Materials Science and Engineering students who are supported by a research or teaching assistantship must select the Master of Science in Engineering with thesis option. This option requires that students do original laboratory research and write a thesis based on their own work. A minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework is required, plus 6 credit hours of thesis. Students are expected to complete coursework requirements within four long-session semesters (plus a summer session). The Materials Science and Engineering Program offers graduate study and research in diverse technical fields. Students select an area as their major focus but since our program is highly individualized, students will likely pursue interests that cut across more than one research area. By selecting a specific thrust area, students are able to study core MS&E subjects but also develop depth within a specific area of study that cuts across multiple aspects of science and engineering.<br>Structural materials encompass materials whose primary purpose is to transmit or support a force. Applications can be in transportation (aircraft and automobiles), construction (buildings and roads), or in components used for body protection (helmets and body armor), energy production (turbine blades), or other smaller structures such as those used in microelectronics. Structural materials can be metallic, ceramic, polymeric or a composite between these materials.