Materials Science and Engineering, MS
Materials science and engineering is a fascinating interdisciplinary field that combines design, mechanics, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and electronics for the development of new materials and improvement of existing materials. This far-reaching field of study is the bridge between physical science and real-world applications where materials science engineers are continually working to solve tomorrow’s toughest technological challenges.
Program overview
Our program provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum for a robust engineering experience that goes beyond the classroom. Students can choose from a thesis option or project (non-thesis option). Courses are designed to offer a holistic understanding of materials science, blending fundamental principles with cutting edge research in the following core research areas:
- Functional Materials
- Quantum Materials
- Structural Materials
- Computational Materials Science and Machine Learning
Concentrations
Students pursuing their graduate degree in materials science and engineering have several concentrations to choose from including Automative Materials and Nanomaterials.
Student can also choose to pursue a dual MS-MBA program with a major in materials science and engineering.
Why Study Materials Science and Engineering at UT?
As a student, you’ll have access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources like the Tennessee Ion beam Materials Laboratory, the Center for Materials Processing, the Scintillation Materials Research Center, and more. Partnerships with national organizations like ORNL provide access to collaborative spaces for research at a premier research institution working with the latest advancements in technology.
What can you do with a MS in Materials Science and Engineering after graduation?
Having an advanced degree in an interdisciplinary field like materials science and engineering opens the doors to a variety of careers, from product design to end-of-life failure analysis. Materials engineers can work in a number of industries as researchers, scientists, process engineers, technical consultants, and more. With an MS in materials science and engineering, students are propped up for success in more advanced, specialist positions, while many chose to continue in their education and receive a PhD and/or professional certifications.
Featured Courses
Below are some of the courses that students in our program can choose to take. For a list of courses, visit the Graduate Catalog.
MSE 511 Crystallography, Crystal Chemistry, and Diffraction
Structure of materials: chemical bonding in materials, crystal structure, defects in crystals, diffraction. This course is one of the four core courses in the graduate MSE curriculum.
MSE 513 Thermodynamics of Materials
Thermodynamics of materials: thermodynamics, diffusion, phase diagrams, kinetics. This course is one of the four core courses in the graduate MSE curriculum.
MSE 525 Welding Metallurgy
Welding processes; physical metallurgy of welding; phase transformations; heat flow; residual stresses; theories of hot cracking, cold cracking and porosity formation; applications to process utilization. A definitive project on welding metallurgy will be conducted, requiring a presentation and written report.
MSE 551 Solar Photovoltaics
Underlying physics of semiconductor materials used as photovoltaics and a review of the current state of the art of converting sunlight to electrical energy. Graduate students are required to give a presentation or write a paper based on current research on one of the topics covered in class.
Related Programs
Check out a list of related programs to look into based on your interest in materials science and engineering:
Admissions and Aid
Choosing the right university to pursue an engineering degree is an important decision—and a significant investment. We want to make sure that you have the information you need to both apply and make attending UT affordable.
Ready to Join Us?
See yourself on Rocky Top? We’ve made it easier than ever to apply for admission. Learn more about our admission requirements and the steps to apply to be an Engineering Vol.