Materials Science

Materials Science at the University of Rochester offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary educational experience designed to prepare students for innovative careers in research, development, and manufacturing of materials. The program combines principles of physics, chemistry, and engineering to provide a deep understanding of the structure, properties, processing, and performance of a wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Students will explore fundamental concepts such as crystallography, electronic structure, thermodynamics, and kinetics, while gaining practical skills through laboratory work and hands-on projects. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of theory and application, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that are essential in developing new materials for advanced technology sectors like aerospace, biomedical, electronics, and energy. The program also offers opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and collaborations with industry partners, enriching the academic experience and enhancing career prospects. Faculty members are recognized experts in their fields, guiding students through cutting-edge topics such as nanomaterials, biomaterials, and materials characterization techniques. The University of Rochester’s Materials Science program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to innovations that address global challenges, making an impact in academia, industry, and society at large.

M.S. degree with thesis (Plan A):

For students electing to obtain the M.S. degree with thesis (Plan A), the following requirements apply: The 30 credit hours must include a minimum of 20 credit hours of MSC graduate courses plus 10 credit hours for research, and the student must successfully complete an oral defense of his/her thesis, after all other degree requirements have been completed.

M.S. degree without a thesis (Plan B):

For students electing to obtain the M.S. degree without a thesis (Plan B), the following requirements apply: The 30 credit hours must include a minimum of 24 credit hours of MSC graduate courses plus 6 credit hours of other related courses. A student in Plan B must pass a comprehensive oral examination.

All Materials Science degree programs require completion of at least one course selected from each of the two categories listed below- Thermodynamics and Structure /Property relationships. 

Other courses should be selected from the available courses in MSC and allied fields, in consultation with the student’s advisor. These additional courses must include a minimum number of credits that bear the MSC designation. This number depends on the specific program (Ph.D., Plan A M.S., Plan B M.S.) as described above.

Thermodynamics (must select a minimum of one course from this list)

• MSC 405- THERMODYNMCS OF NANO & MICROSOLIDS (cross-listed as ME 460)
• MSC 485- THERMODYNAMICS &STAT MECHANICS (cross-listed as CHE 485)
• MSC 455- THERMODYNAMICS & STAT MECH (cross-listed as CHM 455)
• MSC 418 - STATISTICAL MECHANICS (cross-listed as PHY 418)

Structure/ Property Relationships (must select a minimum of one course from this list)

• MSC 541 – NANOSCALE CRYSTALLINE DEFECTS (cross-listed as ME 541)
• MSC 408 - MICROSTRUCTURE (cross-listed as ME 463)
• MSC 456 – CHEMICAL BONDS- FROM MOLECULES TO MATERIALS (CHM 456)
• MSC 409 - MECHANICAL PROPERTIES (cross-listed as ME 481)

Course options and threads

Students interested in working towards a Materials Science degree have a wide range of courses from which to draw in constructing their programs of study. The following “threads” list a few recommended courses that may be of particular interest to students focused on specific aspects of the field. A list of additional recommended courses is also given below. These threads are intended to suggest courses that may be of particular interest to students focused in each area. However, provided other requirements are met (e.g. minimum number of credit hours with the MSC designation), students may select courses from different threads in consultation with their academic advisor. In making their selections students are strongly encouraged to consider the need for breadth, as well as depth, given the broad nature of the field.

Materials Processing and Characterization Thread

Courses introduce students to characterization and processing tools needed to understand and form materials into complex structures and integrated devices. 

• MSC 407 Solids and Materials Laboratory (ME 462)
• MSC 431 Chemistry of Advanced Materials (CHE 480)
• MSC 463 NMR CHM 422/423 MSC 403 Characterization methods in Materials Science- Diffraction ( ME 451)
• MSC 461 Fracture and Fatigue ( ME 461) 

Electronic and Optical Properties of Materials Thread

Courses establish fundamental electronic and optical properties of silicon, ceramics, and glasses to motivate advanced applications in optics, alternative energy, and medicine.

• MSC 420 Introduction to Condensed Matter (PHY 420)
• MSC 426 Semiconducting Devices (ECE 423)
• MSC 470 Optical Properties of Materials (OPT 421)
• MSC 460 Solar Cells (CHE 460)
• MSC 456 Chemical Bonds (CHM 456)
• ECE 492 Physics and Application of Nanophotonic and Nanomechanical Devices

Polymers and Biomaterials Thread

Courses emphasize both fundamental and applied concepts of polymer science and biomaterials. 

• MSC 410 Mechanical Properties of Polymers (ME 411)
• MSC 433 Polymer Science and Engineering (CHE 486)
• MSC 445 Biomaterials ( BME 445)
• MSC 413 Engineering of Soft Matter ( CHE 413)
• MSC 454 Interfacial Engineering ( CHE 454) 

