UCLA Materials Science and Engineering: Shaping the Future of Materials

UCLA's Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) program is dedicated to advancing the field of materials science through cutting-edge research, comprehensive education, and a collaborative community. The department strives to create an environment where innovative ideas can translate into tangible, real-world impact. With a focus on transparency, inclusivity, and shared purpose, UCLA MSE is building a forward-looking department poised to tackle some of society's most pressing challenges.

A Comprehensive Academic Program

The academic program at UCLA MSE is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of materials science while encouraging hands-on discovery and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Rigorous coursework is combined with opportunities for undergraduate research, strengthened graduate mentoring, and industry-aligned capstone projects and internship opportunities. This approach prepares students to cross boundaries, work in teams, and tackle high-value problems for society and industry.

Undergraduate Studies: Materials Engineering Major

The Materials Engineering major is specifically designed for students who aspire to a professional career in the materials field. It emphasizes a broad understanding of the crucial relationship between a material's microstructure and its properties. This designated capstone major requires students to undertake two individual projects. These projects involve materials selection, treatment, and assessing serviceability. Successful completion demands a working knowledge of the physical properties of materials. It also calls for understanding strategies and methodologies for leveraging materials properties in the selection process. Students learn to work independently while honing leadership and teamwork skills across various disciplines. The Materials Engineering major at UCLA prepares undergraduate students for employment and/or advanced studies within industry, the national laboratories, state and federal agencies, and academia.

Completing the undergraduate program involves successfully finishing 14 courses. The curriculum includes selecting two laboratory courses (4 units each) from a designated list. Students also choose one course (4 units) from another specific list.

Graduate Studies: Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

UCLA offers both Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Materials Science and Engineering. The MS program has five main areas: ceramics and ceramic processing; computational materials science; electronic and optical materials; soft materials; and structural materials. While students can specialize in one area, many opt for a broader education by selecting courses from multiple areas.

Master of Science (MS) Requirements:

The MS degree offers two plans: Thesis Plan and Comprehensive Examination Plan. Both plans require nine courses, with at least six being graduate-level courses. These courses are selected from specific lists, but substitutions from other engineering disciplines, chemistry, or physics may be allowed with the graduate adviser's approval. Under the Thesis Plan, students must also write a thesis on a research topic in materials science and engineering under the guidance of a thesis adviser.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Requirements:

The PhD program is structured around a major field and a minor field. The major field encompasses the knowledge from nine courses (at least six graduate-level) and current literature in the specialization area. A PhD major field syllabus, available in the department office, describes each of the five major fields. The minor field covers knowledge equivalent to three courses, with at least two being graduate-level. A grade-point average of at least 3.33 is required in all minor field courses. Students can opt for a minor field examination if they don't meet the requirements through coursework.

There is no formal course requirement for the PhD degree. Students may substitute coursework with examinations, except for three quarters of Materials Science and Engineering 282, which must be taken on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis within the first six quarters. Students choosing coursework by examination must request to take the final exam during the quarter the course is offered. It is important to note that coursework by examination does not fulfill MS degree course requirements for students transitioning from the PhD to MS program.

During the first year of the PhD program, students take an oral preliminary examination assessing their knowledge of materials science equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. A written preliminary examination in the major field is required if students don't take courses. After passing both preliminary examinations, students take the University Oral Qualifying Examination. The doctoral committee determines the nature and content of this examination, typically including a broad inquiry into the student’s preparation for research.

Doctoral Committees:

A doctoral committee consists of at least four members. Three members, including the chair, must be faculty in the department. The outside member must be a UCLA faculty member from another department.

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Research Areas

UCLA MSE's research spans a wide range of areas, including:

Energy and Sustainability: Developing materials for energy generation, storage, and conservation to create a more sustainable future.
Semiconductors and Quantum Materials: Exploring new materials and devices for advanced electronics and quantum computing.
Lightweight Structural Materials: Designing high-performance materials for aerospace, automotive, and other applications where weight reduction is critical.
Bio- and Soft Materials: Creating materials for biomedical applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biocompatible implants.
Advanced Manufacturing: Developing new manufacturing processes for creating materials with tailored properties and complex geometries.

Specialization Fields

The department offers specialized areas of focus within its graduate programs:

Ceramics and Ceramic Processing: Focuses on the study of ceramics and glasses, including electronic materials. It emphasizes the influence of fabrication processes on the microstructure and properties of ceramic components. Applications span structural, electronic, and biological fields.
Computational Materials: Focuses on theory, modeling, and simulation of materials behavior using computational methods. This area is applicable to structural, electronic, optical, and soft materials.
Electronic and Optical Materials: Emphasizes solid-state electronic and optical phenomena, bulk and interface thermodynamics and kinetics. Applications include growth, processing, and characterization techniques.
Soft Materials: Centers on biomaterials, polymer science, and general organic materials.
Structural Materials: Provides a broad understanding of the relationships between processing, microstructure, and performance of metals, intermetallics, ceramics, and composite materials.

Program Statistics for Materials Science

To earn a degree in Materials Science, students must complete at least nine courses (36 Units). At least five of these courses must be graduate courses at the 200 level, excluding the ENGR 299 Capstone Project course, to meet the Comprehensive Exam Requirement. A minimum of six courses must be from the MAT SCI Department.

Students have two options for fulfilling the requirements:

Option 1: Successfully complete nine courses, with at least five being graduate-level courses at the 200 level (excluding ENGR 299).
Option 2: Take and pass three written exams for three different graduate-level courses within the student’s area of specialization. These written exams are held concurrently with the final exams of the graduate-level courses.

Electives can be chosen from other Engineering departments, provided the core requirements are met. Students are expected to complete the degree within two academic years and one quarter, including two summer sessions.

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The Importance of Microstructure

An understanding of the microstructure of solids is central to materials science. "Microstructure" refers to the subatomic (electronic) and atomic levels of solids, including the nature of defects at these levels. The microstructures of solids at various levels profoundly influence the mechanical, electronic, chemical, and biological properties of solids. Materials science essentially studies the relationships between microstructure and macroscopic properties. Materials engineering focuses on the design, fabrication, and testing of engineering materials, considering dimensional properties, quality control, and economic requirements.

Building a Positive Student Experience

Creating a positive student experience is a core priority at UCLA MSE. The department is committed to:

Expanding opportunities for undergraduate research.
Strengthening graduate mentoring programs.
Building industry-aligned capstone projects.
Creating more internship opportunities.

These initiatives aim to provide students with the skills and experiences they need to succeed in their future careers.

A Culture of Respect, Accountability, and Generosity

UCLA MSE aspires to a culture where respect, accountability, and generosity are the norm. The department is investing in faculty growth and engagement, modernizing administrative operations, and celebrating the achievements of faculty and students. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, UCLA MSE aims to empower its community to reach its full potential.

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