Materials Science and Engineering (PhD, MS)

Program Overview

Binghamton University offers graduate programs in Materials Science and Engineering leading to a master’s of science degree or a doctor of philosophy degree. Based on student interests, programs may emphasize either engineering or science.

Ranked in the top third nationally along with UCLA by Academics Analytics, Binghamton’s Materials Science and Engineering program is highly interdisciplinary, bringing together faculty from departments including chemistry, geological sciences and environmental studies, mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering. Students may conduct research with faculty in any of these departments.

Students develop a solid foundation of knowledge in the principles of materials science, through either an atomic/nano or a bulk/macro approach. Students choose a specialization in one of the following areas:

• Energy production
• Storage and transmission
• Nanomaterials
• Electronic materials
• Biomaterials
• Modeling and mechanical behavior

Funding is offered in the form of stipends awarded through teaching or research assistantships.

Application fee waivers are available on a competitive basis for a limited number of PhD applicants. To be considered, you must start your application and upload all application documents before January 15. After your files have been uploaded, email Kathy Michaels (michaels@binghamton.edu) to let her know that your application files have been uploaded for fee waiver consideration. The application package should not be submitted until the application fee has been paid or waived.

Virtual appointments are available. Contact michaels@binghamton.ed to schedule.

Degrees Offered

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering
• MS in Materials Science and Engineering

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities to pursue a diverse range of materials and topics within the program. Various research facilities on campus include the Institute for Materials Research, Integrated Electronics Engineering Center and Center for Autonomous Solar Power, as well as research facilities within the departments of Geological Sciences and Mechanical Engineering.

Watson Career and Alumni Connections offers professional advice and services such as interview guidance, cover letter critiques and networking opportunities.

After You Graduate

Graduates of the program have pursued postdoctoral work at universities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University, and California Institute of Technology. Alumni have also obtained positions in industry with companies such as Microsoft, Toyota, Universal Instruments, Intel, GlobalFoundries and LG Electronics.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for graduate study, you must:

• Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
  • You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
• Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
  • A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
  • A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

To apply, you must submit the following materials. For general guidelines for these materials, see the Admission Requirements website.

• Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
• Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended
  • MS: Undergraduate degree in one of the physical sciences or engineering
  • PhD: Undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the physical sciences or engineering
• Personal statement of 2 to 3 pages describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to the graduate admissions committee
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation
• For the 2023-24 academic year submission of GRE scores is optional, but strongly recommended for funding consideration.

International students must also submit the following materials. For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.

• International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
• Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
• Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic/Duolingo* scores)
  • *In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School at Binghamton University has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency through the 2023 application cycle.

This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend that you contact the department with questions about program-specific requirements.

Deadlines

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

For more information, visit the Materials Science and Engineering website.