Certificate of Graduate Study in Materials Science and Engineering

Program Overview

The field of materials science is critical to modern society and essential to the Nation’s economic well-being and security. It holds particular significance for Vermont and the neighboring regions due to its historical and ongoing relevance to local industries. Recent federal investments in several regional technology sectors directly connected to materials science are creating new opportunities for graduating students in fields including advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, energy technology, quantum information science, and semiconductors and microelectronics.

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Materials Science and Engineering will certify that graduate students have received specific instruction and experiences in structure and bonding of materials, advanced materials characterization, and fundamental properties of materials. A range of preapproved elective courses allows students to tailor their program to emphasize fields of interest, including biomaterials, semiconductors, and engineering materials.

Curriculum

A notable feature of the  CGS in Materials Science and Engineering program is its strong emphasis on experiential learning through laboratory components. 

The curriculum consists of three to four foundation courses, followed by one to two electives in areas of Physics, Chemistry, or Engineering related to materials science. 

Required core coursework

At least 7 credits from the following list

Preapproved electives 

3 to 6 credits minimum. The number of core and elective credits should total at least 13 credits.

Admissions

Students may complete the Certificate of Graduate Study in Materials Science and Engineering (CGS-MSE) as non-degree or matriculated students. Students beginning the CGS as non-degree with the intention to matriculate must do so before completing the final 4 credits of course work.

While students may self-select for the certificate after being accepted into a graduate program at UVM, they are required to meet the prerequisites, or receive instructor permission awarded based on, e.g., related work experience, for any of the coursework taken for the certificate.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Certificate in Graduate Studies in Materials Science and Engineering, students will have the skills to:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the relationship between atomic, molecular, and crystalline structures and the properties of materials (mechanical, electrical, optical, thermal, etc.).
• Demonstrate the ability to characterize materials by state-of-the-art experimental methods, such as diffraction, microscopy, and spectroscopy.
• Analyze phase diagrams and predict phase transitions in metals, ceramics, polymers, and other materials.
• Apply principles of statistical and irreversible thermodynamics to analyze and predict the behavior of chemical and materials systems, including phase transitions, equilibrium, and non- equilibrium processes.
• Apply knowledge of materials science to design, process, and fabricate devices using thin films, nanostructures, and other advanced materials.
• Integrate principles of physics, chemistry, and engineering to solve complex interdisciplinary problems in materials research and development.
• Effectively communicate materials science concepts, experimental findings, and research outcomes through written reports and oral presentations.