Overview: The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (IDGP) in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) offers a Ph.D. degree, and non-thesis and thesis-based M.S. degrees that prepare highly talented and motivated students for graduate studies and/or industry careers in MSE. Faculty in the MSE IDGP work in a wide range of fields such as Advanced Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Biomaterials, Catalysis, Energy Conversion and Storage, Multiscale Modeling and Simulation, Nanoelectronics, Nanotechnology, Quantum Computing, and Soft Matter, among others. Students can pursue coursework, obtain equipment and instrumentation training from dedicated staff, and perform original research at the forefront of MSE in state-of-the-art research laboratories and shared facilities at UMass.
Ph.D. Requirements
- Course credits: Complete a minimum of 48 credits that include classes (4 core and 4 elective classes), thesis research (minimum 18 credits), and research seminar attendance (6 credits).
- Qualifying Exam: By the end of the 2nd year pass an exam, administered by your dissertation committee, and advance to candidacy.
- Proposal: Prepare and present to your dissertation committee a written proposal that includes a literature review and describes the research to be performed for your dissertation.
- Dissertation: Prepare a written document and present your original research in an open forum; pass an oral exam conducted by your dissertation committee.
M.S. Degree Requirements
- Thesis Option: Complete a minimum of 33 credits including credits from coursework, thesis research work (M.S. thesis credits), and research seminar attendance
- Non-Thesis Option: Complete a minimum of 32 credits including credits from coursework, MSE-related industry internship or independent study with MSE-affiliated faculty (practicum), and research seminar attendance.
Explore the MSE Graduate Student Handbook for specific requirements and recommended timetables for various programs of study.