Materials Science and Engineering

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Explore the forefront of materials innovation and engineering with Iowa State University's Materials Science and Engineering graduate program. Our program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in research, development, and industry leadership.
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Graduate students in MSE actively study and pursue next-generation materials solutions in areas such as: Energy storage and transmission; Advanced manufacturing and materials processing; Advanced vehicles and propulsion; Biomaterials and biomedical technologies; Nanomaterials; and Functional responsive materials. MSE graduate students work closely with our interdisciplinary faculty to address critical challenges and explore exciting new opportunities for innovation. Our students come from all over the world and from a wide variety of technical fields. Their career paths are equally diverse, and many go on to become leaders and innovators in academics, research, industry, medicine, business, and public service. MSE offers three advanced degree options, including the Doctor of Philosophy (with research thesis/dissertation), the Master of Science (research thesis track or research portfolio track), and the Master of Engineering (courswork only). We also offer two concurrent enrollment options (BS/MS and BS/MEng). If you have a background in the physical, chemical, or biological sciences, engineering, or mathematics and want to do something truly special, we encourage you to explore opportunities in MSE graduate programs.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Engineering (M.Engr.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Advanced manufacturing and materials processing
  • Biomaterials and bio-inspired materials
  • Computational modeling of materials and processes
  • Functional materials and physical behavior
  • Materials for energy storage, conversion, and transmission
  • Soft materials, composites, and coatings

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.6 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.7 years (Methods)

Stacey Ross

gradmse@iastate.edu
515-294-0080
Office of Admissions
100 Enrollment Services Ctr.
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2011

Learning Goals

  • Students successfully completing the Ph.D. program in MSE will develop and demonstrate: • a sound understanding of fundamental concepts in Materials Science and Engineering and their broad application in science and technology; • comprehensive knowledge and deep understanding of scholarly literature relevant to the specific area(s) of study, including both contemporary and foundational work; and • an ability to contribute substantially to their field of study through original research and sound application of fundamental concepts, scientific methods, and engineering practices.
  • Students successfully completing the M.S. program in MSE will develop and demonstrate: • a sound understanding of fundamental concepts in Materials Science and Engineering and their broad application in science and technology; • a functional awareness and understanding of scholarly literature relevant to the specific area(s) of study, including both contemporary and foundational work; and • an ability to work effectively in their field of interest through sound application of fundamental concepts, scientific methods, and engineering practices.
  • Students successfully completing the M.Eng. program in MSE will develop and demonstrate: • a sound understanding of fundamental concepts in Materials Science and Engineering and their broad application in science and technology; • an awareness of contemporary critical issues in Materials Science and Engineering; and • an ability to work effectively in their field of interest through sound application of fundamental concepts, scientific methods, and engineering practices.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Resume or CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • GRE scores are recommended but not required. Applications which do not include a GRE will not be disadvantaged.
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE

    53
    Duolingo (approved through Spring 2026) 115
       

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

For full funding consideration: January 15 for fall admission; September 1 for spring admission. Applications are accepted after these dates. For applicants who require a visa to study in the U.S., please do not initiate an application less than three months ahead of the selected entry term.

ISU Engineering undergraduates seeking a concurrent BS / Masters degree program: July 15 for fall admission; December 1 for spring admission.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions