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GraduatePrograms

MaterialsScience

and Engineering

Why Boise State?

The City of BoiseBoise, the capital and largest city in the State of Idaho, is the third largest metropolitan area in the Pacific Northwest. Despite its growing population, the city offers balance and many great aspects of everyday living.

Located along the Boise River, the city offers remarkable scenery and natural resources that lend well to year-round activities like snow skiing, river rafting, fishing, hiking, and more. The Treasure Valley boasts temperate year-round weather, a thriving business community, cultural events, and a great family atmosphere.

The dynamic city of Boise also offers one of the lowest costs of living in the western states, according to the ACCRA Cost of Living Index. Consider these facts:

• The cost of living in Boise, Idaho is around 96 percent of the national average.• The average cost of a home in Idaho is around 89 percent of the national average.• Boise is consistently ranked by Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Inc. Magazine as one of the best places in the

U.S. to live and work.

Boise State UniversityBoise State is Idaho’s metropolitan research university and is conveniently located in downtown Boise. It has been ranked one of the best regional colleges in U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” issue and is con-sidered one of America’s Top Colleges by Forbe’s Magazine.

Boise State is an emerging leader in researching innovative materials and other topics such as nanoelectronics and integrated systems. Our research opportunities pro-vide valuable experience focusing on modern issues.

Campus life is vibrant, with more than 20,000 students, over 200 student organizations, a state-of-the-art student recreation center, and plenty of op-portunities to network with peers, faculty, and staff.

Campus is alive with activity in both academic and extra-curricular interests. Float down the Boise River in the summer, enjoy cultural events and per-formances at the Morrison Center, or network with students and faculty at the Student Union. Boise State has it all.

The Materials Science and Engineering DepartmentThe Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) Department was founded in 2004 with a generous gift from the Boise-based Micron Technology Foundation. Today, it is a dynamic, young department with nationally and internationally recognized faculty members and researchers working in areas such as nuclear fuels and materials, biomaterials, glasses, semiconductors, nanofabrication, electronic memory, computational modeling, and magnetic materials.

We offer innovative graduate programs that facilitate interdis-ciplinary research with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Me-chanical and Biomedical Engineer-ing.

Obtain a master of engineering, master of science, or doctoral degree by working closely with faculty, researchers, and peers. You will have the opportunity to make significant scientific contributions

to cutting-edge research, interact with industry partners, collaborate with international researchers, and engage in multidisciplinary education. The graduate curriculum includes course offerings in Physics, Chemistry, and other cross-disciplinary academic departments, which allows you to develop a course portfolio aligned specifically with your research and career interests. By the end of your education and research endeavors, you will have the skills needed to cultivate a successful career in academia, industry, government agencies, or as an entrepreneur.

The Value of ResearchEducation through research is a hallmark within our department and graduate program. There are many substan-tive opportunities to participate in modern research. Your graduate education encompasses the guiding principles of materials science (structure, processing, properties, and performance) through teaching, mentorship, and lead-ership as well as novel research that pushes the boundaries of scientific knowledge.

You can participate in creating new materials and inventing ways of using existing materials. Our research initia-tives include the following:

• Materials for Energy Applications • Materials for Extreme Environments• Nanoscale Science and Technology• Electronic Memory Materials• Semiconductor Processes and Materials

• Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloys• Theoretical and Computational Materials• Nanobioscience • Electrochemistry• Synthetic Biology

coen.boisestate.edu/mse

Facilities and PartnershipsRobust laboratory facilities and valuable corporate partnerships support our research in a number of ways. The College of Engineering has over fifty teaching, research, and computer laboratories to offer hands-on learning opportunities. In the Materials Science and Engineering Department alone, you will find world-class laboratories equipped with modern devices to support research and partnerships.

