Master of Science (M.S.)

The Fall 2025 MSE Master of Science (M.S.) application now open.

Admissions questions: mse-admissions@cornell.edu 

Our Master of Science (M.S.) in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) program represents an opportunity to learn research methodology at one of the premier research universities in the world, earning a highly-regarded credential: an M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering. Our graduates find that Cornell's powerful reputation helps to open doors and their degree program here prepares them to succeed in industry, government, and academia.

The two-year M.S. program combines academic rigor with a strong research component. Working with faculty advisors, they tailor their studies to their particular interests and backgrounds, incorporating core topics in materials science as well as specialized courses.

Our M.S. students undertake a substantive body of research as a member of a faculty research group. They document their research in a master’s thesis, which they defend in a formal examination by the faculty. Research projects are chosen in consultation with the supervising faculty member and enable students to benefit from Cornell’s powerful combination of an unusually collaborative and interdisciplinary culture and outstanding research facilities. Cornell MS&E has vibrant research programs in four strategic areas: Energy Production and Storage, Electronics and Photonics, Bio-inspired Materials and Systems, and Green Technologies.

The M.S. program results in a "terminal" master's degree; it is not related to the Ph.D. program and is not a pathway into the Ph.D. program in Cornell MSE.

Questions? Contact the graduate field representative at mse-gfa@cornell.edu