MS&E Ph.D. students are required to complete a core curriculum covering six topics: Materials Chemistry, Mechanical Properties, Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Electronic Properties, and Structure. Basic competence in these areas is central to the broad and interdisciplinary character of the MS&E field.
A minimum of three topics must be successfully completed at the advanced graduate level (600 level). See MS&E Introductory Graduate Level Courses and MS&E Advanced Graduate Level Courses for more detailed information including course descriptions. Competence can be demonstrated by passing courses with a grade of C or better.
At the introductory graduate level (500 level), competence can alternatively be demonstrated by passing the appropriate section of the Q exam (qualifying exam administered at the end of the first year of graduate study).
Students typically take two courses per semester. The student's Special Committee may also require the student to take additional courses to fulfill the Field’s requirements for two minor specializations (one of which must be outside the MS&E Field). Most students take three to six additional courses from among the MS&E department's offerings as well as specialty courses offered by other departments (see MS&E and Other Specialty Courses for more information).
Additional information on all courses is available at Cornell’s online Courses of Study.