Georgia Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The programme combines core materials science principles with specialised modules and hands-on laboratory experience. Typical subject areas include:

• Structure and properties of materials — crystallography, defects, microstructure and the relationships between atomic structure and macroscopic behaviour.
• Materials thermodynamics and kinetics — phase equilibria, diffusion, phase transformations and processing maps.
• Materials characterisation and instrumentation — electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy and mechanical testing techniques.
• Materials processing and manufacturing — metallurgy, polymer processing, ceramics processing, thin films and additive manufacturing methods.
• Functional and advanced materials — electronic, magnetic, optical, biomaterials and energy materials (batteries, fuel cells, photovoltaics).
• Computational materials science — modelling at multiple scales, materials informatics and data-driven design approaches.
• Research project or thesis — a substantial independent research project supervised by faculty, or an applied capstone project for coursework-focused students.

Students can follow a thesis-based Master of Science route or a coursework/professional master’s route, depending on career aims. Coursework typically includes advanced electives, seminar participation and laboratory modules; research students spend a larger proportion of time on supervised investigation and technical reporting.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, physics, chemistry or a closely related discipline. Typical expectations include a strong academic record in relevant coursework and demonstrable preparation in mathematics and physical sciences.

• Academic transcripts: official records showing prior study in core materials or engineering subjects.
• References: academic or professional letters that speak to research potential and technical competence.
• Personal statement / statement of purpose: outlining research interests, career goals and reasons for selecting Georgia Tech.
• Research experience: beneficial for applicants to the thesis route but not always required for coursework-only options.
• English language proficiency: required for international applicants if prior education was not in English; acceptable test scores or other institutional evidence may be requested.

Standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) and minimum grade thresholds vary by programme and intake; applicants should consult the department for the most current criteria. Professional experience can strengthen an application for industry-focused pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to technical and leadership roles across a wide range of industries. Common career paths include:

• Materials scientist / engineer — developing new alloys, polymers, ceramics and composites for product applications.
• R&D engineer — working in corporate, start-up or national laboratory research teams on advanced materials and devices.
• Process and manufacturing engineer — scaling materials production, quality control and materials selection for manufacturing systems.
• Failure analysis and reliability engineer — investigating material degradation and improving product lifetimes.
• Product development and applications engineer — integrating materials into electronic, biomedical, automotive and aerospace products.
• Technical consultant, patent agent or technology manager — roles that combine materials expertise with commercial, legal or managerial responsibilities.
• Further study and academia — many graduates continue to PhD study or pursue careers in university research and teaching.

The programme’s emphasis on both experimental and computational skills prepares graduates for roles in high-tech clusters, manufacturing centres and research organisations, as well as entrepreneurial ventures developing new materials technologies.

Why study at Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech is known for its strong emphasis on engineering and applied research, providing materials students with access to advanced laboratories, interdisciplinary centres and industry collaborations. The Materials Science and Engineering faculty are active in areas such as nanomaterials, biomaterials, energy materials and computational materials science, offering a breadth of supervisory expertise for research projects.

• Research infrastructure: students benefit from well-equipped characterization and fabrication facilities and opportunities to work on funded projects alongside faculty and graduate researchers.
• Industrial engagement: close ties to aerospace, semiconductor, energy and biomedical companies in the region enable internships, collaborative projects and technology transfer opportunities.
• Interdisciplinary environment: proximity to other strong engineering and science departments supports cross-disciplinary study and joint projects.
• Career support: institutional career services and a large alumni network help graduates connect with employers in industry and research sectors worldwide.

Together, these strengths make Georgia Tech a practical choice for students seeking rigorous, research-informed training in materials engineering and a pathway to technical leadership or further academic study.