Materials Science and Engineering
The Materials Science and Engineering Master of Science program at Cornell University provides a research intensive and interdisciplinary academic environment for students who want to explore how atomic structure, chemical composition, and processing techniques influence the behavior and performance of materials. The curriculum integrates solid state physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, mechanical behavior, nanotechnology, and advanced characterization, enabling learners to investigate metals, polymers, ceramics, semiconductors, and emerging functional materials. With a strong emphasis on material properties, students gain the scientific and analytical foundation needed to understand how materials respond to external forces, environmental conditions, and engineered modifications. This structure allows learners to examine how fundamental principles guide the design of new materials for technological, industrial, and scientific applications.
Throughout the two year program, students work closely with faculty engaged in cutting edge research across electronic materials, biomaterials, energy systems, nanomaterials, soft matter, and computational materials engineering. Through laboratory experimentation, microscopy, materials synthesis, modeling, and project based study, learners develop deep skills in materials analysis, experimental design, and performance evaluation. The academic environment encourages interdisciplinary thinking by connecting theoretical concepts with engineering practice, helping students understand how materials are engineered to meet specific functional requirements. This combination of scientific rigor and application oriented research prepares graduates to contribute to innovations across fields such as electronics, energy storage, healthcare, manufacturing, and advanced materials development.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Materials Science and Engineering
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 February 2026
- Location: Cornell University, United States
- Field of Study: Materials Science
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1
• Foundations of Materials Science
• Thermodynamics and Phase Transformations
• Materials Characterization Techniques
• Elective in Nanomaterials, Chemistry, or Solid State Physics
Semester 2
• Mechanical Behavior of Materials
• Electronic and Functional Materials
• Experimental Methods in Materials Science
• Elective in Biomaterials, Soft Matter, or Processing
Semester 3
• Advanced Topics in Materials Engineering
• Research Methods and Laboratory Study
• Computational Modeling of Materials
• Elective in Energy Materials, Surface Science, or Polymers
Semester 4
• Master’s Thesis Research
• Materials Design and Innovation
• Professional Development for Materials Engineers
• Elective in Advanced Characterization, Composites, or Device Engineering
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program pursue influential roles across materials engineering, research, manufacturing, technology development, and industrial innovation, frequently joining materials research laboratories, advanced manufacturing companies, energy and electronics firms, and biomaterials and nanotechnology organizations. Their strong preparation in synthesis, characterization, modeling, and materials evaluation enables them to contribute to product development, structural analysis, materials optimization, and scientific research. With interdisciplinary scientific and engineering capabilities, they support sectors focused on developing high performance materials, improving industrial processes, and advancing technology across multiple industries.
Why Choose This Program
This program is an excellent choice for students who want to gain deep scientific understanding and hands on research experience in material systems, offering opportunities to develop advanced material insight and strong research capability supported by Cornell’s distinguished materials science faculty. Through laboratory investigation, computational modeling, and interdisciplinary coursework, learners gain the tools to design innovative materials, evaluate performance, and contribute to advances in energy, electronics, healthcare, and manufacturing. Its structured two year format ensures scientific depth, technical growth, and professional readiness for impactful careers in materials science and engineering.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 607 255 2000
Email: admissions@cornell.edu
Address: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
