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About

WHAT IS CMR?

Materials Science is a highly interdisciplinary field based on perspectives from physics, chemistry, electronics, optics and biology. The Center for Materials Research (CMR) at NSU conducts pioneering research in materials science and engineering and provides graduate education on the master's and doctoral levels. CMR research falls into four categories: Optics, Plasmonics and Meta-materials; Nano-materials and Nano-technology; Advanced Functional Materials and Devices; and Semiconductor Materials and Devices. CMR researchers seek to understand fundamental science and develop new solutions for technical challenges. Through our cutting-edge research activities and facilities, CMR students are equipped and trained in the synthesis and characterization of new materials and the development of innovative devices.

CMR MISSION

The mission of the graduate programs in the Center for Materials Research (CMR) is to prepare students for careers in industry, government, and academia in the interdisciplinary field of Materials Science and Engineering. The CMR provides infrastructure support for innovative research on the characterization and processing of advanced materials and devices, and strives to identify and inspire the next generation of individuals in the burgeoning area of MSE. Ultimately, the Center’s goals are to produce a diverse and talented cadre of scientists and engineers, make a global impact through cutting-edge research, and promote STEM fields to the community.

What to expect as a MS student in Materials Science?

PhD Program at a Glance

All students are required to complete a total of 75 credit hours, including research and thesis preparation credits. This requirement includes the following 12 semester hours of core courses:

  • MSE 600 Materials Science Seminar I
  • MSE 601 Materials Science Seminar II
  • MSE 605 Ethics of Scientific Research and Professional Preparation and Conduct Technical
  • MSE 530 Introduction to Materials Science
  • MSE 533 Chemistry of Modern Materials and Polymers
  • MSE 535 Electronic and Photonic Materials Engineering

In addition to the 12 credit hours of required core courses, students must complete nine (9) credit hours of approved technical core electives out of the following:

  • CHM 545 Mathematical Methods for Materials Science
  • PHY 580 Quantum Mechanics for Materials Science
  • MSE 575 Basic Instrumentation for Materials Science
  • MSE 635 Optical Materials
  • MSE 607 Materials for Nanotechnology
  • MSE 609 Introduction to Computational Materials Science
  • MSE 580 Advanced Organic Synthesis and Characterization

Students also must select nine (9) credit hours of technical electives, depending on their research interest among the following:

  • CHM 573 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHM 633 Molecular Dynamics
  • CHM 663 Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy
  • PHY 653 Solid State Physics
  • PHY 675 Electricity and Magnetism
  • MSE 660 Organic Optoelectronic Materials and Devices
  • MSE 704 Thin Film Phenomena
  • OEN 630 Opto-electronic Devices
  • EEN 650 Microelectromechanical Systems
  • OEN 661 Optics and Lasers
  • MSE 703 Materials and Devices for Solar Energy Conversion

Finally, all students are required to complete 45 credits of research and dissertation course work. A dissertation committee, composed of the student’s advisor, two other Materials Science and Engineering faculty members, one NSU non-CMR faculty member, and a fifth committee member outside of NSU advises the students through his/her research work. The dissertation is defended in an open forum as the Final Dissertation Defense. After the delivery and approval of a finalized dissertation manuscript, the Ph.D. degree will be awarded.

PH.D. PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Intended Student Learning Outcomes:

  • The student will demonstrate fundamental and current materials science knowledge and analytical skills.
  • The student will apply knowledge and skills to lead and work independently on interdisciplinary research projects which lead to substantial contributions to the field.
  • The student will demonstrate good oral and written communication skills and be able to present information in a professional setting.
  • The student will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of professional ethics and responsibilities.
  • The students will apply a broad understanding of materials science and engineering to provide solutions in a global and societal context.

Intended Program:

  • Graduates will have the knowledge and professional skills necessary to serve in the academic, government, research and private sectors working in areas related to materials science and engineering.

MS PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Intended Student Learning Outcomes:

  • The student will demonstrate fundamental and current materials science knowledge and analytical skills.
  • The student will apply knowledge and skills to work independently on interdisciplinary research projects.
  • The student will demonstrate good oral and written communication skills and be able to present information in a professional setting.
  • The student will demonstrate good oral and written communication skills and be able to present information in a professional setting.
  • The student will apply a broad understanding of materials science and engineering to provide solutions in a global and societal context.

Intended Program Outcomes:

  • Graduates will have the knowledge and professional skills necessary to serve in the academic, government, research and private sectors working in areas related to materials science and engineering.

Opportunities for Students

Graduate students have the opportunity to work on projects with external research organizations including national laboratories, industries and universities. Among our partners are NASA Langley Research Center, Thomas Jefferson National Laboratories, Cornell University, University of Michigan, University of Arizona, and Purdue University. Students regularly attend national and international conferences where they present their research results.

Where will my degree take me?

Graduates of the NSU Materials Science and Engineering programs have obtained employment at government agencies and companies including Exxon, Intel, IBM, and Solvay. They have also obtained faculty or post-doctoral positions at various universities.