Our Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (MSMSE) equips students to lead in advanced material fields. Materials science is the backbone of innovation, driving advancements in nanomaterials, composites and beyond. The degree is available through either a thesis or a non-thesis track, catering to different career goals and interests.

With industries relying on cutting-edge materials, the demand for skilled materials scientists and engineers has never been higher. Choose from five specialized areas: ceramics, electronic materials, metals and alloys, nanomaterials, polymers and biomaterials. Gain the expertise, vision and research experience to shape the future of technology and transform the world. 

Graduates of this program are prepared to evaluate materials, develop machinery and processes for manufacturing and create innovative solutions to meet specialized design and performance specifications. Career opportunities include roles, such as materials and processes manager, materials development engineer, research engineer, metallurgical engineer, ceramic engineer and more.

Program Curriculum

The MS in Mechanical Engineering is a 30-credit program with two pathways: the thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis path focuses on research, offering students the chance to collaborate with expert faculty and contribute innovative ideas to the field. The non-thesis path emphasizes advanced coursework, preparing students with specialized knowledge and practical skills for industry roles.

Students work with an advisor to create a personalized study plan and can specialize in one of three focus areas:

  • Metals and Alloys
  • Electronic Materials
  • Ceramics
  • Polymers and Biomaterials
  • Nanomaterials

Thesis Option

Students must complete at least 24 semester credit hours of coursework, including at least six semester credit hours of EML6971, Master’s Thesis Research and take the MME Graduate Seminar.

The course requirements include at least six hours of 6000-level course credit, encompassing thesis hours. Up to six credit hours of courses from other departments may be included within the 24-credit hour minimum.

Up to six graduate credit hours can be transferred from other accredited institutions, provided they have not been used for another degree, have a minimum letter grade of “B” and meet university requirements. The advisor and the Graduate Coordinator must approve transfer courses.

Early in the program, students will meet with an advisor to complete a study plan that specifies the courses that will make up the program.

  • Thesis Defense

    Once thesis research is completed, the student must schedule a defense with an examining committee appointed by the Graduate School, consisting of at least three graduate faculty members, two from MME. The thesis, accompanied by an approval cover letter from the advisor, should be submitted to the committee for review at least four weeks before the defense.

    The candidate will present a summary in a technical paper style, using visual aids in 40 minutes or less. After the presentation, the candidate will answer questions, and the committee will determine the outcome (pass or fail) and report the results to the Graduate School.

    Following the exam, the student will revise the thesis based on committee suggestions. Each committee member must sign the approval form on the final document and copies of the approved thesis must be provided to the advisor, department and library.

Non-thesis Option

Students must complete at least 30 semester credit hours of graduate coursework, one semester of Graduate Seminar and a three-credit independent study project. 

Non-thesis students must submit a formal report and present their independent study project to an examining committee of at least three faculty members, two of whom must be from the department. The committee evaluates the report and presentation to ensure the student meets the program’s academic and professional standards. 

Both options provide the skills and research experience needed to excel in materials science and engineering, empowering students to shape the future of technology and innovation.

Application Requirements

Applicants can choose between the thesis and non-thesis options to tailor their education to their career goals. Only complete application packets will be reviewed. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Minimum Requirements

  • Graduate admission application  
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities. Transcripts must be submitted in sealed envelopes directly from the respective institutions.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper-level undergraduate work.
  • A bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, computer science or mathematics from an accredited institution

International Applicants

  • Graduate admission application  
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities. Transcripts must be submitted in sealed envelopes directly from the respective institutions.
  • Official transcripts translation: if transcripts are not in English, submit the original and a second copy translated by an official translation agency to FIU.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper-level undergraduate work.
  • A bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, computer science or mathematics from an accredited institution.
  • English language proficiency: if you earned your bachelor’s degree from a non-English-speaking country, submit a passing score from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Use FIU Institution Code 5206 when requesting official scores. View TOEFL/IELTS-exempt countries.
  • TOEFL minimum score is 550 (paper-based exam) or 80 (internet-based), IELTS required minimum score is 6.5. 
  • Certified copy of diploma if you obtained your degree at a foreign institution

Financial Aid

FIU’s Academic Works platform connects students with scholarship opportunities tailored to their needs. Students can use Academic Works to explore and apply for more than 100 scholarships.

 Visit Academic Works

Speak with an Advisor

Are you interested in learning more about the MS in Mechanical Engineering? Email Bilal El-Zahab, graduate program director, at belzahab@fiu.edu or Markus Downey, graduate program co-director, at mdowney@fiu.edu.