Important Dates
Fall priority deadline
Spring priority deadline
Research-driven degrees
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Program comparison table
Program Duration Thesis Delivery Best for Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) – Materials Science and Engineering 4-5 years Yes On-campus Students pursuing advanced research careers in academia, industry or national laboratories Master of Science (M.S.) – Materials Science and Engineering 1.5–2 yrs FT / up to 6 yrs PT Yes On-campus Students seeking research experience and preparation for technical careers or doctoral study Master of Nanoengineering (MNAE) 1.5–2 yrs FT / up to 6 yrs PT No On-campus and online Working professionals and engineers seeking advanced technical coursework without a thesis Master of Materials Science and Engineering (MMSE) 1-2 years No On-campus and online Students interested in expanding materials science expertise for industry-focused careers Master of Science – Wide Bandgap Semiconductors 1-2 years FT Yes Hybrid Students interested in semiconductor materials and devices for next-generation power electronics and microelectronics Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) 1 additional year after undergraduate degree No On-campus NC State undergraduates accelerating completion of a master’s degree through the ABM pathway Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Certificate 1 year No Online Graduate students or professionals seeking focused training in core materials science concepts Materials Informatics Graduate Certificate 1 year No Online Students and professionals interested in applying data science and AI tools to materials research and development
Still deciding which program is right for you?
Connect with our graduate program team to learn more about research opportunities, funding and application requirements.
Research Areas
Electronic & Quantum Materials
Semiconductors, photonics and materials enabling next-generation computing and electronics.
Energy Materials
Batteries, catalysts and materials for clean energy generation, storage and sustainability.
Soft Materials
Materials designed for medical devices, tissue engineering and biomedical applications.
Structural Materials
Metals, ceramics and composites designed for strength, durability and extreme environments.
Advanced Characterization
Cutting-edge microscopy and analytical techniques to understand materials across scales.
AI and Materials
Data science and machine learning approaches accelerating materials discovery and design.
Financial Support
Funding is typically provided for doctoral students. Master’s students are generally self-funded.
Doctoral Assistantships
Most Ph.D. students receive research or teaching assistantships that provide financial support during their studies.
Tuition & Health Coverage
Qualifying assistantships include tuition coverage and health insurance through the NC State Graduate Student Support Plan.
Living in Raleigh
Raleigh offers a lower cost of living than many major research hubs, allowing graduate students to stretch their funding further while living in a vibrant and growing technology region.
Estimated annual expenses for graduate students living off campus in 2026-2027*
- Housing: $10,670
- Utilities & internet: $2,512
- Food: $6,684
- Transportation: $2,060
*Source: NC State Graduate School
Explore Raleigh, North Carolina
How to apply:
- Online application
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- English proficiency test scores (if required)
Graduate student life
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A member of our graduate team will respond within 2–3 business days.
Graduate Program Team
