Master's Program in Materials Science (MATS)

Download the M.S. program brochure (PDF)

Download the Graduate Application (PDF)

Program Overview:

The Master of Science in Materials Science is designed to provide strong preparation in crystal growth, molecular synthesis, and characterization of advanced photonic and electronic materials. As an interdisciplinary program, the M.S. in Materials Science is appropriate for students with backgrounds in chemistry, materials science, physics or related engineering disciplines.

Research Specializations:

	Photonic materials
	Advanced electronic materials
	Chemical vapor deposition
	Czochralski crystal growth
	Molecular beam epitaxy
	Organic and polymer synthesis
	Electron spin resonance (ESR)
	Computational Chemistry
	Electro-active polymers
	Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
	Optical and ultrafast spectroscopy
	Surface analysis (LEED, Auger, ISS)

Financial Support Available:

Master's program candidates are typically offered full financial support (including a stipend in the amount of at least $18,000) during their status as full-time students. The curriculum has been designed for a completion period of 2 years.

Full tuition fellowships available.

Applications:

	Broad-band and ultra-fast optical telecommunications
	Solar cells
	Optical and magnetic materials
	Smart optics
	Atomic and surface processing
	Modeling and simulation
	Optoelectronics of organic materials
	Thin film
	Surface science
	Free electron laser
	Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Careers:

	Laser Engineering
	Microscopy Engineer
	Optical Engineer
	Optical Senior Research Scientist
	Optoelectronic Engineer
	Research Manager
	Satellite Engineer

Ph.D. Opportunities:

Cooperative agreements with the College of William and Mary, Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia for students who wish to further their education in pursuit of a Ph.D.

Regional Research Partners:

	The Applied Research Center in Newport News, VA
	The Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
	NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA

Curriculum :

First Semester Courses	Credit hours
MATS 530 Materials Science	3
CHM 545 Mathematical Methods	3
MATS 533 Polymers and Polymer-Based Composite Materials	3

Second Semester Courses	Credit hours
MATS 535 Electronic and Photonic Materials	3
MATS 575 Instrumentation for Materials Science	3
PHY 580 Quantum Mechanics for Materials Scientists	3

Third Semester Courses	Credit hours
Technical Elective	3
Technical Elective	3
MATS 697 Research	3

Fourth Semester Courses	Credit hours
Technical Elective	3
MATS 799 Thesis Research	3

TOTAL HOURS: 33

Technical Electives to be Selected From:
CHM 573 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry3
CHM 633 Molecular Dynamics
CHM 663 Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy
PHY 653 Solid State Physics
PHY 675 Electricity and Magnetism
MATS 610 Special Topics I
MATS 710 Special Topics II

Course Descriptions:

CHM 545 Mathematical Methods (3)

Application of series solutions of differential equations, vector analysis, determinants and matrices, complex variables, and integral transforms to problems encountered in the physical sciences.

CHM 573 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3)

Principles of structure, bonding, and reactivity patterns of inorganic compounds. Application of group theory to chemistry and spectroscopy, especially vibrational and electronic structure of metal complexes and crystals.

CHM 633 Molecular Dynamics (3)

Modern concepts in reaction-transport phenomena, transition state theory, and reaction dynamics. Experimental techniques and physical models for reactivity at a microscopic level.

CHM 663 Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy (3)

The study of the interaction of radiation with matter. The application of quantum mechanics for the spectroscopic determination of the rotational, vibrational, and electronic structure of matter.

MATS 530 Materials Science (3)

Basic knowledge about the internal structure, properties, processing, and characterization of materials including metals, ceramics, inorganic composites, and “smart” materials.

MATS 533 Polymers and Polymer-Based Composite Materials (3)

General concepts about polymers and polymeric materials/composites, their compositions, chemical structure, synthesis and fabrication, characterization and properties.

MATS 535 Electronic and Photonic Materials (3)

The internal structure, chemistry and physics of semiconductors, magnetic and photonic materials are related to their electronic and optical properties, and their applications. The course also includes: how electronic materials are produced and how to control processing to achieve desired materials performance.

MATS 575 Instrumentation for Materials Science (3)

Scientific data manipulation and visualization with IDL; data collection and data analysis with the LabView Interface; powder x-ray diffraction technique.

MATS 610 Special Topics I (3)

Special topics in Materials Science to be determined by the instructor.

MATS 635 Optical Materials (3)

Prerequisite: CHM 545 Mathematical Methods, MATS 535 Electronic and Photonics Materials, Phy 580 Quantum Mechanics for Materials Scientists or Permission of the instructor.

The course relates optical behavior and its underlying processes to the chemicalo, physical, and microstructural properties of the materials so that students gain insight into the kinds of materials engineering and processing conditions that are required to produce a materials exhibiting a desired optical property.

MATS 697 Research (1-9)