Graduate Admissions

Change our world with an advanced degree in Materials Science and Engineering

Be a part of the materials legacy at Grainger Engineering in our nationally top-ranked program. With a focus on diverse perspectives converging to solve the world's most complex problems, you will experience unmatched research facilities, world class faculty, and interdisciplinary collaboration that is uniquely Illinois on cutting-edge research areas.

Study and conduct research with top materials scientists and earn your degree from one of the most prestigious programs in the country.

Degree Programs

Admission to graduate study in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering is highly competitive and based on academic and research achievements and overall potential to succeed in our graduate degree program. We welcome applications from outstanding students interested in materials science with undergraduate degrees in a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, e.g., Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics or Mechanical Engineering.

Ph.D. in MatSE
Students pursuing a research career in academics, industry or national labs, should consider the Ph.D. program. You will benefit from a doctoral curriculum that's flexible and easily tailored to support research in all areas of materials research and your specific interests.

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M.S. in MatSE
The Master's of Science degree program is designed for a broad range of students and professionals seeking to expand on their undergraduate training, enhance professional skills, and gain the experience necessary to become a professional scientist/engineer.

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Apply for an advanced degree
in Materials Science and Engineering

Questions? Email matse-grad@illinois.edu.

Begin Your Journey

Research Opportunities

Our world-class research centers are built for interdisciplinary collaboration, including the Materials Research Laboratory, home to research groups from materials science, condensed matter physics and materials chemistry; Beckman Institute, home to collaborative efforts on molecular engineering, bioimaging and autonomous strategies in materials research; and Holonyak Micro & Nanotechnology Lab, home to semiconductor research and training.

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Between MRL, MNTL, and the Beckman Institute, Illinois provides just about anything anyone could possibly imagine needing to perform their research. The shared facilities also provide a nice platform for interaction between users from many groups working in many areas of research.”

– Eric Epstein, MatSE Graduate Student

Comprehensive Career Preparation

The Grainger College of Engineering offers a top-ranked academic experience that provides extensive preparation for you to achieve your professional goals. Our tight-knit, innovative community is invested in your success while you are a student and when you graduate from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

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Heather Coit/The Grainger College of Engineering&amp;amp; MatSE students demonstrate how to make biodegradable water balloons during the 2022 Engineering Open House at the Materials Science and Engineering Building (MSEB) in Urbana. Thanks to the Eltoukhy family, renovations to the first floor of MSEB&amp;amp; will provide vital updates that will enhance our students' learning experience.

Materials Research Society

Join the Materials Research Student Society, affiliated with MRS, the premier graduate student organization for the department of Materials Science and Engineering. Our core value is that success comes from a collaborative and supportive network.

Learn about MRS