Graduate Degrees in Material Science & Engineering  

Key Highlights of the Master of Science in Materials Science & Engineering Program

UT Dallas Materials Science & Engineering Graduate Program Overview

Offered through the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, the MS MSEN program includes thesis and non-thesis tracks. Both options offer a strong foundation in core material science concepts with the flexibility to focus on specific areas of interest. 

Program Format

The Master of Science in Materials and Engineering requires 30 credit hours and is available in thesis and non-thesis tracks.

• Students will complete twelve hours of core coursework in Thermodynamics of Materials, Materials Characterization, Quantum Mechanics for Materials Scientists, and Electronic, Optical, and Magnetic Materials.
• The final coursework includes nine hours of advanced coursework and nine hours of elective coursework.

MS students may elect to complete a thesis as part of their degree. Those opting to do so must carry out a research project under the direction of a faculty or affiliated faculty member in Materials Science and Engineering and write and defend a thesis on the research project.

View the entire catalog.  

MS in Materials Science and Engineering Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS MSEN program, applicants should meet the following criteria:

• The student has met standards equivalent to those currently required for admission to master’s degree programs in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or closely related fields.
  • A grade point average (GPA) in undergraduate-level coursework of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 point scale.
  • GRE revised scores which are recommended as 154 or above, 154 or above, and 4 for the verbal,
    quantitative, and analytical writing components, respectively, are advisable based on our experience with student success in the program.
• In addition to the University’s general admission requirements, applicants are required to submit the following materials as part of their application file for holistic admission consideration:
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • A statement of purpose/essay.
  • GRE test scores

Certificate in Semiconductor Technology

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering offers a graduate certificate in Semiconductor technology that will provide advanced understanding beyond the undergraduate level of concepts relevant to the semiconductor industry and of the materials and processing used to create electronic devices and integrated circuits (i.e., computer chips). The certificate is a flexible, interdisciplinary option that is integrated into the MS degree and offered in collaboration with other departments.

Requirements:

• 12 semester credit hours
• Embedded
  • Admission is open to current UT Dallas students who are already enrolled in a graduate program.
• Stand-alone
  • Requires a major in the physical sciences or engineering with a 3.0 GPA or better, and/or experience in the
    semiconductor industry.

Materials Science Career Opportunities and Salary Outlook 

With a master’s degree in materials science and engineering, you’ll gain access to high-impact roles in some of today’s most innovative and essential industries. Graduates of the master’s program are shaping the future in sectors such as: 

• Advanced Manufacturing 
• Aerospace and Defense 
• Electronics and Semiconductors 
• Energy and Sustainability 
• Biomedical Devices 

Salary Outlook 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry data: 

• Materials Scientists: $104,000 
• Materials Engineers: $108,500 

Your earning potential rises with experience, specialization and industry focus. An MS in materials science and engineering not only boosts your salary prospects, it positions you for technical leadership, innovation-driven roles and long-term career advancement.

Funding and Financial Aid

UT Dallas offers several forms of financial support to graduate students: 

• Research Assistantships 
• Teaching Assistantships 
• Fellowships and Scholarships 
• External Grant Support  

Visit Graduate Fellowships & Scholarships for more info.