Back to Academic Programs

Our world depends on scientific innovation to drive new technologies and services. It is impossible to ignore the necessity of new materials and fabrication techniques. Our MS in Materials Science program provides students with an interdisciplinary background in the behavior and construction of materials rooted in engineering, chemistry and physics. In addition to the breadth of our program, you will have the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of individual specializations within the field, with coursework branching into topics like composites and nanomaterials.

To complement the coursework portion of the degree, you may undertake research to explore various topics within the major. You will be able to work closely with faculty to examine new techniques and develop a deep understanding of the challenges inherent in materials fabrication. With your master's in hand, you'll be prepared to tackle research and new materials development in a wide variety of those fields, including those technological fields that are becoming materials-limited. You will also be well-positioned to begin a PhD-level course of study if a career in academia is your goal.

Start Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer 

Curriculum: 45 Credit Hours  

Program Length: 2 Years 

 

Request Information

22,300 Materials science jobs in the US (2022) BLS.gov

6% Projected percent job growth from 2022 to 2032 BLS.gov

$106,160 Mean annual salary BLS.gov

Master of Science in Materials Science

How our curriculum prepares you for your career in materials science

  • Research icon

    Be prepared to work in research and development

    Our Master of Science in Materials Science program is designed to prepare you for research and development work in the materials field. 

  • book icon

    Choose from thesis or non-thesis study options 

    As a student, you can select a thesis or non-thesis option to either develop research skills alongside faculty or increase your knowledge through additional coursework. 

  • checkmark icon

    Take a multidisiciplinary approach

    Our program is multidisciplinary and involves the Departments of Physics, Chemistry and Engineering, with the Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department administering the degree. 

  • computer icon

    Gain knowledge in a specialized area through research 

    You will have the opportunity to gain experience through the research interests of faculty in each of the participating departments. 

  • community icon

    Be prepared to work in industry 

    With an increasing number of technological fields becoming materials-limited in various ways, our program seeks to prepare students to meet the challenges of property improvement and new materials development, with a broad-based curriculum that stresses fundamentals. 

Request for Information

Loading... if this form does not load, please adjust your Consent Preferences

Application Information

checklist icon

Admission Steps

school icon

Tuition

application icon

Apply

Admission Requirements 

  • Degree and GPA Requirements 
    • Bachelor's Degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution. 
    • Grade Point Average: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) of the baccalaureate degree. A master’s degree or higher earned from a regionally accredited institution supersedes the minimum standards for the baccalaureate. For applicants who have completed graduate coursework but have not earned a master’s degree or higher, the GPA from the graduate work may be used to meet the requirement. The minimum GPA is a cumulative 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework undertaken. 
  • Undergraduate Prerequisites
    • Students with a bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics, Metallurgy or Chemistry is normally required for admission to the MS in Materials Science (MTSC) program. Note that although not an admission requirement, students who are not adequately prepared to succeed in our graduate-level courses may choose to complete prerequisite undergraduate courses. 
  • English Language Proficiency Test Score Requirements 

    The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are: 

    • Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80 

    • Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5 

    • Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176 

    • Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115 

    English Conditional Admission: This program does not offer English Conditional Admission. 

CTA pattern background

Start Your Application

Advance your career with an MS in Materials Science.

Apply Now

Courses for the MS in Materials Science

Required Core Courses
    •    ENME 4900 - Graduate Professional Development 
    •    ENME 4950 - Graduate Assessment 

Advanced Math Courses
    •    ENGR 3620 - Advanced Engineering Mathematics - Corporate 
    •    ENGR 4300 - Advanced Numerical Methods 
    •    ENGR 4620 - Optimization 
    •    ENGR 4765 - Robot Control 

Materials Science Core Courses    
    •    ENGR 4200 - Introduction to Nanotechnology 
    •    ENME 4400 - Fatigue 
    •    ENME 4310 - Computational Methods for Mechanics and Materials 
    •    MTSC 4020 - Composite Materials I 
    •    MTSC 4215 - Composite Materials II 
    •    MTSC 4450 - Fracture Mechanics

Graduate Teaching and Graduate Research Assistantships 

You can access funding through graduate teaching and research assistantships. While these assistantships are competitive, you are encouraged to apply before the priority admissions deadline. Learn more about GTA/GRA positions at DU. 

a look toward the Ritchie College

Get Started on Your MS in Materials Science

Build your engineering career with a master's degree from the University of Denver’s Ritchie College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Apply Now