M.S. and Ph.D. in materials science and engineering

Program at a glance

Degrees offered

  • M.S. in materials science & engineering
  • Ph.D. in materials science & engineering

Admissions requirements

GPA minimum

  • M.S. applicants: 3.0
  • Ph.D. applicants: 2.75 or at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate work

 GRE

  • Required for M.S. applicants but waived for students with a completed B.S. from the University of Nevada, Reno Materials Science and Engineering or Chemical Engineering programs
  • Required for Ph.D. applicants

For international applicants to both the M.S. and Ph.D. program: A minimum TOEFL of 79 or IELTS of 6.5

Letters of recommendation

  • M.S. and Ph.D. applicants: Letters of recommendation from former professors indicating your capability for advanced course work and research. You will be asked to enter email addresses for your recommenders when you apply. Your recommenders will then receive an invitation to upload their letters of recommendation.

Application deadlines

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. To receive full consideration for funding, apply by the deadline below:

  • Spring enrollment: October 31
  • Fall enrollment: March 15

How to apply

You can start your application through The Graduate School website, which provides detailed instructions on the application process.

Funding

This program is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), a tuition-savings program that makes out-of-state graduate studies more affordable for students. Through WRGP, you will receive a reduced tuition rate, giving you more educational options for your money.

About the M.S. and Ph.D. in materials science & engineering

M.S. in materials science & engineering

The master's degree in materials science and engineering combines upper-level coursework with the opportunity to conduct research on a topic within materials science and write a thesis.

  • Thesis option (Plan A)
  • Coursework-only, non-thesis option (Plan B)

Ph.D. in materials science & engineering

The Ph.D. in materials science and engineering is a research-intensive program that prepares students for careers in research and teaching in the field. Students are involved in many aspects of original research, advancing scientific knowledge in specific areas.

Dev Chidambaram head shot

Contact program director Dev Chidambaram

Email: dcc@unr.edu
Phone: (775) 784-7066

 

Find a faculty advisor

Your faculty advisor will help you outline a course of study for your graduate degree and may be able to help you find research assistantships.

Professor Dev Chidambaram stands with a graduate student

Master's degree students should identify a faculty advisor no later than then end of their second semester, while Ph.D. students should declare an advisor  by the end of their third semester. 

You should contact faculty members with research programs that interest you to learn about available assistantships as early as possible.

Get to know our faculty
 

Program cost and scholarships

Program cost

Information about graduate student tuition and fees is available on The Graduate School website.

Graduate assistantships

Graduate students are eligible to apply for a teaching or research assistantship. All applicants to the program will be considered for available funding, and awards are made on the basis of your academic achievements and potential for graduate success.

You can learn more about graduate assistantships on the Graduate School website.

Nuclear power fellowship

Graduate students in materials science and engineering with research interests in nuclear power may be eligible to apply for a nuclear power fellowship, funded by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. 

College of Engineering graduate assistantships

Details on graduate research assistantships funded by the College of Engineering are available on the College website.

Funding resources from the Graduate School

The Graduate School maintains lists of additional funding opportunities from both University and external sources. 

Funding resources for international students

Information about scholarships and financial aid for international students is also available on the Office of International Students and Scholars website.

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