Master of Engineering- Materials Science and Engineering

Program Overview

The M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering is a 30-credit degree program. Students are typically expected to complete more than 3 out of 4 core courses (9-12 credits), followed by 3 credits of "Advanced Research Methods for Materials Innovation" (MT 650), and 5-6 elective courses (15-18 credits). This structure provides a solid core knowledge base while offering significant flexibility for specialization. Students can include up to 6 credits of research courses and up to 10 credits of Master's Thesis (MT 900) as part of their electives, allowing for a research-intensive path. The program is offered both on-campus and through StevensOnline, catering to diverse student needs, including working professionals. Stevens boasts excellent career outcomes for its Materials Science and Engineering graduates, with a reported 100% employment rate within three months of graduation for the Class of 2023, and a strong mean compensation of $80,000.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Stevens Institute of Technology M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering program is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students. The STEM designation makes them eligible for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, allowing for a total of up to three years of valuable post-graduation work experience. This designation clearly reflects the program's rigorous scientific, engineering, and quantitative focus, which is highly valued by employers in the materials, manufacturing, and related high-tech industries.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum provides an advanced understanding of materials science and engineering. Core courses often include: "Chemical and Materials Thermodynamics," "Structure and Diffraction," "Kinetics of Materials," and "Soft Matter Physics." The required "Advanced Research Methods for Materials Innovation" (MT 650) provides essential skills for research and development. Elective courses (15-18 credits) allow students to specialize in areas such as advanced characterization techniques, polymer processing, inorganic materials, nanotechnology, and materials for energy and sustainability. Students are encouraged to take electives from related fields like chemical engineering, chemistry, biology, or pharmaceutical manufacturing, allowing for interdisciplinary breadth. The curriculum emphasizes multi-scale analysis, from atomic to macroscopic levels, and the use of modern experimental and analytical tools.

Research Focus: The M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering program at Stevens has a strong research focus, encouraging students to engage in cutting-edge and impactful research. The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science fosters a technology-centric research environment with applications in significant areas like sustainability and healthcare. Research clusters include: understanding fundamental aspects governing nucleation, crystallization, and phase transformations for sustainable energy; multi-scale modeling and simulation of materials; nanophotonics and fiber optics; polymer synthesis, characterization, and processing for diverse engineering applications (medicine, sustainable energy, extreme conditions); and reaction engineering. Faculty are actively patenting and publishing ground-breaking work, and students have access to state-of-the-art facilities like the Highly Filled Materials Institute, the Soft Materials Laboratory, and the Laboratory for Multi-Scale Imaging, enabling hands-on research and contribution to scientific advancements.

Industry Engagement: Stevens Institute of Technology places a very high priority on industry engagement for its Materials Science and Engineering program. Its advantageous location in the New York-New Jersey area, a hub for materials innovation, manufacturing, and R&D, provides students with exceptional networking and professional opportunities. The curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the latest industry trends and technological advancements, including the integration of AI electives and hands-on education. Stevens' faculty often have strong ties to industry, bringing practical insights into the classroom. The university's strong alumni network and robust Career Center facilitate extensive networking, internships, and co-op experiences. Graduates are highly sought after by leading public and private organizations, including companies in semiconductors, aerospace, biomedical devices, and energy.

Global Perspective: Stevens Institute of Technology fosters a global perspective within its M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering program through its diverse international student population and the inherently global nature of materials science research and application. The university attracts students from numerous countries, creating a multicultural learning environment that enriches classroom discussions with varied insights into international materials challenges, research collaborations, and industry practices. The development of advanced materials, whether for sustainable energy, next-generation electronics, or biomedical implants, has universal impact, preparing graduates to contribute to scientific advancements and collaborate on interdisciplinary projects that span national borders, ensuring they are well-equipped for careers in a globally interconnected professional landscape.