Materials Science and Engineering, M.S.

Why Study Materials Science and Engineering at Montana Tech? 

Ranked #1 among the best engineering schools in the nation by Best Value Schools, Montana Tech boasts a 100% career outcome rate. You’ll benefit from an extraordinary hands-on learning environment. More than 30 materials-oriented graduate courses are available. The interdisciplinary program provides students access to faculty in resources of the participating STEM departments, which enables the students to attain depth in the specialized discipline of their choice. 

State-of-the-Art Labs and Equipment 

Our labs help materials science and engineering graduate students conduct research that makes an impact. Use state-of-the-art analytical, laboratory, and field equipment. You’ll have access to instruments in for your materials sciences research and opportunities to work one-on-one with faculty. 

Materials Science and Engineering Internships  

Receive even more hands-on experience through a variety of materials science and engineering internships in many employment areas, such as engineering consulting, biomaterials, or aerospace. As an in-demand materials science and engineering student, you’ll have your pick of top internships in your area of interest. 

Outstanding Location  

While earning your graduate degree in materials science and engineering, you’ll also have countless opportunities to enjoy Montana’s great outdoors both in and around Butte as well as across the state. Butte boasts access to several ski hills, hot springs and a plethora of camping, hiking, road and biking locations. 

Distance Option  

It is possible for our materials science students to earn their MS/MSE degree via distance  or remote learning through Montana Tech. Off-campus research is encouraged for qualified students. Learn more about distance or remote learning options.

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What is Materials Science?  

Materials Science is the study of all the “stuff” that makes up everything around you. Materials scientists study the makeup, design, and processing of different substances. They use knowledge of physics and chemistry to understand the structure and properties of materials so they can be engineered to meet needs for manufacturing, nanotechnology, machine learning, construction and many other industries.  

What Kinds of Jobs Do Materials Scientists Get?  

Materials scientists are employed in a variety of industries, and work to solve some of the planet’s most pressing conundrums. The world is in the midst of a materials revolution. Impressive nanotechnology is utilized as scientists make medical breakthroughs and explore the vast expanses of our universe. Homes are built with 3-D printers, instead of by workers with hammers and nails. New systems for electrical storage and distribution are needed as society moves from fossil-fuel based economies, to increasingly electrified ones. All of these advancements require scientists to develop, test, create and improve materials for new innovations.  

Explore Classes in Materials Science 

You’ll take courses in bonding, structures, defects, thermodynamics of materials, kinetics, phase transformations, advanced mathematics, design and participate in a practicum.  

The MS/MSE program at Montana Technological University offers thesis track and non-thesis track alternatives. Both are available to on-campus students and to off-campus students through distance-learning. Incoming off-campus students are admitted to the non-thesis track. At the invitation of a research-active participating faculty member (advisor), students who demonstrate an interest and aptitude for scientific research may petition the Graduate School for transfer to the thesis track.