Masters in Materials Science

Class Profile

Class Size

25

Average Age

28

Average Work Experience

2 Years

Rentention Rate

92

Career Outcomes

Top recruiters

Government Agencies

Environmental Consulting Firms

Academic Institutions

Agricultural Companies

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

$30,705 / year

Overall Cost

$48,705 / year

FAQs

• How does one apply and what materials are needed?
  
  Applicants must submit an online graduate application through the Penn State Graduate School. Required materials include official transcripts, curriculum vitae, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters. GRE is optional; international applicants need TOEFL/IELTS.
• What are the admission requirements?
  
  Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in physical sciences or engineering with a junior/senior GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. GRE scores are optional. International applicants must submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) as required.
• What core courses are required for the M.S. program?
  
  Core courses include MATSE 501, MATSE 512, either MATSE 542 or MATSE 503, MATSE 582 (professional development), and MATSE 590 (seminar). Research credits are either MATSE 600 (thesis) or MATSE 596 (paper).
• What are the specific academic requirements for each track?
  
  Thesis-based M.S.: At least 6 credits of thesis research, a written and orally defended thesis, with a committee of a minimum of three graduate faculty. At least 18 credits must be formal coursework. Accelerated M.S.: Requires 6 credits of independent study (MATSE 596), a scholarly paper, and poster presentation replacing a thesis defense. At least 21 credits must be formal coursework. A seminar requirement and professional development training are also included.
• What degree options are available for the M.S. in Materials Science at Penn State?
  
  There are two tracks: Thesis-based M.S., typically completed in about two years, includes research assistantship support. Accelerated (non-thesis) M.S., designed to be completed in one calendar year, concluding with a scholarly paper, poster presentation, and research project.
• How many credits are required to complete the M.S. degree?
  
  A minimum of 30 credits is required for both tracks.