The Department of Materials Science & Engineering offers graduate degrees in both materials science and engineering and nuclear engineering.

Graduate Degree Programs

M.S. Materials Science and Engineering (thesis and non-thesis)

M.S. Nuclear Engineering Sciences (thesis and non-thesis)

Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering

Ph.D. Nuclear Engineering Sciences

Program Objectives

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering prepares students for research careers and teaches more in-depth materials and nuclear engineering knowledge through its graduate degrees. Students will develop a strong foundation in materials science and engineering or nuclear engineering.  Students who pursue a master’s or Ph.D. conduct state-of-the-art research under the supervision of top research faculty. They learn to design and conduct scientific and engineering experiments and analyze and interpret the results.

The department offers thesis and non-thesis options for master’s students. The MS degree in Materials Science and Engineering consists of about 10 courses, which total 30 credit hours. Graduate courses in the MSE graduate program include general materials science and engineering courses as well as specialized courses on biomaterials, ceramics, composites, electronic materials, and polymers. The degree plan requires the completion of five courses in specified topic areas and five elective topics.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree requires completion of core coursework, oral defense of a written research proposal, independent research, and a doctoral dissertation. Students seeking the Ph.D. degree are prepared for research activities through exposure to research topics and approaches in required graduate courses and through formal laboratory instruction by research advisors and senior researchers. Professional development is formalized through required coursework addressing career-related topics, through teaching assistantships, participation in professional societies, and attendance at local and national research meetings.

To be eligible for admission to our graduate program, the applicant must hold a BS in an appropriate major. Because of the breadth of MSE graduate programs, students with degrees in materials, ceramics, metallurgy and other engineering, mathematics, or science areas such as biology, chemistry, or physics have found ample opportunities to pursue their research and training areas of interest. You can read more about the program in our Graduate Handbook.

Additional Graduate Degree options

• M.D./Ph.D.
  • The M.D./Ph.D. program trains physician-scientists for a career in academic medicine and engineering. Students attend medical school for the first two years and initiate their graduate research in materials science during the third year. Completion of the dissertation typically spans three to four years. After the dissertation, students return to medical school for two years to finish their clinical training.
• Combined MS/JD
  • The faculties of the College of Law and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have approved a joint degree program culminating in both a Juris Doctor degree, awarded by the College of Law, and a Master of Science (Thesis/Non-Thesis) degree, awarded by the Department of Materials Science & Engineering. Under the joint degree program, a student can obtain both degrees in approximately one year less than it would take to obtain both degrees if pursued consecutively.
• M.S. Online (Materials)
  • The EDGE program is designed for off-campus study. Courses are offered online through streaming or downloading of videos. All other requirements are the same.

If you have any further questions please contact, Academic Services Office at advising@mse.ufl.edu