Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced careers in research, industry, and academia. The program focuses on understanding the fundamental properties of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, and composite materials, as well as developing innovative materials with superior performance for cutting-edge applications. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of materials synthesis, characterization, processing, and their practical applications across various industries such as electronics, energy, aerospace, and biomedical engineering.

The program emphasizes a strong foundation in the principles of physics, chemistry, and engineering, combined with hands-on laboratory experience and research projects. Students are encouraged to develop skills in analytical techniques, computational modeling, and experimental methods to analyze and engineer materials with desired properties. The curriculum includes courses on nanomaterials, biomaterials, electronic materials, materials durability, and surface engineering, providing a well-rounded education that integrates theory and practice.

Research is a core component of the program, with students working closely with faculty members on innovative projects that address real-world challenges. Facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with advanced instrumentation for materials fabrication and analysis. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration are abundant, reflecting the university’s commitment to fostering a collaborative research environment.

Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, industry, and governmental research institutes. They will possess the technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and innovative mindset needed to lead developments in materials technology. The program also prepares students for further graduate studies or professional certifications, positioning them for success in the rapidly evolving field of materials science and engineering.

Major requirement

• Advanced Thermodynamics of Materials
• Phase Transformation
• Interface Science
• Non-crystalline Inorganic Materials
• Instruments for Materials Characterization
• Research Method in Materials Science and Engineering
• Atomistic Simulation
• Dislocations & Strengthening Mechanisms
• Solid State Reactions and Sintering
• Solid State Physics
• Statistical Mechanics of Materials
• Electron Diffraction & Microscopy
• Advanced Electron Microscopy
• Experiments for Transmission Electron Microscopy
• X-Ray Diffraction and Imaging
• Applied Quantum Mechanics
• Special Topics in Materials Science A/Z

Major electives (metals)

• Alloy Design
• Deformation Processing of Structural Materials
• Theory of Elasticity and Plasticity
• Fracture Phenomena and Mechanisms
• Fatigue Mechanisms
• High Temperature Deformation Behavior of Materials
• Corrosion Science
• High Temp Oxidation & coating
• Structural Materials
• Special Topics in Metallurgical Engineering

Major electives (ceramics semiconductor)

• Organic Electronics for Information and Energy Technologies
• Inorganic Materials for Optoelectronics and Applications
• Conducting Ceramics
• Magnetic Properties of Materials
• Optical Properties of Materials
• Structure of Thin Films
• Photonics Glasses
• Piezoelectric/Ferroelectric Materials
• Solid-state Electrochemistry and Fuel Cells
• Properties of Semiconducting Materials
• Surface Analysis and Nano-scale Characterizations
• Light Emitting Diodes
• Nanoscale Semiconductor Devices
• Electrical Properties of Low Dimensional Materials
• Special Topics in Ceramics
• Special Topics in Electronic Materials

Major electives (polymer)

• Polymer Engineering
• Advanced Polymer Synthesis
• Advanced Polymer Physics
• Molecular Design of Functional Polymers
• Instrument Techniques in Polymer Science
• Nano-Biomaterials

Research

• Master Thesis Research

Requirements

• Applicants must fill out the online application.
• Personal Statement and Research Plan - Download format from the website: http://admission.postech.ac.kr/linkUsen.do?f=sub3-2
• Curriculum Vitae (Free style personal resume)
• Copy of Passport
• Signed Consent Form - Download format from the website: http://admission.postech.ac.kr/linkUsen.do?f=sub3-2
• List of Honors and Awards (optional) - Applicants who have received any honors, awards, or fellowships during their undergraduate or graduate studies may list them in the order of importance.
• Application fee: 80 USD or 80,000 KRW
• Official Transcript(s)
• Degree Certificate(s)
• Recommendation Letters - From two recommenders (academic faculty) - Must be e-mailed or sent by post directly by each recommender, enclosed in a sealed envelope.
• Score Report of English Proficiency Test - The official TOEFL/IELTS Score Report issued by ETS/British Council can be sent to POSTECH Graduate Admissions and Student Affairs directly by requesting it at the ETS/ British Council website. Applicants must enter POSTECH’s institution code (0329) in order for ETS to send the official score report to our office. - TOEFL ITP organized only by POSTECH is accepted
• Degree Theses (option

Scholarships

• Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)
• Global Education
• POSCO Asia Fellowship
• SK hynix Fellowship
• POSTECH Teaching or Research Assistantship
• POSTECH Fellowship for Excellent International Students(PFES)
• POSTECH Settlement Allowance for New International Students

Materials Science and Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for advanced careers in the development and application of materials across various industries. The curriculum emphasizes fundamental principles of materials chemistry, physics, and engineering, integrating both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students gain a strong foundation in the structure-property relationships of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, enabling them to innovate and optimize new materials for electronics, energy, aerospace, biomedical applications, and more.

The program offers a range of courses that cover topics such as crystallography, thermodynamics, phase transformations, materials processing, nanomaterials, biomaterials, and advanced characterization techniques. In addition to classroom instruction, students participate in laboratory work and research projects that foster hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools and equipment. The research environment at POSTECH encourages collaboration among students, faculty, and industry partners, facilitating cutting-edge research that addresses real-world challenges.

Students in the program are also encouraged to pursue internships and industry collaborations to enhance their practical understanding and employability. The program supports participation in international conferences and research exchanges, allowing students to gain global perspectives on materials science. Graduates from the program are well-equipped to work in academia, R&D departments of leading technology firms, or to pursue further studies, including master's and doctoral degrees.

Faculty members involved in the program specializing in areas such as nanotechnology, biomaterials, electronic materials, and energy materials provide mentorship and guidance for student research. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect technological advances and industry needs, ensuring that graduates are prepared for the rapidly evolving field of materials science and engineering. Overall, the program at POSTECH aims to produce innovative scientists and engineers who can contribute to the development of sustainable, high-performance materials for future technologies.