Javascript is currently not supported, or is disabled by this browser. Please enable Javascript for full functionality.

   
    Feb 11, 2025  
2024-2025 Binghamton University Academic Guide 
    
2024-2025 Binghamton University Academic Guide

Materials Science and Engineering, MS

Location(s): Main Campus


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: The Graduate School

Materials Science and Engineering offers interdisciplinary programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Each student in the Materials Science and Engineering Program must select and obtain the consent of a full-time affiliated faculty member to serve as his or her advisor. Prior to selection of an advisor, the MSE director will serve as an interim advisor. On entering the graduate programs, students are expected to have a degree in a physical science or engineering. They are expected to be familiar with basic thermodynamics and with the material in a beginning materials science course. If deficient in these areas, they should be prepared to make up for these deficiencies by taking appropriate courses or examinations. With the cooperation of the advisor, the student forms a research committee to supervise his or her research thesis/project work. For MS students, a committee that includes an advisor and two others.

Program Requirements


4+1 Combined Programs


  • BS Chemistry: Materials / MS Materials Science and Engineering
  • BS Applied and Engineering Physics / MS Materials Science and Engineering
  • BS Mechanical Engineering / MS Materials Science and Engineering

To complete a 4+1 program, students must complete the requirements for a BS in Chemistry: Materials, Applied Physics and Engineering Physics, or Mechanical Engineering. Students are also required to complete all requirements of the MS degree in materials science, including a thesis.

  • Students with a GPA of 3.0 or greater (3.3 for Mechanical Engineering) are eligible to apply to the program in their senior year
  • Up to 12 credits taken at the graduate level (5XX) may be applied to both degree programs (these do not count towards the Graduate School residency requirement)
  • Students need to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to stay in the program

Additional Information About the Program


The requirements for the degree include a total of 30 credits. This can be achieved in three ways:

  1. Course taught 24 credits plus a master’s thesis (6 research credits). There will be a public presentation of a seminar on the subject of the thesis, and its oral defense.
  2. Course taught 26 credits plus a scholarly written report on a research project (4 research credits). There will be a public presentation of a seminar on the subject of the research project, and its oral defense.
  3. Students may request an all-course option (30 credits) for the MS degree.

Additional course requirements for the program:

  • Courses presented to satisfy degree requirements must have a grade average of at least 3.0.
  • Most of the courses in a student’s program should be taken during the first year of residence, so that emphasis can be placed on research in subsequent years.
  • A majority of electives must be MSE courses. Upper level electives only.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: The Graduate School