The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science maintains a commitment to high-quality graduate education, which is consistent with its strong research focus. The department offers Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs
in materials science and engineering. At the MS level, research and professional tracks are available. Graduate courses are typically offered in the evening, which facilitates part-time study.
The programs are oriented toward the transition of results from scientific and engineering disciplines to the solution of materials problems that impede technological progress. They are designed to educate engineers, providing them with the tools to become
successful in research, development, production, management, and teaching. Information regarding the Masters Program and Doctorate Program can be found below.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM
The doctor of philosophy (PhD) program in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science is a research degree leading largely to careers in teaching and research in academia, government and industry. The program is designed for excellent students. Students develop an understanding at the highest level in their areas of specialization and their research must lead to an original contribution to the field in the PhD dissertation.
PhD studies are a demanding (and rewarding) experience that requires a strong interest in research in the selected area of specialization. The PhD program has been designed to optimize the fundamental education of students in materials science and engineering, at the same time providing much required advanced specialization. The program is designed to develop the student's ability to think about materials science and engineering at a high level in order to provide the foundation necessary to cross into other materials-related interdisciplinary areas, as required by future career developments. More information on the program requirements can be found in the (MSE PhD Guidelines).
PROFESSIONAL (NON-THESIS) MASTERS OF SCIENCE PROGRAM
The professional MS track is primarily oriented toward part-time students currently working in industry. The professional track consists of a minimum of 30 course credits (equivalent to 10 courses). There are no thesis or comprehensive examination requirements
for this degree. More information on the program requirements can be found in the (MSE Guidelines).
RESEARCH (NON-THESIS) MASTERS OF SCIENCE PROGRAM
The research track is primarily for full-time students who have the intention to pursue a PhD or are strongly oriented toward a research career. The University transcript will include an entry indicating that a student is in the research MS track. The
Research Track MS degree requires a minimum of 30 credits of course and research based graduate study, including at least 21 course credits. More information on the program requirements can be found in the (MSE Guidelines).
COURSES
The list of the Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Courses can be found in the (MSE Courses).
GRADUATE RESEARCH
Some of the ongoing research programs are centered in several areas of advanced ceramics and metallurgy, including the following:
· Corrosion and oxidation
· High-temperature materials
· Magnetic materials
· Phase transformations in metallic and ceramic systems
· Plastic deformation of metals and alloys
· Thermomechanical processing of steels and other alloys
· Thermodynamic properties of materials
· Ceramic processing
· High-temperature superconductivity
· Microwave and other ferroelectric properties of ceramics, smart materials, and structures