The M.S. program in Materials Science and Engineering prepares students for careers in research, industry, and academia. Students gain a strong foundation in materials science principles while conducting research and/or completing a substantial non-thesis project. The program offers thesis and non-thesis options, each requiring 30 credit hours.
Expand the sections below to review M.S. program requirements and advising information.
All M.S. students:
- Complete 30 credit hours of coursework
- Take four core MSE courses:
- EMA 6316 – Materials Thermodynamics
- EMA 6313 – Materials Structure and Mechanical Properties
- EMA 6136 – Diffusion, Kinetics, and Transport
- EMA 6114 – Functional Properties of Materials
- May take up to 9 credit hours of graduate-level courses outside MSE based on interests
- Must register for EMA 6936: Seminar in Materials Science and Engineering (1 credit) each semester unless they have 9 graded credits or are in their final semester with a waiver
Placement: Incoming students either pass a fundamentals placement exam or take EMA 6001, which counts as an elective.
Transfer Credits: Up to 9 graduate-level credit hours from another university may transfer with approval. All transferred courses must have a grade of B or better. Submit transcripts to the advising team.
Time Limit: All degree requirements, including transfer credits, must be completed within seven years.
Non-Thesis Option
- 30 credit hours of coursework, including up to 5 credits of EMA 6910 – Supervised Research
- The graduate coordinator serves as the M.S. committee chair
- Students must select a supervisor or mentor to oversee their project. If no mentor is available, the graduate coordinator will serve as the advisor
- Students complete a substantial M.S. non-thesis project (approximately 300 hours) and submit a written report (15+ pages)
- The project must be approved one month before graduation by the advisor, who will notify ASO
- The M.S. non-thesis paper guidelines are available online
Supervisory Committee: One member from MSE must oversee the student by the end of the second semester or after 12 credit hours.
Thesis Option
- 30 credit hours of coursework, including at least 5 credits of EMA 6971 – Thesis Research
- Students must have a research advisor and form a three-member committee (all MSE graduate faculty)
- Coursework and electives are similar to the non-thesis option
- Students must consult with their committee regularly throughout their research
- Thesis Defense: Public presentation followed by private questioning from the committee. The written thesis must be complete and editorially acceptable at the time of defense
Supervisory Committee: Must include three members from MSE. Committee formation requires submitting the Appointment of Supervisory Committee Form. To make changes, complete the Committee Change Form.
- Complete a graduation check with ASO in the term before expected graduation
- Submit an online degree application before the UF deadline
- Follow Graduate School rules for thesis/dissertation and final exam deadlines
- Thesis students: Submit the dissertation to the ETD website following current deadlines
- Registration requirement:
- Thesis students: Enroll in EMA 6971
- Non-thesis students: Enroll in courses that count toward the degree
- Full-time students on fellowships/assistantships must meet registration requirements for their appointment
For a full list of M.S. and Ph.D. course offerings, see the MSE Course Descriptions.
| SCH (Semester Credits Hours) Requirements | Master (Thesis) | Master (Non-thesis) | Doctor of Philosophy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total SCH | 30 | 30 | 90 |
| MSE Core Requirements | 12 | 12 | 13 |
| MSE Electives | ≥6 | ≥6 | ≥6 |
| Specialization Electives | ≤9 | ≤9 | Variable |
| Supervised Teaching | N/A | N/A | 4 |
| Research/Special Project | ≤5 | 0 | Variable |
| Supervisory committee members (minimum number) | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Qualifying Exam | None | None | Yes |
| Final Exam | Oral Defense and Written Thesis | Written | Oral Defense and Written Thesis |
| Time limit for completing degree | 7 Years | 7 Years | 5 Years |
MSE Graduate Coordinator
Kevin Jones, Ph.D.
MSE Graduate Coordinator, Distinguished Professor
(352) 846-3301
Email: MSE Graduate Coordinator