Consistently ranked in the top 5 programs in the nation
according to US News and World Report.
Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering
Gain a transdisciplinary perspective for connecting fundamental science
Since its establishment as the world’s first materials science academic department, Northwestern Engineering has led and defined the frontier of materials research, enabling transformative technologies that improve lives.
The master of science in materials science and engineering is one of the highest-rated graduate programs of its kind. With distinguished faculty, acclaimed research centers, and state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms, the program is designed to meet the global demand for analytical and innovative problem solvers by using a transdisciplinary approach to connect fundamental science, driven by curiosity and the thrill of discovery.
Why Northwestern?
Join our internationally recognized materials community
The first academic department of its kind in the world, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University leads the field in materials innovation and education.
highly cited researchers
Seven faculty rank in the top 1% of citations in materials science and chemistry according to Clarivate.
20+
Degree Tracks
The basics at-a-glance
Earn your master's or combined BS/MS degrees with or without a thesis.
Full-time students typically complete their master's degree in about 1-2 years.
Course-Track MS
12 courses + Optional Research Project
Those interested in industry careers may wish to pursue the Course-Track MS Program. Students typically complete the program in 3-4 quarters (9-15 months) and often complete 1-2 quarters of optional research.
Thesis-Track MS
10 courses + MS Thesis
Those interested in being a researcher in academic, industry, or government laboratories should choose the Thesis-Track MS Program. Students complete the program in 6 quarters (21 months) with 3 quarters of full-time research.
Research Areas
Strong interdisciplinary research is a hallmark at Northwestern, creating one of the broadest MSE programs and providing ample opportunities to participate in cross-disciplinary research.
Other Opportunities
Broaden your knowledge and perspective while networking with future leaders in a diverse and welcoming environment
Complete a complementary program
Supplement your major field of study with a minor or training program to build skills in a complementary area.
Minors:
Other programs:
Network and relationships beyond classrooms and labs
MSE graduate students engage in student organizations, activities, and communities across campus.
- Materials Science Alliance for an Inclusive Community (MATSAIC)
- Materials Science Student Association (MSSA)
- Materials Science Umbrella Society (MSUS)
Join our diverse community close to a global city
Among top engineering schools, McCormick is highly ranked in our percentage of female and underrepresented minority students. We have developed numerous initiatives to ensure that students of all backgrounds feel welcome. In addition, we are enriched by the cultural diversity of Northwestern, Evanston, and the Chicago area.
Sossina HaileProfessor
What Faculty Are Saying
“Success required focusing on the most important problems in my field, finding the right questions to ask and convincing the world, with just a bit of fanfare, that I could solve those problems.”
Career Paths
At Northwestern, you’ll have opportunities to participate in laboratory research experience, teaching, and conferences and workshops. In addition, our career advisers in Engineering Career Development and Northwestern Career Advancement assist students with career development and placement.
Alumni have become leaders in academia by continuing on to doctoral studies, while others move into industry, professional organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Our graduates typically work in a variety of fields including:
Health Care
Information Technologies
Energy
Request Your Program & Application Guide
Request a customized program guide about the master of science in materials science and engineering.