmatriculated student if they meet the general requirements mentioned above.

Tuition fee-2 years1,06,000

Total fee-2 years1,44,000