Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (Thesis)

The breadth of research in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering is vast, and researchers in the department are advancing many applications within the field, including energy conversion and conservation, electronics, biomedicine, and structures. Opportunities for research also span all families of materials, including soft materials, semiconductors, metals, and ceramics. Our student body is academically diverse, having previously earned B.S./B.A. or M.S. degrees in materials science and engineering, metallurgy, ceramics, polymers, chemistry, physics, math, biology, or one of many different engineering disciplines. We have more than 50 MatSE and affiliated faculty members and approximately 150 graduate students.

Applicants with baccalaureate degrees in the physical sciences and engineering with a Junior/Senior grade point average of 3.3/4.0 or higher will be considered for admission.
Scores for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are optional, not required for admission.
GRE and TOEFL/IELTS Scores
Scores for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are optional, not required for admission. Penn State only accepts electronic GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS scores. Select Penn State University as the destination for test scores. The following code should be used when applying: Institution Code: 2660

Transcript Information
As part of the online application process, applicants are required to electronically upload copies of transcripts (or equivalent documents for institutions outside the U.S., e.g., degree/study certificates, diplomas, etc.) from all post-secondary institutions attended, in the language of instruction (and copies of an official English translation if English is not the language of instruction). Applicants recommended for admission who accept an offer through the online graduate admission system will be notified by the Graduate School that official/original transcripts/documents must be sent from the originating institutions in the official language of the institution(s) attended (and if the language of instruction is not English, an official English translation must also be sent).
If appplicants are submitting Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (which are optional but not required for admission) and either Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores (non-US residents only) as early as possible. For the narrative, applicants should focus primarily on professional and academic experiences, including research, student leadership, or co-curricular activities that develop a strength or had a significant impact on others.

Successful applicants typically have a Jr/Sr GPA greater than 3.3/4.0 and combined verbal and quantitative GRE Scores of 1150 (old system) / 308 (new system) or higher, with average quantitative metrics. Incoming classes exceed these values.
International applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisaaional admission, enrollment, and, if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. Revised TOEFL PBT July 2017 and later 60