Master of Materials Science and Engineering (MMSE)
Description
The Master of Materials Science and Engineering (MMSE) is a non-thesis, coursework-only master’s degree available to both on-campus and distance education students through Engineering Online (EOL). The same degree requirements apply to both delivery formats. The program offers working professionals the flexibility to complete graduate-level coursework through online lectures and proctored exams.
Eligibility
Applicants typically hold a bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), another engineering discipline, or a related technical field such as chemistry or physics. GRE scores are not required for admission.
If your undergraduate degree is not in MSE, the admissions committee may recommend that you begin graduate coursework through the Post-Baccalaureate Studies (PBS) program as a Non-Degree Studies (NDS) student.
As an NDS student, you may take up to 12 credit hours of graduate coursework. If later admitted to the MMSE program, up to 12 eligible credit hours (with grades of B or higher) may transfer. NC State requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 in graduate-level coursework to maintain good academic standing.
New NDS students are encouraged to begin with MSE 500, a broad introduction to materials science that helps gauge readiness for advanced coursework. After completing at least two MSE courses, you may reapply for admission to the MMSE program.
General Information
All distance education courses in the College of Engineering are managed through Engineering Online (EOL). Courses are generally worth 3 credit hours each.
To explore available offerings:
- Use the NC State Catalog Class Search to view upcoming MSE course options.
- Browse the NC State Course Catalog for detailed course descriptions.
- Consult the Registration and Records Class Search to identify on-campus or online courses; online sections are designated with numbers in the 6xx range.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the NC State Graduate School, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (or a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate work).
- TOEFL requirement for non-native English speakers: a minimum score of 550 (PBT) or 80 (iBT). The institutional reporting code for NC State is 5496.
- International applicants with at least one year of full-time study at a U.S. college or university are exempt from the TOEFL requirement.
Learn more at the NC State Graduate School website.
Departmental Requirements
In addition to university admission requirements, applicants to the MMSE program must:
- Submit three letters of recommendation
- Provide official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions
- Include a statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals
- GRE scores are not required for MMSE admission.
Application Deadlines
- Summer and Fall admission: March 1
- Spring admission: October 1
- Applications remain active for one year after submission.
Degree Requirements
To receive the MMSE degree, students must:
- Complete 30 credit hours of graduate coursework (500- or 700-level)
- Earn at least 18 credit hours from MSE-designated courses
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0; courses with grades below C- or a U will not count toward degree requirements
- Submit a Plan of Work (POW) in MyPack Portal after completing 15 credit hours. This plan is reviewed and approved by your advisor and the MSE Director of Graduate Programs.
Students are subject to termination if:
- GPA < 2.778 after 18 credit hours
- GPA < 2.667 after more than 18 credit hours
- GPA < 3.0 after 30 or more credit hours
Course Transfers
A maximum of 12 credit hours may be transferred from another accredited institution or from NC State’s PBS program, pending MSE Graduate Program Director approval. Only courses with grades of B or higher are eligible.
Projected MSE Course Offerings
Upcoming MSE courses can be viewed via the NC State Catalog Class Search by selecting the relevant term and searching under the MSE subject.