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Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering (BSMSE)

For details of our curriculum and our official curriculum sheet, visit the UK Course Bulletin.

For a quick overview of our course plan, download our unofficial Course Map.

To see a listing of all the courses we offer in Materials Engineering, see our Course Descriptions.

How to Apply: Applications are accepted through the University’s webpage.

Ph. D. in Materials Science and Engineering

The Ph. D. in Materials Science and Engineering requires 36 credit hours of graduate course work. Up to 12 credit hours may be waived for students with a prior MS degree in MSE or a related field. Four three-credit courses are required:

  • MSE 632 Advanced Materials Science
  • MSE 635 Advanced Mechanical Behavior of Materials
  • MSE 650 Advanced Materials Thermodynamics
  • MSE 782 Special Problems in Materials Science and Engineering

The remaining courses are elective and will be selected in conjunction with the student’s Major Professor. For a list of other courses offered in MSE and at UK, please see the Course Descriptions.

For more details, please see the UK MSE Graduate Student Handbook, or contact the Director of Graduate Studies.

How to Apply: Admission to the Ph.D. in MSE program is made entirely on the basis of a comprehensive review of each applicant's record. Applications are accepted via the Graduate School’s webpage. International applicants must apply by February 1st. For all other applicants, priority consideration is given to applications received by February 1st.

Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering

The MS in MSE is offered on two plans: Plan A requires a research-based dissertation, while Plan B is entirely course-based. Plan A students must complete 24 credit hours of graduate coursework plus at least 6 credit hours of research. Plan B students must complete 30 credit hours of graduate coursework. Four three-credit-hour courses are required:

  • MSE 632 Advanced Materials Science
  • MSE 635 Advanced Mechanical Behavior of Materials
  • MSE 650 Advanced Materials Thermodynamics
  • MSE 782 Special Problems in Materials Science and Engineering (ONLY REQUIRED for PLAN A students)

The remaining courses are elective and will be selected in conjunction with the student’s Major Professor. For a list of other courses offered in MSE and at UK, please see the Course Descriptions.

For more details, please see the UK MSE Graduate Student Handbook, or contact the Director of Graduate Studies.

How to Apply: Admission to the M.S. in MSE program requires a minimum combined (Quantitative plus Verbal) GRE score of 300, and is made based on a comprehensive review of each applicant's academic record. Applicants interested in the Plan A MS program must clearly indicate so in their personal statement, and include a clear description of their research interests. Applications are accepted via the Graduate School’s webpage. International applicants must apply by February 1st. For all other applicants, priority consideration is given to applications received by February 1st.

Advising & Student Support

Learning is a personal journey best taken in a collaborative environment. The UK MSE Program is committed to providing the resources and support our students need to learn, to prepare, and to build the skills that will help them succeed for life!

Academic Resources in the MSE Program

Bruce Cole

Professional headshot of Bruce Cole.

Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering Academic Advisor I

Location Detail
173 FPAT
Email
bruce.cole@uky.edu
Phone
859-257-4956

Matthew J. Beck

Professional headshot of Matt Beck.

Chemical and Materials Engineering Associate Professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Director of Graduate Studies

Linked Department (or Location)
Chemical and Materials Engineering
Location Detail
163C FPAT
Email
m.beck@uky.edu
Phone
859-257-0039

Peer Mentoring and Engagement

  • Material Advantage (MA) is the umbrella professional student organization for Materials Engineering students. MA provides workshops, mentoring/tutoring, and professional and social activities year-round.
  • Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering honor society, also provides peer tutoring across all engineering programs. Peer tutors offer all engineering students assistance with homework in engineering and major-related courses. The TBP tutoring schedule for the current semester is available here.

Co-op, Internship, and Career Placement

All Materials Engineering faculty are open to working with students to find co-ops, jobs, and internships. Visit with the Director of Undergraduate Studies or Director of Graduate Studies, or just stop by to talk with any MSE faculty member.

In addition, the College of Engineering’s Office of Career Development provides robust and comprehensive support for finding and applying for all manner of co-ops, internships, full- and part-time jobs.

Other College and University Resources

The College of Engineering and the University of Kentucky provide a wealth of resources to support students. An excellent list of resources for academic, financial, health and wellness, and student engagement support is maintained by the College.

For International students, UK’s International Center is an excellent resource for student services.