Materials Science and Engineering Advanced Certificate
Build expertise in materials design and manufacturing with this flexible engineering certificate.
2
Study Options: Full-time or part-time for working professionals
18
Total credit hours that can be applied toward the MS degree
Overview for Materials Science and Engineering Adv. Cert.
Unique, multidisciplinary program that combines collaborative experiences from the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, Golisano Institute of Sustainability, and housed within the College of Science.
Diverse faculty from the physical, chemical, and biological sciences, in addition to leaders in engineering.
Students develop skills that are in demand in many industries, including transportation, electronics, machinery, medical, consulting, utilities, education, government and retail.
The advanced certificate in materials science and engineering is specially designed to establish a common base of materials-oriented knowledge for students with baccalaureate degrees in chemistry, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, and related disciplines. The program provides a new intellectual identity to those interested in the study of advanced materials and offers a serious interdisciplinary learning experience in materials studies, crossing over the traditional boundaries of such classical disciplines as chemistry, physics, and electrical, mechanical, and microelectronic engineering.
The advanced certificate may be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Part-time students are normally limited to a maximum of two courses, or 6 credit hours, each semester.
Students who are interested in further study may apply the credits earned in thew advanced certificate to the MS degree in materials science and engineering.
What is a Graduate Certificate?
A graduate certificate, also called an advanced certificate, is a selection of up to five graduate level courses in a particular area of study. It can serve as a stand-alone credential that provides expertise in a specific topic that enhances your professional knowledge base, or it can serve as the entry point to a master's degree. Some students complete an advanced certificate and apply those credit hours later toward a master's degree.
Curriculum for 2025-2026 for Materials Science and Engineering Adv. Cert.
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Materials Science and Engineering Advanced Certificate
The curriculum below outlines the typical course sequence(s) for this program.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| MTSE-601 | Materials Science | 3 |
| MTSE-704 | Theoretical Methods in Materials Science and Engineering | 3 |
| MTSE-705 | Experimental Techniques | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| Open Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| Open Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| Open Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Approved Electives
Approved Electives comprise graduate courses offered by programs in the College of Science, Kate Gleason College of Engineering, Golisano Institute for Sustainability, School of Individualized Studies and the Saunders College of Business. Prerequisites for all Approved Electives include Graduate Standing and may require permission of instructor.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MTSE-602 | Polymer Science | 3 |
| MTSE-617 | Material Degradation | 3 |
| MTSE-632 | Solid State Science | 3 |
| MTSE-799 | Independent Study | 1-4 |
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Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
| Offered | Admit Term(s) | Application Deadline | STEM Designated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part‑time | Fall or Spring | Rolling | No |
Part-time study is 1‑8 semester credit hours. RIT will not issue a student visa for advanced certificates.
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Materials Science and Engineering Adv. Cert. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 (or equivalent) is recommended.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Entrance exam requirements: None
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, etc.), if required. Details are below.
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
Duolingo (DET): 130
IELTS: 6.5
PTE Academic: 60
TOEFL: 88
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Deaf and hard-of-hearing test takers with significant hearing loss do not need to take the listening and speaking sections for the TOEFL and IELTS. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.
A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree
