NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Materials Science and Engineering
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
Northwestern University's Department of Materials Science and Engineering, the first of its kind globally, offers graduate programs leading to Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. The program focuses on diverse areas within materials science, including nanomaterials, biomaterials, electronic materials, metals, ceramics, and polymers. Research and applications span across energy, sustainability, medicine, and additive manufacturing. The department emphasizes strong interdisciplinary and collaborative research, working with other engineering and science departments, the Feinberg School of Medicine, and national laboratories like Argonne National Laboratory.
Curriculum
The program requires a specific number of course units, with a distinction made between MS and PhD requirements. Both degrees involve a combination of departmental courses, electives, and research.
- MS
- Departmental courses (must be 400-level, excluding 499)
- Elective courses (including courses from other departments)
- Dual MS (Northwestern-SJTU)
- MAT_SCI 590-0 ResearchMAT_SCI 590-0
- Advanced graduate-level courses (300 and 400 level)
- 400-level Materials Science and Engineering courses (minimum)
- PhD
- Chemical & Statistical Thermodynamics of MaterialsMAT_SCI 401-0
- Structure of Crystalline and Noncrystalline MaterialsMAT_SCI 402-0
- Fundamentals of Soft MatterMAT_SCI 404-1
- Imperfections in MaterialsMAT_SCI 404-2
- Physics of SolidsMAT_SCI 405-0
- Mechanical Properties of MaterialsMAT_SCI 406-0
- Phase Transformations in MaterialsMAT_SCI 408-0
- Responsible Conduct for Research TrainingGEN_ENG 519-0
- Departmental Electives
- Electives
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic requirements for the MS in Materials Science and Engineering?
- The MS program requires 12 total units: 8 units of departmental courses (with 5 at the 400-level, excluding 499) and 4 units of elective courses.
- What is the application deadline for the Materials Science and Engineering graduate program?
- The application deadline for Fall admission is December 1st at 5 PM CST. Applications for the next cycle open in September.
- Do I need to prove English proficiency?
- Yes, if English is not your native language, you must provide certification of your English language proficiency as part of your application.
- What documents are needed for the application?
- You will need to submit the online application form, academic and personal statements, 2-3 letters of recommendation, original transcripts from all previously attended universities, a resume/CV, and proof of English proficiency if applicable.
- How long is the MS program and what are the course requirements?
- The MS program requires 12 course units, consisting of 8 units of departmental courses and 4 units of electives. The duration for completing these units is not specified.
- Where can I find information about tuition and fees?
- For specific tuition rates, please refer to the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science and The Graduate School tuition pages. For billing and cost of attendance, contact Student Finance or the Financial Aid Office.
Entry requirements
MS Degree12 total units required: 8 units of departmental courses (5 must be 400-level, excluding 499) and 4 units of elective courses.
Dual MS Degree (Northwestern-SJTU)12 total units required: 3 units of MAT_SCI 590-0 Research, and 9 units of advanced (graduate level) 300 and 400-level courses, with a minimum of 6 units from materials science and engineering (5 must be 400-level). Remaining courses can be in other technical disciplines.
PhD Degree12 total units required (up to 6 units credit can be given for an MS degree). Includes specific core courses like MAT_SCI 401-0, 402-0, 404-1, 404-2, 405-0, 406-0, 408-0, GEN_ENG 519-0, 2 units of Departmental Electives, and 4 units of Electives (excluding 499-0 Projects).
PhD candidates must also pass a preliminary evaluation based on research progress and coursework, a qualifying examination on proposed dissertation research, and a final public oral defense of their dissertation. Attendance of research seminars and a minimum of two quarters as a teaching assistant or grader are also required for the PhD.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science and The Graduate School tuition pages for specific graduate tuition rates. Exact figures are not provided for this program.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science and The Graduate School tuition pages for specific graduate tuition rates. Exact figures are not provided for this program.
LivingInformation on housing and meal plans can be found on the Graduate Housing and Northwestern Dining websites.
Contact Student Finance for questions about tuition, fees, or billing. For full cost of attendance, consult your Financial Aid Office.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online ApplicationAccess the online application form through The Graduate School's website.
2. Submit Application EssaysPrepare and submit an Academic Statement and a Personal Statement as part of your online application.
3. Provide Letters of RecommendationArrange for 2-3 letters of recommendation to be submitted.
4. Submit TranscriptsProvide original transcripts from all previously attended universities.
5. Upload Resume/CVInclude your current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
6. Certify English ProficiencyIf English is not your native language, you must provide certification of your English language proficiency.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic requirements for the MS in Materials Science and Engineering?
+
The MS program requires 12 total units: 8 units of departmental courses (with 5 at the 400-level, excluding 499) and 4 units of elective courses.
What is the application deadline for the Materials Science and Engineering graduate program?
+
The application deadline for Fall admission is December 1st at 5 PM CST. Applications for the next cycle open in September.
Do I need to prove English proficiency?
+
Yes, if English is not your native language, you must provide certification of your English language proficiency as part of your application.
What documents are needed for the application?
+
You will need to submit the online application form, academic and personal statements, 2-3 letters of recommendation, original transcripts from all previously attended universities, a resume/CV, and proof of English proficiency if applicable.
How long is the MS program and what are the course requirements?
+
The MS program requires 12 course units, consisting of 8 units of departmental courses and 4 units of electives. The duration for completing these units is not specified.
Where can I find information about tuition and fees?
+
For specific tuition rates, please refer to the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science and The Graduate School tuition pages. For billing and cost of attendance, contact Student Finance or the Financial Aid Office.