We collaborate regularly with regional, national and international universities, the Center for Advanced En-ergy Studies, the Idaho National Laboratory, and local industry including Micron, Hewlett-Packard, Photron-ics, and others. An example of our industry partnerships is the NanoSteel Company, which is a world leader in proprietary nano-structured steel material designs. Dr. Daniel Branagan formed the NanoSteel Company in 2002 after developing new nanomaterials technology. Based in Idaho Falls, NanoSteel’s research and development group utilizes the Materials Science and Engineering Department’s materials characterization expertise and laboratory. NanoSteel sci-entists regularly work in our laboratory to research product performance and new developments.

These types of partnerships facilitate strong working relationships with indus-try partners and open doors for students seeking advanced degrees and lucrative career opportunities. Find out more about our laboratory facilities and part-nerships by visiting us at coen.boisestate.edu/mse.

Graduate Degree ProgramsThe Materials Science and Engineering Department offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Our graduate program opportunities include the following:

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Students pursuing a doctoral degree strive to advance their scientific knowledge, make significanttechnical contributions to the field, and increase their career opportunities within academia, industry, or gov-ernment research and development facilities.

The Ph.D. program requires core coursework in subjects such as Bonding and Structure of Materials, Solid State Thermodynamics, and Phase Transformations and Kinetics. You will also choose from a variety of core emphasis courses, characterization and processing courses, and electives. You receive your Ph.D. after you successfully complete a dissertation.

Detailed course information and program requirements can be found at coen.boisestate.edu/mse or by contacting us at msegrad@boisestate.edu or 208.426.5600. We are here to assist you with making informed enrollment decisions!

“We have found that the Boise State Center for Materials Characterization is an ideal place with state-of-the-art characterization facilities that comple-ment our existing research capability very nicely.”

Dr. Daniel BranaganNanoSteel Company

Cutting-Edge Research

How Long Does it Take to Complete the Ph.D. Program?It depends on your academic background. The chart below illustrates the time frame for full time students to complete the Ph.D. program.

Your Academic Background Includes: Typical Time Frame to Obtain the Ph.D.A master’s degree in a materials science and engineering-related field (materials, metallurgy, ceramics, polymer engineering.)

Complete core coursework within 1 year, the com-prehensive exam within 1.5 years, and the dissertation within 3 years.

A master’s degree in another engineering (mechanical, electrical, chemical, industrial, civil, aerospace, biologi-cal, environmental, computer, nuclear) or life/physical sciences field.

Complete core coursework within 1.5 years, the com-prehensive exam within 2 years, and the dissertation within 3.5-4 years.

A bachelor’s degree in a materials science and engineering-related field.

Complete core coursework within 1.5 years, the com-prehensive exam within 2 years, and the dissertation within 4-5 years.

A bachelor’s degree in another engineering or life/physical sciences field.

Complete core coursework within 1.5-2 years, the comprehensive exam within 2-2.5 years, and the dissertation within 4-5 years.

Master of Science (M.S.)Students pursuing a Master of Science want to enhance their fundamental knowledge of materials science and develop their research and technical communication skills to prepare for further study at the doctoral level or enhance career opportunities.

To obtain the M.S. degree, you must complete the required coursework and a thesis. You receive your M.S. after you successfully complete a thesis. Students studying full time typically complete their coursework and thesis within 2 years.

Master of Engineering (M. Engr.)Students pursuing a Master of Engineering are typically employed in the field and are seeking technical expertise to enhance career opportunities.

To obtain the M. Engr. degree, you must complete the required coursework and a comprehensive exam. You receive your M. Engr. after you successfully complete the comprehensive exam. Students studying full time typi-cally complete their coursework within 1.5 years and the comprehensive exam within 2 years.

Part time students have up to 7 years to complete all coursework and pass the comprehensive exam.

coen.boisestate.edu/mse

Graduate Programs

How Much Does it Cost to Attend?We have your support in mind! Full-time students accepted into the M.S. or Ph.D. Program are supported with a tuition waiver, health care coverage, research assistantship, and a competitive salary, leaving you ample time to study, conduct research, and network with peers.

How Do I Apply for Admission?The graduate program application process includes an application form, an application fee, official transcripts, GRE scores, TOEFL scores (if necessary,) a resume, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommenda-tion.

