MS in Materials Science

The master’s degree in materials science at the University of Rochester requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate courses. To obtain their MS, students in this program can choose from two plans: Plan A, with thesis, or Plan B, without thesis. Plan B is the default option for entering students. 

If a student wishes to pursue a Plan A path instead, it is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with a faculty thesis advisor to supervise their work and to inform the materials science graduate coordinator.

Plan A: Thesis

For students pursuing the MS degree with thesis (Plan A), the following requirements apply:

  • A minimum of 20 credit hours of materials science graduate courses
  • Ten credit hours for research
  • Successful completion of an oral defense of their thesis

The oral defense will take place after all other degree requirements have been completed.

Plan B: Without a Thesis

For students electing to obtain the MS degree without a thesis (Plan B), the following requirements apply:

  • A minimum of 24 credit hours of materials science graduate courses
  • Six credit hours of other related courses
  • A comprehensive oral examination