| |
Dec 06, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
2025-2026 University Catalog
Materials Engineering, MSMSE
|
|
 Return to: College of Engineering (Graduate)
|
About the Program
The School of Materials Engineering at Purdue University offers both MS and PhD degrees in the field of Materials Science and Engineering. These programs emphasize the application of the basic sciences to the understanding of the structure, properties, and processing of materials. Programs of study are designed to broaden and deepen the student’s knowledge of those parts of the field which are of most universal applicability. Admission is based upon prior performance and projected success as indicated by undergraduate scholastic performance, industrial work experience, and recommendations from those most familiar with the student’s record. Purdue Materials Engineering is first and foremost committed to people. The School of Materials Engineering serves diverse peoples through discovery that expands the frontiers of knowledge, learning that nurtures the sharing of knowledge, and engagement that promotes the application of knowledge. For over 50 years, the School of Materials Engineering has been providing quality education and research opportunities in the area of Materials Science.The curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering and provides students with an industry-relevant, team-based experience in state-of-the-art facilities. The faculty are highly innovative, well-respected research leaders who share a common interest in the development and growth of the School. Areas of research include: synthesis fabrication, processing, characterization, design, and modeling of semiconductors, ceramics, metals, soft materials, and polymers for a wide range of applications from energy and sensors to structural and simulation/theory applications. Master’s students can pursue a thesis or non-thesis option. See below for each set of requirements. Program Website Program Requirements - Thesis & Non-thesis
30 Credits RequiredRequired Courses (18-30 credits)
The plan of study is tailored to each student’s specific research area and background and is submitted by the end of the second semester. Although there are no required courses, the School recommends sets of general or “foundational” courses, especially for the first semester when students are registering for classes before they have an advisor and specific research direction. See Core Courses for a list of suggestions. Core Courses (0-15 credits)
Although MSE 60000 is not required, all students will be automatically enrolled in this course, which is based on the undergraduate introductory materials course. The final exam in MSE 60000 is the MSE General Exam (PhD Qualifier), which is required for all PhD students in order to advance to the Preliminary Exam in the second year, so the course is strongly recommended for thesis MS students. With their adivisor’s approval, however, students may drop the course and prepare for the General Exam by self-study. In addition, students are recommended to enroll at least 2 additional lecture courses (4 maximum). Since students don’t have an advisor or clear research direction at the beginning of the first semester, the School recommends the courses listed below. These courses are intended to provide a basis for more specific courses to support the student’s research area. Two tracks are defined: hard materials (metals and ceramics) or soft materials (polymers). Hard Materials (Metals and Ceramics) Courses (0-9)
Soft Materials (Polymers) Courses (0-6 credits)
Electives (3-30 credits)
Students should speak to their advisor to discuss course options that suit their research interests. Thesis Research (12 credits)
Only required for thesis MS students. An acceptable thesis is based on independent research under the guidance of a major professor. The student is aided by an advisory committee of three faculty members, including the advisor(s), in formulating a plan of study. The thesis is expected to meet the high standards of a technical publication and the format requirements of the University. At the end of the program, the thesis is defended by the student in an oral examination and must be acceptable to the examining committee with regard to both its technical format and contents. Project Course (0-6 credits)
Optional for non-thesis MS students. 6 credits of MSE 59700 may be earned through a project-oriented study under the guidance of a professor acting as advisor. The project is limited in scope and may be related to specific problems dealing with material selection, processing, design or performance in engineering applications. At the end of the project, the student prepares a technical report, for which the format and general requirements are specified by the advisor. Concentrations
Departmental concentrations: Interdisciplinary concentrations: Additional Information
Final Examination: (only for thesis MS students) The Master’s thesis final examination in the School of Materials Engineering normally shall consist of two parts occurring consecutively. The first part shall be a public presentation and defense of the thesis work of twenty to thirty minutes, followed by open question time. The general format shall follow that of the School seminar. The second part shall consist of an oral examination of the candidate by the Examining Committee and will be attended only by the Committee and the candidate. Based upon their opinions formed at the end of this examination, the Committee will recommend (or not recommend) the candidate for the Master’s degree and may also recommend (or not recommend) him or her for continued study toward the PhD Recommendation for the degree may be contingent upon further work and/or modification of the thesis document. Program Learning Outcomes
Graduate Programs Disclaimer
- The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
- Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary.
- Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
- Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
- Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
|
Return to: College of Engineering (Graduate)
|
|
