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The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
M.S. in Materials Science
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Materials Science at Missouri State is a 31-credit-hour program designed for students with a Bachelor of Science degree in a science or engineering discipline. It focuses on the fundamental physical and chemical properties of materials and their applications. The program aims to develop innovative solutions for various industry issues related to materials. It provides both traditional and accelerated master's options, allowing qualified undergraduates to begin graduate-level coursework during their senior year, potentially completing both degrees in five years. The program's core components include coursework, thesis research, experimentation, and data analysis, providing a comprehensive learning experience.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in materials science while allowing for some specialization. It comprises 15 hours of required core courses, 6-9 hours of electives, 6-9 hours of research, and 1 hour of seminar. Core courses typically include "Thermodynamics of Materials," "Introduction to Materials Science," "Structure of Solids," "Synthesis and Characterization of Advanced Materials," and "Introduction to Computational Materials Science." Electives can be chosen from other 600 or 700-level physics or materials science courses, or approved interdisciplinary courses from other departments like Chemistry (e.g., Chemical Kinetics, Polymer Chemistry). This flexibility allows students to tailor their studies to specific interests within the broad field of materials science.
Research Focus: A central pillar of the M.S. in Materials Science program is its strong emphasis on research. Students engage in hands-on research alongside faculty members, often utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and advanced laboratories. The program focuses on providing experience in high-technology materials synthesis, characterization, and modeling. Students are expected to conduct experiments, analyze data, and present their findings, typically culminating in a master's thesis. Faculty research interests in materials science at Missouri State include areas such as ultra-high temperature materials, composites, and polymers, along with broader topics in physics. The program encourages students to join faculty research groups and participate in seminars, fostering a research-intensive environment.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Materials Science at Missouri State University is highly focused on preparing graduates for direct entry into various industries. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the practical skills needed in semiconductor manufacturing, advanced materials synthesis and testing, and other high-technology processing and development sectors. The program emphasizes providing hands-on experience with modern equipment, which is directly relevant to industry needs. While not explicitly detailed as a mandatory component, the university's commitment to helping students find internship opportunities and the strong connections between faculty research and industrial applications suggest a significant degree of industry engagement. Graduates are expected to be well-prepared for roles in industries such as defense, energy, biomedical, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Global Perspective: While the M.S. in Materials Science program at Missouri State University does not explicitly highlight specific global components in its curriculum, the field of materials science itself is inherently global. Advancements in materials research and development have worldwide implications for technology, energy, and industry. The foundational principles and scientific methods taught in the program are universal, preparing students to contribute to research and development efforts across international borders. Furthermore, Missouri State University attracts international students, which enriches the classroom environment with diverse perspectives and potential future collaborations on a global scale. The skills acquired, such as high-technology materials synthesis, characterization, and modeling, are globally applicable and highly sought after by international industries and research institutions.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 290 required.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Materials Science from Missouri State University provides graduates with a highly specialized skill set in the fundamental properties, synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced materials. This expertise is critical for innovation across a multitude of high-tech industries, making graduates invaluable assets in fields that drive technological progress. The program's focus on practical, hands-on research and cutting-edge technologies prepares individuals for impactful roles in both research and development, as well as manufacturing and quality control.
Materials Engineer/Scientist: This is the most direct career path, involving the design, development, processing, and testing of new materials or the improvement of existing ones. They work across diverse sectors like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and consumer goods, focusing on optimizing material performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
Process Engineer (Semiconductor/Manufacturing): Materials scientists are crucial in the semiconductor industry, where they optimize manufacturing processes for microchips and other electronic components. They ensure material quality, troubleshoot production issues, and work on scaling up new material processes for mass production.
Research and Development (R&D) Engineer/Scientist: In corporate or government laboratories, R&D professionals conduct experimental and theoretical research to discover new materials, understand their behavior, and develop novel applications. This can involve working with nanomaterials, composites, polymers, or advanced ceramics for future technologies.
Failure Analysis Engineer: These specialists investigate why materials or products fail in service. Using advanced characterization techniques, they determine the root cause of failure, providing critical insights for design improvements, quality control, and litigation support in industries ranging from aerospace to consumer electronics.
Quality Control/Assurance Engineer: Materials scientists ensure that products meet specified quality standards and regulatory requirements. They establish testing protocols, analyze material properties, and implement quality management systems to prevent defects and ensure product reliability in manufacturing environments.
Biomaterials Engineer: In the biomedical industry, these engineers develop and test materials for medical devices, implants, prosthetics, and drug delivery systems. They ensure biocompatibility, mechanical integrity, and desired functionality for applications within the human body.
Corrosion Engineer: Specializing in the degradation of materials, corrosion engineers work to prevent or mitigate corrosion in structures, pipelines, and equipment across industries like oil and gas, infrastructure, and defense. They select appropriate materials, design protective coatings, and implement corrosion control strategies.
Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing Specialist: With the rise of 3D printing, materials scientists are essential in developing and characterizing new printable materials (polymers, metals, ceramics) and optimizing printing processes to achieve desired material properties and part performance.
Metallurgist: Specializing in metals and alloys, metallurgists work in industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to manufacturing and mining. They develop new alloys with enhanced properties, design heat treatments, and analyze metal failures.
Technical Sales Engineer: Combining their deep technical knowledge with sales acumen, these professionals work for materials manufacturers or equipment suppliers. They advise clients on the best materials or characterization tools for their specific applications, provide technical support, and explain complex scientific concepts in a business context.
