Master of Materials Science and NanoEngineering (MMSNE) Degree

MMSNE Degree

Upon completing the MMSNE degree, students will be able to:

1. Acquire broad, advanced knowledge within either Materials Science or NanoEngineering, which is also in-depth in one major sub-discipline of the field.
2. Conduct research at an advanced level in at least one area of Materials Science and Nanoengineering.
3. Communicate scientific ideas effectively in writing and when speaking.

MMSNE Degree in Materials Science and NanoEngineering

MMSNE degree is a non-thesis master's degree. For general university requirements, please see Non-Thesis Master's Degrees. For additional requirements, regulations, and procedures for all graduate programs, . Students pursuing MMSNE degree must complete:

• A minimum of 52 courses (32 credit hours) to satisfy degree requirements.
• A minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate-level study (graduate semester credit hours, coursework at 500-level or above).
• A minimum of 24 graduate semester credit hours must be taken at Rice University.
• A minimum of 24 graduate semester credit hours must be taken in standard or traditional courses (with a course type of lecture, seminar, laboratory, lecture/laboratory). 
• A minimum residency enrollment of one fall or spring semester of part-time graduate study at Rice University.
• A maximum of 2 courses (6 graduate semester credit hours) from transfer credit. For additional departmental guidelines regarding transfer credit, see the Policies tab.
• one area of specialization. MMSNE degree program offers two areas of specialization:
  • Materials Science, or
  • NanoEngineering. 
• A minimum overall GPA of 2.67 or higher in all Rice coursework.
• A minimum program GPA of 3.00 or higher in all Rice coursework that satisfies non-thesis master’s degree with a minimum grade of B- (2.67 grade points) in each course.

MMSNE degree program is open to students who have shown academic excellence in their undergraduate studies. This non-thesis degree option is designed for engineers who have attained a bachelor's degree and are looking to further their careers in industry. They combine engineering coursework with professional development and communications. A list of required and suggested courses are available on the MSNE website. Students should develop a specific plan of study based on their particular interests and discussions with their advisor.

courses listed below satisfy this degree program. In certain instances, courses not on this official list may be substituted upon approval of program's academic advisor, or where applicable, department or program's Director of Graduate Studies. Course substitutions must be formally applied and entered into Degree Works by department or program's Official Certifier. Additionally, these must be approved by Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Students and their academic advisors should identify and clearly document courses to be taken.

The English Language Proficiency Requirement may be waived for an international student who received a degree from an institution in which English is the official language of communication. Contact the admitting program for more information.

The following language proficiency tests are accepted by Rice graduate programs and will be used to assess English language proficiency. Please note the below scores are the minimum requirement, though some program requirements will be higher.

• The TOEFL IBT Home. A minimum score of 90 is required
• IELTS Indicator. A minimum score of 7 is required.
• Duolingo. A minimum score of 115 is required.

1. Find your graduate program(s) of interest and submit an interest form. Click here for a listing of schools and departments.
2. Research the cost of study and available financial support. Qualified doctoral students often receive tuition waivers and a generous stipend.
3. Look at our facts and stats on admissions, enrollment and degrees awarded.
4. Learn more about research at Rice.
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