Application• U.S. citizens can complete the online graduate application and pay the application fee at• graduatecollege.boisestate.edu.• International students can complete the online graduate application and pay the application fee at• admissions.boisestate.edu/international.

Official TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from each college or university you previously attended are required. Transcripts are important because they indicate your ability to succeed in a specific field of study. Be sure to include transcripts from all of the schools you attended after high school.

GRECompletion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required. Official scores should be submitted by the Educa-tional Testing Service (ETS) directly to Boise State Univer-sity (Institutional Code R4018). The Boise State Materials Science and Engineering Department does not have a minimum GRE score for admission.

TOEFL (International Students)Completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing Sys-tem (IELTS) is required for international students. Official TOEFL or IELTS scores should be sent directly from ETS to Boise State University (Institutional Code R4018.) The Boise State College of Engineering currently requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper test) or 80 (Inter-net test.) The current minimum score for the IELTS is 6.0. Test scores from the past two years are valid at the time of admissions application.

coen.boisestate.edu/mse

Résumé or Curriculum VitaA curriculum vita (CV) is similar to a résumé. While a résumé lists employment history, a CV includes academic experiences and publications applicable to a graduate program. Whichever method you choose, you should sum-marize your academic and pertinent employment history in a structured and professional format. Keep in mind that, while your summer job at the pizza parlor adds job experience to your résumé, it may not add much academic merit. Focus more on the activities related to school, research experience, and, of course, relevant employment.

Statement of PurposeThe statement of purpose is a well-written essay that indicates your educational and professional goals, back-ground, and experiences related to your goals. It should describe your commitment to pursuing a graduate degree, define your career objectives, and indicate why an advanced degree in materials science and engineering at Boise State University would help you succeed. We want to know about you, where you have been, and how your experi-ences have enhanced your interest in materials science and engineering.

Letters of RecommendationIt is important to request strong letters of recommendation from credible sources. Select three or four people who support you in your endeavors and can attest to your academic and professional abilities. You might consider a pro-fessor, academic advisor, or employment supervisor who will communicate positively and professionally about your capabilities and character. Be sure to communicate any deadlines for completing and sending the letters and follow up with each reference as necessary.

Are There Deadlines for Applying?The application deadline for priority admission consideration is January 15. The MSE graduate program adheres to the Council of Graduate Schools Resolution. This resolution provides a national deadline of April 15 for prospec-tive graduate students to accept an offer of financial support. We do accept applications throughout the year but to receive priority consideration for graduate assistantship funding for the fall semester and an admission recommen-dation before April 15, all application materials must be on file by January 15.

What Happens after I Submit my Completed Application Package?Admission is highly competitive and is based on meeting the requirements set forth by the Graduate College. To submit a competitive application, have a clear and articulate statement of purpose and very strong letters of recom-mendation from faculty members and supervisors who know you well.

The Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Admissions Committee will evaluate your application and an admission recommendation will be forwarded to the Dean of the Graduate College. The Dean of the Graduate College will make the final admission decision and notify you and the Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Program. In order to be officially accepted into the program, you will need to sign your formal acceptance letter and agreement from the Graduate College.

Questions?

We occasionally accept Ph.D. students who have not identified a major advisor; however in most cases, students must have a major advisor before being accepted. We can assist you with identifying a major advisor and help you to connect with faculty who are seeking graduate assistants. To formalize your intent to be a part of a faculty member’s research group, review and complete the Major Advisor Selection Form. Many major advisors have guidelines associated with working in their research group and you will have an opportunity to review these guide-lines before becoming a part of a research group.

Highly qualified Ph.D. applicants who are accepted into the program without a permanent major advisor will be assigned departmental responsibilities such as teaching assistantships during their first semester. These students will identify a permanent major advisor during the first semester. Contact us at msegrad@boisestate.edu for more information about the major advisor selection process.