All Materials Science Courses

• MSC 452 (BME 432 ) Controlled Release systems
• MSC 442 (BME 442) Microbiomechanics
• MSC 445 (BME 445) Biomaterials
• MSC 451 (BME 451) Biomedical Ultrasound
• MSC 462 (BME 462) Cell & Tissue Engineering
• MSC 483 (BME 483) Biosolid Mechanics
• BME 485 Cell & Membrane Mechanics ( Spring 2010)
• MSC 413 (CHE 413) Engineering of Soft Matter
• CHE 430 Organic Electronics ( PHY 429)
• CHE 447 Optics and Liquid Crystals for Chemical Engineers( MSC 432)
• MSC 454 (CHE 454) Interfacial Engineering
• MSC 458 (CHE 458) Electrochemical Engineering and Fuel Cells
• MSC 460 (CHE 460) Solar Cells
• MSC 469 (CHE 469) Biotechnology and Bioengineering
• MSC 434 (CHE 487) Polymer Rheology and Processing
• MSC 431 (CHE 480) Chemistry of Advanced Materials
• MSC 482 (CHE 482) Processing Microelectronic Devices
• MSC 433 (CHE 486) Polymer Science and Engineering
• MSC 472 (CHE 492) Biointerfaces
• MSC 402 (CHM 402) Bio-Physical Chemistry I
• MSC 404 (CHM 404) Bio-Physical Chemistry II
• MSC 416 (CHM 416) X-ray Crystallography
• MSC 463 (CHM 423) NMR MSC 456 (CHM 456) Chemical Bonds
• MSC 436 (CHM 458) Molecular Spectroscopy and Structures
• MSC 468 (CHM 460) Chemical Kinetics
• MSC 426 (ECE 423) Semiconducting Devices (MSC 426)
• MSC 484 (ECE 434) Microelectromechanical Systems
• MSC 520 (ECE 520) Spin Based Electronics
• MSC 580 (ECE 580) Nano-Electro-Opto-Bio
• EES 448 High Temperature Geochemistry
• EES 480 Material Properties of Deformed Rock
• ME 405 Diffusion
• ME 411 Mechanical Properties of Polymers (MSC 410)
• MSC 432 (ME 432) Optomechanics
• MSC 449 (ME 449) Elasticity
• MSC 403 (ME 451) Characterization methods in Materials Science- Diffraction
• MSC 461 (ME 461) Fracture and Fatigue
• MSC 407 (ME 462) Solids and Materials Laboratory
• MSC 507 (OPT 407) SEM Practicum
• MSC 470 (OPT 421) Optical properties of Materials
• MSC 464 (OPT 424) Fundamentals of Lasers
• MSC 471 (OPT 443) Optical Fabrication and Testing ( MSC 471)
• MSC 474 (OPT 463) Nano-optics
• MSC 420 (PHY 420) Introduction to Condensed Matter 

Requirements

1. Online Application 
2. Personal statement 
3. Transcripts of college and university grades.  Unofficial documents are accepted when applying to the program.  Official transcripts are required during the admission process. 
4. Resume/CV  
5. Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically. Instructions are provided when completing the application.  
6. GRE scores (University code 2928 and Department code 1403)    GRE reporting is optional for the Master’s applications. If a GRE score is self-reported, an official score report from ETS is required for score verification.
7. TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speakers. TOEFL minimum score is 600 for paper based test, IBT is 95 (University code 7267, department code 69). IELTS minimum band score of 7.0. 
8. There is a $60 fee to apply.  
9. To obtain a visa for study in the United States, international students must present the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or IAP-66) at a U.S. consulate or embassy and demonstrate full proof of ability to pay all tuition and living expenses for the first year of study. Note: University fellowships may not cover all of these expenses; students will ordinarily need some additional funds. The International Student Office will issue the I-20 or IAP-66 after a student has been admitted, paid the required admission deposit, and demonstrated proof of his/her ability to pay all expenses for at least the first year of study.

The University of Rochester offers a comprehensive range of financing opportunities for students enrolled in its Materials Science programs. Undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science have access to various financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and work-study programs. The University’s Office of Financial Aid provides personalized counseling to help students identify suitable funding sources and navigate the application process. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to be considered for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Additionally, the university offers a variety of scholarships specifically targeted at students in STEM fields, including those studying Materials Science. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and potential contributions to the field. For graduate students, the university provides robust funding packages, which often include teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships. These positions typically come with tuition remission and a stipend to support living expenses. Graduate programs emphasize research and often require students to contribute to faculty-led projects, which serve as a form of financial support in exchange for research work. The university also encourages students to seek external funding sources such as government agencies, industry partnerships, and private foundations. Students pursuing research dimension projects can often secure grants or sponsorships from corporations interested in materials innovation. The University of Rochester’s commitment to financial support aims to reduce economic barriers and ensure that talented students can access world-class education in Materials Science. Students should regularly consult the university’s financial aid office and the department's website for updated information about available funding opportunities, application deadlines, and eligibility criteria. In summary, the university provides a wide array of financing options tailored to both undergraduate and graduate students, fostering an inclusive academic environment that promotes diversity and excellence in the field of Materials Science.

Materials Science at the University of Rochester offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers in research, industry, and academia. The curriculum emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating principles from physics, chemistry, engineering, and materials science to provide students with a broad understanding of the structure, properties, and processing of materials. Students typically engage in coursework covering thermodynamics, kinetics, electronic, optical, and mechanical properties of materials, as well as specialized topics such as nanomaterials, biomaterials, and polymers. The program strongly encourages hands-on laboratory work, enabling students to gain practical experience with materials characterization techniques and processing methods. Additionally, the university promotes research opportunities, allowing undergraduates to work alongside faculty members on cutting-edge projects that address real-world challenges in areas such as energy, aerospace, medicine, and electronics. The department fosters a collaborative learning environment, supporting students through mentorship, seminars, and participation in national and international conferences. Graduates of the program are well-equipped for advanced study or to enter industries such as metals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductor manufacturing, and materials consulting. The university's state-of-the-art research facilities and active industry partnerships enhance the educational experience, ensuring that students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program also offers interdisciplinary minors and combined degree options, providing flexibility and specialization tailored to individual career goals. Overall, the Materials Science program at the University of Rochester prepares students for the dynamic, evolving field of materials engineering with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for success in the 21st century.