Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for careers in the development, processing, and application of materials critical to technological advancements across various industries. This multidisciplinary field encompasses the study of the structure, properties, and performance of materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, integrating principles from physics, chemistry, and engineering. Students will gain a strong foundation in the fundamental sciences along with practical skills in materials characterization, processing techniques, and computational modeling. The curriculum is structured to foster innovation and problem-solving abilities, equipping graduates with the knowledge necessary to contribute to sectors including aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, biomedical devices, and more. The program emphasizes research, hands-on laboratory experience, and industry collaborations to ensure students are well-prepared for both advanced study and professional employment. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers, students are encouraged to engage in cutting-edge projects that address real-world challenges. The program also provides pathways for undergraduate research opportunities, internships, and partnerships with industry leaders, facilitating a smooth transition into the workforce or further graduate studies. By completing this program, students will become adept at designing new materials, improving existing materials, and understanding the environmental and economic implications of material choices. Overall, the Materials Science and Engineering program at Penn State offers a rigorous educational experience tailored to meet the demands of the evolving materials industry, fostering innovation, technological development, and sustainable solutions for tomorrow’s world.

The graduate program for the M.S. degree must include a total of at least 30 credits. Subject to the approval of the graduate program coordinator, a maximum of 10 credits of high-quality graduate work done at a regionally accredited U.S. institution may be applied toward the requirements for the master's degree. A minimum of 6 research credits (MATSE 600) is required. The minimum number of formal course credits (excluding seminar MATSE 590) required is 18 for all students at the 500-level or higher. The instructional program includes three required graduate core courses in materials including Thermodynamics of Materials (MATSE 501), Kinetics of Materials Processes (MATSE 503) and Principles of Crystal Chemistry (MATSE 512).

The Office of the Vice President for Research/Office of Research Protections requires that all candidates for advanced degrees complete training in Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI). The SARI requirements include completion of an online Responsible Conduct of Research training program and a 1 credit Professional Development course (MATSE 582).

All candidates for advanced degrees are also expected to attend MATSE 590 colloquium. A thesis describing independent research performed by the student shall be written and defended at an oral examination. Bound copies will be made available for the University Libraries and the thesis adviser. A thesis committee shall administer the final oral examination of the thesis. The committee shall consist of at least three graduate faculty members.

M. S. Requirements (Summary)-minimum total credits: 30; minimum research credits: 6; minimum formal graduate-level course credits (500-level or higher): 18; minimum 500-level credits: 12; required graduate core course credits: 9; professional development course credits: 1; minimum credits in the major: 12; seminar: 2 credits per year; minimum GPA: 3.00.

Courses

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or
2. Tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
3. Applicants will be required to arrange for official transcripts/documents (for institutions outside the U.S. documents may include marksheets, record of courses, degree/study certificate, original diploma, etc) to be sent from all post-secondary institutions attended and official English translation if the language of instruction is not English).
4. All international applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, which requires completion of specified remedial English courses ESL 114G (American Oral English for Academic Purposes) and/or ESL 116G (ESL/Composition for Academic Disciplines) and attainment of a grade of B or higher. The minimum acceptable composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. Graduate programs may have more stringent requirements.

Scholarships

Assistantships

The most common form of graduate support, teaching and research assistantships, include a stipend, tuition remission, and a subsidy for medical insurance. Recipients are assigned to a faculty adviser who supervises the experience. Graduate assistants support undergraduate instruction or undertake research projects. A specified time commitment of 10-30 hours per week is required depending on the unit (a half-time/20 hour per week commitment is typical). Appointments are available only to graduate students who are registered for courses and enrolled in degree programs.

Fellowships

Fellowships are highly prestigious financial support packages that typically include a stipend, tuition remission, and a subsidy for medical insurance. They derive from University or outside awards. Unlike assistantships, they do not have a required work commitment; they are duty-free. Recipients must be enrolled in degree programs and be registered full time. Fellowship recipients are not permitted to accept employment without obtaining approval from the unit and/or agency supporting the fellowship.

Traineeships

Training grants are derived from agencies outside the University and are intended to support specific student learning experiences in core curricular areas and research methods. Institutional awards, typically under the direction of a faculty principal investigator, afford funding to support selected students with stipends, tuition grants-in-aid, and often include a subsidy for medical insurance.

Materials Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers in developing, processing, and understanding materials used in various industries. The curriculum combines fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, and engineering, emphasizing the properties, performance, and processing of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work and research projects, fostering practical skills and critical thinking. The program incorporates coursework in materials characterization, thermodynamics, materials selection, and nanotechnology, preparing graduates to innovate in areas such as aerospace, biomedical devices, electronics, energy, and manufacturing. The department collaborates with industry partners and research centers, providing students with internship opportunities and exposure to current technological advancements. Faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research, advancing fields like advanced materials, biomaterials, and sustainable materials, which students can participate in to enhance their learning and research skills. The program also offers options for specializations within materials science and engineering, allowing students to tailor their education to their career interests. Graduates of the program are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in industry, government labs, and academia, as well as for pursuing graduate studies. The department emphasizes a close-knit community and mentorship, supporting students throughout their academic journey and preparing them to be leaders in the field of materials science and engineering.