Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Program

Materials Science Engineering studies the use, properties, functions, and characterization of materials to address complex issues of efficiency, sustainability, cost and equity. Material scientists combine physics, chemistry, math, engineering, merchandising, and many other fields to create novel materials.

The overall objective of the School of Advanced Materials Discovery (SAMD) program is to develop students to be science and engineering professionals who use their multidisciplinary problem solving skills to address global challenges in the field of materials science and engineering (MSE).

The development of advanced materials, including their synthesis, characterization and application in novel devices, occupies a central role in 21st century science, technology and business. Materials research is by its very nature an extraordinarily inter- and multi-disciplinary endeavor, involving expertise in chemistry, physics, and engineering at the core, but also utilizing concepts from various other scientific disciplines as well as business and sociology, as materials research is often very focused on creating a product for the marketplace more efficiently and effectively. Indeed, work in this area is concerned with the structure, property and function of materials. Thus, we will educate future materials scientists and engineers to understand how different combinations of molecules can result in different thermal, mechanical, electrical, optical, and magnetic properties; to measure those properties at the atomic, electronic, surface and bulk level; and to manufacture usable devices from the resulting materials. It is imperative that the next generation of materials scientists and engineers be explicitly educated in an interdisciplinary manner. The degree program will contain elements that will address materials technology transfer, materials manufacturing, responsible conduct of research, and other professional development skills necessary for success in the materials community.