Graduate Programs in Materials Science & Engineering

Graduate study in MSE systematically develops the fundamental scientific and engineering principles that govern the behavior and application of materials.

Important Dates

Application Submission Periods

Fall

  • Ph.D. - October 1 - January 6
  • M.S. - October 1 - January 15

Spring

  • M.S. & Ph.D. - June 17 - August 31

Highlights

  • The Master of Science in Materials Science & Engineering degree is course-based and can be completed in one year.
  • The Master of Science in Materials Science degree requires equal numbers of research and coursework units, and can be completed in two years (three or four semesters).
  • The Doctoral degree is research-based and can be completed in four years.
  • Students apply to our graduate programs, not to specific research projects. After the first semester the matching process begins.
  • Research group sizes are typically around five students per advisor.
  • Our faculty’s research falls into five areas: advanced materials processing and manufacturing, computation and informatics, materials for information technology, soft and bioactive materials, and sustainable energy production, conversion and storage.
  • The median salary of our M.S. students after graduation is $90K. The median salary of our Ph.D. students after graduation is $115K.

Related news

May 20

Students, faculty showcase steel innovation and decarbonization Opens in new window

CMU faculty and student researchers presented at 13 technical sessions and participated in two panel discussions during the annual AISTech meeting.

Mar 18

Student Spotlight: Daniel Diaz Opens in new window

Daniel is a doctoral student working in the Center for Data-Driven Design of Multifunctional Material Systems on research associated with characterizing and predicting rare events in materials systems.

Mar 17

Polymers, prototypes, and Penguins Opens in new window

In season nine of Rethink the Rink, students solve issues associated with goalie chest protectors, including impact absorption, mobility, and functionality.

Mar 12

Graduate Student Spotlight: Henry Stanton

In addition to his coursework, Henry has capitalized on opportunities for hands-on research related to Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing as he has worked toward his Master's degree during the past year.

Feb 12

New instruments advance materials analysis Opens in new window

The Materials Characterization Facility recently expanded its footprint in Hamerschlag Hall, adding two new lab spaces and three new scanning electron microscopes in the last year.

Sep 03

A path to higher as-built ductility in printable aluminum alloys

Researchers have developed a new class of aluminum alloy with an optimized composition that enhances as-built ductility, while minimizing the effects on the alloy’s strength.

Aug 19

Internship Highlight: Nisha Shah

Nisha Shah focused on characterization and comparison of thermal management composite materials for battery pack applications at her internship with Ford Motor Company this summer.  

Aug 12

Internship Highlight: Abhishek Malreddy

Abhishek Malreddy, who is pursuing an MS in Artificial Intelligence in Engineering, is working as an AI Engineering Intern at Vigilant Inc., an AI-powered personal safety platform.

Apply

Apply to our graduate programs.