General Requirements

MS in Materials Science and Engineering

The Master of Science (MS)  in Materials Science and Engineering is designed for students who want to advance their expertise in the field and  their knowledge of solid-state fundamentals and materials engineering.  The curriculum consists of core and elective materials science courses, materials science labs, and approved electives. MS students have the option of conducting research towards their degree. 

Degree Requirements for the MS in Materials Science and Engineering

Complete information regarding the degree and course requirements for the MS in Materials Science and Engineering can be found in the Stanford Bulletin. 

The requirements for the MS in Materials Science and Engineering must be completed within two years. Students typically take between five and six quarters to graduate. This is a terminal degree that is typically completed through coursework alone.  No thesis or research is required, but some students opt to earn units by researching with a lab professor and writing a master’s thesis report.  A minimum of 45 units is required for the degree, including 21 core and lab units, 12 units of MatSci graduate electives, and 12 units of other approved electives. MS students have two program milestones: the MS Program Proposal Form and MS Final Completion Form. Current students in the program can find these forms on the MSE Intranet (link), Stanford login required.