An Interdisciplinary materials science and engineering research program
MS & PhD Program
Thrust Areas
Students admitted to the MS&E Graduate Program generally are supported by a Research Assistantship (RA) that is paid by their supervising professor or a Teaching Assistantship (TA) that is paid by the University. A limited number of students receive financial support directly from companies that are supporting their research.
Graduate students appointed as RAs and TAs typically receive a stipend, automatic entitlement to in-state tuition, tuition reimbursement, and free comprehensive medical insurance (this medical insurance is the same coverage given to staff and faculty and is far more comprehensive than the "catastrophic coverage" offered by some universities to their students. Spouses and children can be added to the coverage but there is a fee for this). The amount of the stipend varies with the experience of the graduate student and also depends on the department that is appointing the student. There are also a limited number of supplemental fellowships available for our most outstanding applicants.
Because of the relatively low cost of living in Austin (especially compared to the East and West coasts), our students find that they are generally able to live comfortably although many choose to extend their resources by living with a roomate. More information is available about the cost of living in Austin and housing.