COURSE CURRICULUM

The MS Materials Engineering program requires a total of 30 units and is structured to provide advanced technical knowledge, research training, and hands-on experience in materials science and engineering. The curriculum is divided into core courses, approved electives, and a culminating experience that integrates academic learning with research or professional practice.The core coursework consists of 15 units. Students complete five required courses: Research Methods, Advanced Mechanical Behavior of Solids, Solid State Materials Engineering, Advanced Methods of Materials Characterization, and Advanced Solid State Thermodynamics. These courses build a strong foundation in both theoretical and experimental aspects of materials engineering. They cover key topics such as material properties, structure-performance relationships, thermodynamic principles, and advanced characterization techniques, while also introducing students to research methodologies commonly used in graduate-level engineering.In addition to the core, students must complete 9 units of approved electives selected in consultation with a graduate advisor. At least one elective must be a 200-level technical course. This flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies to specific interests such as nanomaterials, polymers, semiconductors, or energy materials. Research-active students may also be eligible to take MATE 282, which can be repeated for up to 6 units of elective credit under specific conditions.The culminating experience accounts for 6 units and may follow either a thesis or project-based path. Students first complete a Thesis/Project Preparation Seminar followed by Graduate Research or Graduate Research Internship. Finally, they complete one of several capstone options, including MS Research/Project, Master’s Project Internship, Master’s Thesis, or Thesis Internship. These components allow students to apply their knowledge in a research or industry setting, culminating in a substantial final project or thesis.Overall, the program is designed to prepare students for careers in advanced materials industries, research institutions, or further doctoral study by combining rigorous coursework with meaningful research and practical experience.