Program Overview
The MS Materials Engineering program at the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering offers advanced study in materials engineering, with a focus on both fundamental and applied aspects. It adopts a multidisciplinary approach, offering specialization areas in semiconductor processing, polymers, ceramics, structural materials, and biomaterials. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of materials engineering principles and their applications, preparing them for success in various industries and in pursuing doctoral studies.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Overview: The MS Materials Engineering program offered by the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering provides advanced study in materials engineering, with a focus on both fundamental and applied aspects. It adopts a multidisciplinary approach, offering specialization areas in semiconductor processing, polymers, ceramics, structural materials, and biomaterials.
- Objectives: The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of materials engineering principles and their applications, preparing them for success in various industries, including leading Silicon Valley companies, and in pursuing doctoral studies.
Outline:
- Program Content: The program covers a wide range of topics in materials engineering, including:
- Electronic and magnetic materials
- Nanomaterials
- Energy materials
- Structural materials
- Computations
- Polymers
- Composites
- Biomaterials
- Course Schedule: Classes are designed for the convenience of employed engineers who wish to pursue graduate work part-time.
- Individual Modules: The program offers a variety of courses in each of the specialization areas, as well as elective courses in science, business, and other engineering fields. Some of the core courses include:
- Research Methods
- Advanced Mechanical Behavior of Solids
- Solid State Materials Engineering
- Advanced Methods of Materials Characterization
- Advanced Solid State Thermodynamics
- Graduate Research Internship
- MS Thesis/Project Preparation Seminar
Assessment:
- Assessment Methods: Students are assessed through various methods, including:
- Coursework assignments
- Exams
- Project reports
- Oral presentations
- Thesis or project defense
- Assessment Criteria: Students must achieve a minimum grade of "C" in each course and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better to be eligible for the degree.
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Problem-solving exercises
- Hands-on laboratory work
- Research projects
- Faculty: The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are actively involved in research in their respective areas of expertise.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in a wide range of industries, including:
- Semiconductor industry
- Biomedical industry
- Energy industry
- Aerospace industry
- Automotive industry
- Advanced materials manufacturing
- Research and development
- Opportunities and Outcomes: The program has a proven track record of preparing students for successful careers in these fields. Graduates have gone on to become leaders in their respective industries and have made significant contributions to the advancement of materials engineering.
Entry Requirements:
Students can be admitted with conditionally classified standing if they have a MATE degree from a US accredited university in which they obtained a 2.7-2.99 GPA in the last 60 units; a MATE degree from a non-US institution; or if they have a BS degree in a related discipline, such as chemical engineering, chemistry, biology, or physics from an accredited institution. Students with conditionally classified standing will take a series of transition courses. Once these are completed satisfactorily, students can petition from classified standing. For more information on the transition courses, see the department website.
