PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Materials Science and Engineering
Master's · Taught in en · UCAS MATSC
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Ph.D., M.S., and Dual-Title Ph.D. options availableDegrees Offered
- Research in areas like biomaterials, nanotechnology, and energy applicationsResearch Focus
- Interdisciplinary study across science and engineering departmentsCurriculum Flexibility
The Intercollege Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering at Penn State offers comprehensive graduate education focusing on the fundamental relationships between material synthesis, structure, properties, and performance. Our faculty have diverse research interests spanning biomaterials, ceramics, composites, computational materials science, electronic and photonic materials, metals, nanostructured materials, polymers, and soft materials. Students can tailor their studies to focus on key areas such as materials for energy applications, nanotechnology, materials in medicine, and materials for communication and sensor applications, by combining core MATSE courses with a wide range of materials-related courses from other science and engineering departments.
Curriculum
The program offers both Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. A master's degree is not required for doctoral admission. Course requirements can be tailored to individual student and advisor needs, in consultation with the Ph.D. committee.
- M.S. - Year 1 (Fall/Spring)
- Thermodynamics of MaterialsMATSE 501
- Principles of Crystal ChemistryMATSE 512
- Polymeric Materials: The Solid StateMATSE 542
- Kinetics of Materials ProcessesMATSE 503
- Materials Science and Engineering Professional DevelopmentMATSE 582
- ColloquiumMATSE 590
- Thesis Research (if applicable)MATSE 600
- Individual Studies (if applicable)MATSE 596
- M.S. - Year 2 (Summer - Non-Thesis Option)
- Individual StudiesMATSE 596
- Ph.D. Core Requirements
- Thermodynamics of MaterialsMATSE 501
- Kinetics of Materials ProcessesMATSE 503
- Principles of Crystal ChemistryMATSE 512
- ColloquiumMATSE 590
- Materials Science and Engineering Professional DevelopmentMATSE 582
Careers
Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in materials science and engineering.
- Materials Scientist
- Materials Engineer
- Researcher
- Product Developer
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Materials Science and Engineering master's program?
- Applicants need a baccalaureate degree in physical sciences or engineering with a Junior/Senior grade point average of 3.2/4.0 or higher.
- What are the tuition fees for international students in the Materials Science and Engineering program?
- Tuition fees for non-Pennsylvania residents can be found on the university's tuition schedules. These fees apply regardless of instructional mode.
- How long does the Materials Science and Engineering master's program typically take to complete?
- The M.S. program generally requires one year of coursework followed by a thesis or individual studies. The Ph.D. program has core requirements and a qualifying examination.
- What supporting documents are needed for an international student application?
- International applicants must submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE scores (encouraged), and English proficiency test scores like TOEFL or IELTS.
- What are the application deadlines for the Materials Science and Engineering program?
- The graduate application opens on June 15. The deadline for Ph.D. applications is December 15, and the deadline for M.S. applications is March 1.
- What kind of careers can graduates pursue after completing this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles as Materials Scientists, Materials Engineers, Researchers, and Product Developers in the field.
Entry requirements
Baccalaureate DegreeIn physical sciences or engineering with a Junior/Senior grade point average of 3.2/4.0 or higher.
TOEFL/IELTSRequired for international applicants (specific scores not listed)
Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores are encouraged but not required. Admission to the Ph.D. program is contingent upon passing a qualifying exam.
Fees
Tuition (international)See university tuition schedules for non-Pennsylvania residents.
Tuition (home)See university tuition schedules for Pennsylvania residents.
LivingNot specified.
Tuition and fees apply regardless of instructional mode and will not be refunded if the mode changes.
How to apply
1. Review Program RequirementsFamiliarize yourself with the specific admission requirements for both M.S. and Ph.D. programs, including academic and English proficiency standards.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE scores (if submitting), and any other required documents. International applicants must also prepare English proficiency test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
3. Complete the Online ApplicationAccess the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School application for admission and complete all sections accurately.
4. Submit Application and Supporting DocumentsSubmit the online application by the relevant deadline. Ensure all supporting materials, including transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters, are submitted.
5. Ph.D. Qualifying ExaminationFor Ph.D. applicants, admission is contingent upon passing a qualifying examination administered by a graduate qualifying exam committee.
Accreditation
The program is part of Penn State's Graduate School, adhering to Graduate Council policies.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the Materials Science and Engineering master's program?
+
Applicants need a baccalaureate degree in physical sciences or engineering with a Junior/Senior grade point average of 3.2/4.0 or higher.
What are the tuition fees for international students in the Materials Science and Engineering program?
+
Tuition fees for non-Pennsylvania residents can be found on the university's tuition schedules. These fees apply regardless of instructional mode.
How long does the Materials Science and Engineering master's program typically take to complete?
+
The M.S. program generally requires one year of coursework followed by a thesis or individual studies. The Ph.D. program has core requirements and a qualifying examination.
What supporting documents are needed for an international student application?
+
International applicants must submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE scores (encouraged), and English proficiency test scores like TOEFL or IELTS.
What are the application deadlines for the Materials Science and Engineering program?
+
The graduate application opens on June 15. The deadline for Ph.D. applications is December 15, and the deadline for M.S. applications is March 1.
What kind of careers can graduates pursue after completing this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles as Materials Scientists, Materials Engineers, Researchers, and Product Developers in the field.