2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Materials Science, M.S.

Summary of Graduation Requirements

Subject Area Credits
Major Requirements 18
Electives 9
Other Requirements 6
Total Credit Hours 33

Curriculum

Core Courses

Plan of Study Grid
First YearCredits
MSE 530 Materials Science 3
CHM 545 Mathematical Method 3
MSE 533 Polymers/Composites 3
MSE 535 Electronic and Optic Material 3
MSE 575 Basic Instrumentation for Material Sci 3
PHY 580 Quantum Mechanics for Material Science 3
 Credits18
Second Year
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 3
MSE 697 Research I 3
Technical Elective 3
MATS 799 Thesis 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits33

Technical Electives

Take 9 credits from the Technical Electives list9
CHM 633
Molecular Dynamics
CHM 663
Atomic/ Molecular Spectroscopy
PHY 653
Solid State Physics
PHY 675
Electricity and Magnetism
MATS 610
Special Topics
MATS 710
Special Topics II
EEN 650
Microelectromechanical Systems (mems)
EEN 661
Optics and Lasers
EEN 663
Solid State Devices
MSE 607
Materials for Nanotechnology
MSE 609
Intro to Computational Materials Science
MSE 660
Organic Optoelectronic Materials/Devices
MSE 703
Materials Devices for Energy Conversion
MSE 704
Thin Film Phenomena
OEN 540
Lasers and Photonics
OEN 560
Optical Communications I
OEN 630
Opto-Electronic Devices
OEN 661
Opticsaandalasers
Total Credits9

Admission Requirements

The requirements for admission to the M.S. Program in Materials Science are as follows:          

1. A bachelor’s or a master’s degree in biology, chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering or a related field from a regionally accredited institution and have a cumulative of at least 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

2. Submission of a complete application including the following:

  1. Completed Application Form
  2. Application Fee
  3. Statement of Purpose (SOP) of at least 500 words explaining how the program may advance your career goals, including your background, your education and career goals, your research interests or plans, which of our MSE programs faculty you wish to do research with, etc.
  4. Updated Resume
  5. At least three Letters of Recommendation from persons who are qualified to evaluate your academic and research experience.
  6. Official Transcripts (NSU unofficial undergraduate records from EVAL may be used for provisional admission.  For international transcripts, official translated and/or evaluated transcripts from an approved third party agency such as the World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECS) are generally required or as per university policy). 
  7. All applicants whose native language is not English and have not earned degrees in an English language undergraduate or graduate programs must submit proof of English language proficiency satisfying criteria set by the NSU for international student admissions (e.g., a TOFEL score of at least 80 on internet based test, at least 550 on paper based test).  

Admission to the materials science master program may be regular, provisional, or conditional.  The admission committee may adjust/waive certain requirements under or within the university or graduate school general policy depending on MS-MATS graduate programs specific needs and applicant availability and special qualifications. 

Please visit (https://www.nsu.edu/applyonline) to submit an online application.

Official transcripts must be mailed to the following address:

The Graduate School, Norfolk State University

700 Park Avenue, Norfolk VA 23504

Telephone: (757) 823‐8015; Fax: (757) 823‐2849

Once an applicant’s application materials and documents are completed, the graduate school will review and forward the completed application package to the MS-MATS Graduate Program. The MSE Program Admissions Committee will than review and make admission recommendations and the NSU graduate school will review and notify the applicant the final admission decision. 

Non-Degree Status

Non-degree status may be granted to a person who has a baccalaureate degree in an appropriate field and who wishes to take particular courses without pursuing a graduate degree. The courses may be taken on a credit or a non-credit basis. Generally, a maximum of nine credit hours with a 3.0 average or above may be applied toward degree requirements if the non-degree student is subsequently admitted to the Master of Science in Materials Science program. Non-degree students are ineligible for fellowships or assistantships administered by the Materials Science Graduate Committee.

Transfer Credits

Generally, a maximum of nine (9) credit hours of graduate work at another accredited institution may be accepted as transfer credit, provided that the conditions of the Graduate School are met. However, under unusual circumstances, the Materials Science Graduate Committee may recommend that additional credits be accepted toward degree requirements. Transfer students should consult the Program Coordinator for further information regarding transfer credits.

Residence Requirements

Candidates for the Master of Science in Materials Science must be enrolled at Norfolk State University for a minimum of two semesters prior to graduation. Thesis research must be conducted under the supervision of a regular or adjunct NSU faculty member approved by the Materials Science Graduate Committee.

Re-admission

A student planning to interrupt his/her approved plan of study should consult his/her advisor. In some cases, continuous registration may be required by the Graduate School, or the filing of a “continuous matriculation” form may be required. Re-admission to the program after an absence of a semester or longer is not automatic and requires the filing of an admission application.