Applicants normally are expected to have a BS in the physical sciences or engineering. Undergraduate studies normally would include mathematics through differential equations, at least one year each of general physics and chemistry, a course in physical chemistry or modern physics, and an elementary course in properties of materials. Applicants may be admitted with deficiencies. These must be made up as soon as possible after entering the program.

Admission to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School is a prerequisite for admission to study materials science. A minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 is required. Graduate Record Examinations scores on the General Test are required. Admission is highly selective. Most admitted students have an undergraduate GPA above 3.5. Mean GRE scores in the most recent admission cycle were quantitative: 166, verbal: 163, and analytical writing: 3.5. However, full consideration will be given to all students meeting the UW-Madison graduate school requirements.

Foreign students must submit satisfactory results on the TOEFL or another acceptable English Language Test. Please use institution code: 1846; no department code is necessary. Information about these exams can be obtained from the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey 08540 or Berkeley, California 94704.

Please use the online application to begin your application. To be considered for fellowships, all application materials are due by January 1. If you have questions about the application or admissions process, please do not hesitate to e-mail msaegradadmission@engr.wisc.edu.

The graduate school offers a limited number of application fee grants (waivers of all or part of the application fee) that are available in a few specific circumstances. Further information is available here.

Materials science and engineering is both a foundational discipline in engineering and a branch of science at the intersection of physics, chemistry, biology, and related disciplines. The University of Wisconsin offers graduate degrees in materials science and engineering, with a primary focus on Ph.D. students, who perform cutting-edge independent research with the support of their advisors and thesis committee members. A Master’s degree is also offered during progress towards the PhD for students enrolled in the PhD program. Direct admission to the terminal Master’s degree program is unusual.

All students can expect to be supported as fellows, research assistants, or teaching assistants for the duration of their graduate study in materials at the University of Wisconsin. (See below for more information.)

Coursework, exams, and other requirements for students entering graduate school in Fall 2016 or later can be found here. Graduate curriculum requirements for earlier programs can be found at the bottom of this page.