COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Applied Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute requires students to complete 30 credit hours, with at least half of the courses at the 6000 level. Of these, a minimum of 15 credit hours must be taken within the School of Science and include advanced 6000-level courses, ensuring a strong foundation in scientific and technical knowledge. The program offers a wide array of concentration options, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific professional goals or interdisciplinary interests. Examples of concentrations include analytical and environmental chemistry, applied groundwater science, biochemistry/biophysics, bioinformatics, chemistry and entrepreneurship, database management systems, microelectronics manufacturing, optimization and statistics, parallel and scientific computation, photonics, polymer science and engineering, and software engineering. The curriculum is structured to provide flexibility while maintaining depth, typically including two to four core courses that establish the basis for advanced study in a chosen specialization, two to four specialization courses that are fundamental to the field, and two to six elective courses that allow students to focus further within their specialization and develop interdisciplinary skills. This structure ensures graduates are well-prepared to apply advanced scientific knowledge in industrial, governmental, or interdisciplinary contexts, enhancing technical expertise and career readiness in diverse professional settings.