This interdisciplinary degree program works in concert with other colleges and the Ph.D. in materials engineering and science (Ph.D./MES).

The M.S./MES degree offers an education in the broad area of materials. Students pursuing this degree will expand their knowledge and understanding of the science and technology of materials synthesis, behavior, and production. Graduates of the program formulate solutions to materials problems through the use of multi-disciplinary approaches made possible with a broad background in basic materials science and engineering coupled with an area of specialization.

Two options are available in this degree program: one option involves a thesis component and the other option involves coursework only. In the thesis option, 24 hours of coursework and a minimum 6 credit hours of thesis research are required. With the second option, 32 hours of coursework must be taken. In the latter option however, the students are required to undertake a project under the supervision of a faculty member. Because students graduating with this degree are expected to have a broad-based fundamental knowledge in both materials engineering and materials science, every student is required to take the following core courses.

The Materials Engineering and Science (MES) program has an accelerated BS/MS degree option that will enable a student to complete both the B.S. and M.S. degrees in as little as 5 years. The accelerated B.S./M.S. program is highly selective, for which students must apply for admission. Students interested in the accelerated program are strongly encouraged to apply at the end of their junior year. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time the student applies to the program is required. The MES program may grant exceptions to the GPA requirement under situations approved by the Dean of Graduate Education. Up to 12 credits of 400/500/600 credits applied toward the B.S. program may also be used to satisfy graduate credit requirements. Dual-counted courses must be taken at the 400/500/600 level as an undergraduate. Only courses taken at SDSM&T are eligible for dual credit. No transferred courses will be allowed to count toward the accelerated master’s degree.