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Materials Science and Engineering MS
Stanford UniversityA 45-unit terminal MS providing advanced training in solid-state fundamentals, materials engineering, laboratory methods and materials-focused electives.
Related pathways
Study Level
Master's Degree
Study Mode
On Campus
Duration
45 units; full-time
Programme Overview
Stanford University's Materials Science and Engineering MS is a terminal graduate degree providing advanced education in the structure, properties, processing and performance of modern materials.
Students develop strong foundations in solid-state materials science together with advanced materials engineering knowledge through graduate lectures and laboratory study.
The programme requires 45 units, including core and laboratory courses, Materials Science graduate electives and approved technical electives.
The degree is normally completed through coursework alone. A thesis is not required, although students may choose to undertake research with a faculty member and complete a master's thesis report.
Stanford Materials Science and Engineering research spans areas including nanoscale materials, electronic and photonic materials, energy materials, biomaterials and advanced materials for emerging technologies.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold, or complete before enrolment, a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification.
Suitable academic backgrounds include:
Materials Science and Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Biological Engineering
Physics
Chemistry
Applied Mathematics
Other closely related engineering or science disciplines
Stanford MSE uses a holistic admissions process and does not publish a fixed minimum GPA.
Applicants should demonstrate strong quantitative and scientific preparation together with clear motivation for advanced study in materials science and engineering.
Application materials include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation.
GRE scores are not required and are not accepted by Stanford Materials Science and Engineering.
English-Language Requirements
IELTS Academic:
Minimum overall score 7.0
TOEFL iBT taken before 21 January 2026:
Minimum score 90
TOEFL taken on or after 21 January 2026:
Minimum score 4.5
Applicants may be exempt from submitting an English-proficiency test if they satisfy Stanford's published exemption criteria.
Possible exemption criteria include completing a qualifying degree where all instruction was conducted in English or having at least two consecutive years of qualifying full-time professional or educational experience conducted in English within the previous 10 years.
Career Outcomes
Scholarship Information
Stanford Materials Science and Engineering states that the MS programme is generally self-funded. Limited MSE Fellowships A limited number of MS applications may be considered for competitively allocated fellowships based on academic merit. Research Assistantships Research assistantships may occasionally become available, but first-year MS students rarely secure these positions. Teaching Assistantships Teaching assistant opportunities may also exist, but they are not normally guaranteed to incoming MS students. External Fellowships Stanford encourages eligible students to apply for external fellowships and scholarships. Students should therefore plan for self-funding unless they receive confirmed fellowship or assistantship support.