Materials Science & Engineering
Visit the Division of Materials Science & Engineering
Engineers with backgrounds in materials science understand the properties of various materials—from metals and semiconductors to biopolymers—and how to manipulate those materials to make useful products. Applications for new materials, and modifications of existing ones, are expected to keep the global demand for trained materials scientists growing in the twenty-first century. Engineers trained in the discipline readily find work in a number of fields, including:
- Energy
- Health care
- Information technologies
- Homeland security
An Interdisciplinary Focus
Our materials faculty members are internationally recognized, attract significant research funding and are developing revolutionary materials, processes and devices that impact everyday life. Materials science & engineering is a truly interdisciplinary field at BU—strong affiliations and collaborations exist between faculty from the College of Engineering, the College of Arts & Sciences and the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. We boast impressive research activities in biomaterials, electronic and photonic materials, materials for energy and the environment, and nanomaterials.
Where Do Our Alumni Work?
- Large corporations (IBM, General Electric, Pratt & Whitney, 3M, Lockheed Martin, Xerox, Corning, etc.)
- Start-up companies
- Universities
- Consulting firms
Degree Options
Graduate students may pursue the industry-focused Master of Engineering degree, or research-based Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy programs.
Materials Science & Engineering is also available to undergraduates as a minor.
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Master of Science (MS) with thesis in Materials Science & Engineering (MSE)
The Master of Science (MS) degree in Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) is a master’s program aimed at graduating undergraduates who want to attain additional education in materials research.
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Master of Science (MS) non-thesis in Materials Science & Engineering (MSE)
The Master of Science (MS) non-thesis degree in Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) is a master’s program designed for graduating senior undergraduates who wish to engage in graduate studies in materials science and engineering.
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Master of Engineering (MEng) in Materials Science & Engineering (MSE)
The flexible Master of Engineering (MEng) degree in Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) is a professional master’s program that can be completed in one year of full-time study, or up to two years if an internship or project-based experience is desired. Part-time options are also available.
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Master’s Degree Internship Degree Option: Engineering with Practice
The Engineering Practice designation, when added to an MS or MEng degree, recognizes the power of combining rigorous academic coursework with supervised real-world research or industrial applications.
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LEAP: A Master’s Program for non-Engineers
A unique program that enables students without an undergraduate engineering degree to earn a master's degree in engineering.
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Minor in Materials Science & Engineering
Engineering Undergraduates can complement their degree with an in-depth minor in Materials Science & Engineering, gaining an understanding of the properties of various materials—from metals and semiconductors to biopolymers—and learning how to manipulate those materials to make useful products.