An Interdisciplinary materials science and engineering research program
MS & PhD Program
Thrust Areas
Developments and challenges in materials science and engineering cut across the traditional lines of engineering and science. The University of Texas at Austin has responed to these challenges by bringing together faculty from departments in the Colleges of Engineering and Natural Sciences to create a truly multidisciplinary materials science and engineering graduate program. Students take classes from a variety of departments to develop skills in related fields and then focus their coursework around one of three interdisciplinary thrust areas. By selecting a specific thrust, students are able to study core Materials Science and Engineering subjects but also develop depth within a specific area that cuts across multiple areas of science and engineering.
The thust areas include I. Nanomaterials, II. Clean Energy Materials, and III. General Materials Science and Engineering. The University of Texas at Austin is a leader in each of these fields and each of these thrusts offer significant career opportunities after graduation.
Master of Science in Engineering Degree
Students may enter the MS&E Graduate Program from undergraduate programs in materials science and engineering or other engineering or physical science disciplines. Entering students select a thrust area and, if not in possession of equivalent undergraduate courses, receive instruction in classical thermodyamics and quantum mechanics in their first semester. Students then take core materials science courses and thust courses that are determined by their thrust area as well as elective courses that are specific to their research topic. Students supported by a Research or Teaching Assistantship are required to take 24 credit hours of instruction and write a master thesis to obtain an MS degree in Mateirals Science and Engineering.
Doctorate of Philosophy Degree
Students may enter the Ph.D. program immediately after completing their undergraduate work or may obtain an MS degree first. Entering students select a thrust area and, if not in possession of equivalent undergraduate courses, receive instruction in classical thermodyamics and quantum mechanics in their first semester. Students then take core materials science courses and thust courses that are determined by their thrust area as well as elective courses that are specific to their research topic. Students must maintain a 3.3 GPA in core course (see Student Handbook for more information) and show progress in their degree to qualify for admission to Ph.D. candidacy. The degree is awarded based on the candidate's demonstrated mastery of a thrust area, an oral preliminary exam that is usually taken after the second year in residence, completion of a written dissertation, and oral defense of original research before a dissertation committee.