Master's in Materials Science and Engineering
The MS in Materials Science and Engineering at FIU is a professional graduate program that teaches students the advances in physical sciences that form the foundation of modern manufacturing. You will learn how materials science is constantly adapting to industry needs and the skills needed to meet the evolving professional landscape.
Highlights
- Five tracks of specialization to personalize area of expertise
- Hands-on experience in professional development or research work
- No GRE requirement
- STEM-designated Program
By engaging with the program’s curriculum, you will be prepared for a future career in high-demand fields, including research and development within the machinery and manufacturing industries, as well as senior roles as an engineer specializing in metallurgy, ceramics, research or advanced materials.
Course Outcomes
EIn the MS in Materials Science and Engineering program, our curriculum is designed to help you master specialized knowledge in physical sciences and manufacturing subfields, including:
- Mechanical engineering
- Optimization algorithms
- Biomaterial science
- Advanced solid-state physics

Specializations & Thesis Options
The MS in Materials Science and Engineering program requires students to choose one of five specializations to determine elective courses:
- Ceramics
- Electronic Materials
- Metal and Alloys
- Nanomaterials
- Polymers and Biomaterials
Thesis Option
The Thesis Option requires completion of a master’s thesis for 6 credits and 24 credit hours of coursework.
The master’s thesis must be presented to a Thesis Committee consisting of three members with Graduate Faculty Status. Once approved by the committee, the student will present a thesis defense in the form of a public lecture.
Non-thesis Option
The Non-thesis option requires 30 credit hours of coursework. Non-thesis students must submit a formal report and present an independent study project to an examining committee of three graduate faculty members. The committee will examine the report to ensure the student meets the program’s academic standards.
Program Information
Program Contacts
Markus Downey
Assistant Teaching Professor
305-348-7016
mdowney@fiu.edu
EC 3254Bilal El-Zahab
Associate Professor
305-348-3558
belzahab@fiu.edu
EC 3463
Apply to FIU
Interested students are encouraged to apply to FIU as early as possible. Applicants must submit transcripts from all schools attended, as well as any other supporting documentation required by their program of interest.