Do I Need to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science to Apply?The short answer is no, you do not need a Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science and Engineering to qualify for the graduate program, but a related field certainly helps with your transition into the program. Materials Science and Engineering is interdisciplinary. We value diverse backgrounds and the perspective other disciplines bring to the field. To facilitate acceptance into our program and to help with your transition, you should have already taken the chemistry, math, and physics classes outlined in Table I. These courses provide the basic background needed for a Materials Science and Engineering student and are essential components for graduate level coursework. If you have not taken physical chemistry or a modern physics course, we recommend you take Physics 309 – Modern Physics (which will count as an elective toward your graduate degree) during your first semester as a graduate student at Boise State.

If you do not have a materials science background or have not taken ENGR 245 - Introduction to Materials Sci-ence and Engineering at Boise State, we recommend you take MSE 602 - Survey of Materials (which will count as an elective toward your graduate degree) during your first semester as a graduate student at Boise State.

Table I – Preparation courses for the MSE program.

Admission Materials DescriptionChemistry Chem 111Math All Three Semesters of Calculus and Differential

EquationsPhysics Two Semesters of Calculus-Based Physics (Physics 211

and 212)

Can I Work Full time and Go to Graduate School at the Same Time?The Master of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering (M. Engr.) Program may be your best option if you plan to continue working full time. The M. Engr. is a non-thesis, course-based program with a culminating comprehensive exam. The M. Engr. enables students to take courses on a part-time or full-time basis without research commitments. You can submit a Program Change Request if you are admitted to the M. Engr. Program and your job circumstances change; however, the request will only be considered if you have a major advisor and can commit to performing research full-time.

Questions?

How do I Finance My Graduate Education?

Graduate AssistantshipsUnless there are extenuating circumstances (part-time student, intent to pay your own way, etc.), students accepted into the M.S. or Ph.D. program are awarded a Graduate Assistantship (GA), which comes with research and teach-ing assistant responsibilities. Assistantships include a monthly stipend and also cover the cost of tuition, fees, and health insurance while students are enrolled full time.

As a graduate assistant, you may serve as teaching assistant, research assistant, or both during your tenure. As a teaching assistant, you will support faculty in one or more classes through leading discussion sessions, lecturing, teaching laboratories, holding office hours, and assessing student work. As a research assistant, you will be respon-sible for performing the research that will lead to completion of your thesis or dissertation. Graduate Assistant-ships are renewed every year subject to satisfactory academic record as stipulated by the Graduate College.

FellowshipsHighly qualified students are encouraged to apply for fellowships. Fellowships are available through a variety of funding agencies including the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy. Due to the cost of any research project, all students must have a major advisor who is able to support the additional cost of research activities. Your major advisor can help you find appropriate fellowships.

Can I Pay My Own Way?Prospective graduate students who have an employer sponsorship, or would rather fund their own degree are ac-cepted on a case-by-case basis. Acceptance is based on the admission criteria and documentation that funding is available to support you throughout your graduate career. It is important to understand that the graduate program does not provide financial support to students who are admitted based on self-funding at any point during their graduate career. Due to the cost of any research project, all students who elect to pay their own graduate school fees must have a major advisor who is able to support the additional cost of research activities.

Are On-Campus Housing Opportunities Available for Graduate Students?Graduate students are welcome to apply for available space, particularly in the Boise State apartment communities since priority for other on-campus residential facilities is given to undergraduate students. Housing and Residence Life has designated a portion of the University Manor Apartment Complex into a Graduate Community for those students who would prefer to live with other Graduate students only. Graduate students may also be considered for vacancies in the Aspen, Cedar, Hawthorne, Juniper, Spruce, and Tamarack Townhouses.

I Have Other Questions About the MSE Graduate Programs. Who Can I Contact to Find Out More?We have faculty and staff available to answer any questions you have about the MSE Graduate Programs. Call our office any time Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 208.426.5600 or email us at msegrad@boisestate.edu. We can guide you through the admission process, answer your questions, and even arrange a campus visit so you can learn more about our diverse research, outstanding faculty members, and well-equipped laboratories.

coen.boisestate.edu/mse