Why earn a materials and energy engineering degree?

Our civilization faces growing energy consumption and subsequent demand challenges. Empowering our students and graduates to apply their knowledge to overcome this challenge through the creation and integration of new, advanced earth-abundant materials into cost-effective technologies lies at the heart of the UofL’s energy materials science online program.

This undertaking includes important tasks like redefining our dependence on fossil-based fuels and low-energy efficiency systems – thus lowering our carbon impact on the environment – as well as finding new ways of attaining renewable energy generation, such as tapping into the immense potency of the sun.

Aligned with the mission of the Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research, UofL’s online master’s in Materials and Energy Sciences & Engineering aspires to prepare professional scientists and engineers to innovate in these areas, ultimately impacting economic development, energy competitiveness, health, education and the quality of life worldwide.

What can I do with a master’s in materials and energy sciences & engineering?

Employment opportunities for materials and energy science and engineering graduates are predicted to continue growing faster than the average for all occupations, with a reported 10-year job growth of around 62% (CNNMoney, 2020) and a predicted median pay of over $83,000 (BLS.gov).

UofL’s Master of Science in Materials and Energy Science & Engineering prepares students for career tracks in industries including semiconductor/opto-electronics, catalysts, and energy as well as to pursue entrepreneurship or join government and corporate labs. Graduates will also have a strong foundation to pursue doctoral studies in related materials and energy science and engineering disciplines.

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Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.

Steps to Apply

1. Complete online application
2. Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
3. Submit written interest statement describing what motivated you to apply to the online M.S. MESE program, including previous experience in the field and how this degree will help you fulfill your career goals
4. Submit current resume
5. Submit 2 letters of professional recommendation
6. Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work from previously attended accredited institutions
7. Check for Scholarships

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Admission Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program or an equivalent bachelor’s degree in Physics or Chemistry from an accredited university
• Successful applicants typically have a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Applicants with GPA below the recommended 3.00 may be considered for admission based on additional criteria, including excellent recommendation letters, resume or personal statement, and academic performance.

Note: No GRE required for admission.

Transfer Credits

A transfer of 6 credit hours from an accredited institution is permitted on a case-by-case basis. Students will work with their advisor to determine if courses transfer and department approval must be granted.

International Students – Additional Notes/Requirements

The Materials and Energy Science & Engineering master’s program is open to international students. Additional requirements apply. Degrees must be accredited within your region.

1. All transcripts not in English must be certified as authentic and translated verbatim in English.
2. Students whose primary language is not English must show English language proficiency by attaining one of the following:
   • Total score of 80 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based test or 6.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or 105 or higher on the Duolingo English score, OR
   • Successful completion of the exit examination for the advanced level of the Intensive English as a Second Language Program (IESL) at the University of Louisville, OR
   • Demonstration of a degree award from an acceptable English language institution
3. International students will not be issued a U.S. visa if admitted to an online program, since there are no campus attendance requirements.

The online Master of Science in Materials and Energy Science & Engineering is a 30-credit hour (10 course) program that requires 5 core MESE fundamental courses, 2 courses covering energy processing, 2 courses covering energy conversion and 1 systems engineering course or project.

Online students have the option to visit campus and take advantage of campus resources for coursework and project completion, including labs and face-to-face time with faculty, although visiting campus is not required. International students wishing to visit campus will not be issued a student visa.

*The project can be replaced with an external internship or practicum opportunity. Faculty advisors will assist in developing plans for MESE 690 completion.

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Course Descriptions

NOTE: Course descriptions and required courses are subject to change.

• What bachelor’s degrees are acceptable for admission into the MS in Materials and Energy Science & Engineering (MESE) program?
  A bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or an equivalent bachelor’s degree in physics or chemistry from an accredited university is required for admission into the MS in Materials and Energy Science & Engineering program.
• Are GRE scores required for admission?
  No, GRE scores are not required for admission into the MS MESE online program.
• Is there a specific GPA requirement for admission into the program?
  Yes, successful applicants typically have a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). However, applicants can be admitted provisionally with a 2.75 GPA, but must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the program to graduate.
• Can I receive credit for graduate courses completed at another institution?
  Once admitted, students may request department permission to transfer up to six (6) credit hours from an accredited graduate program. Only courses that have not counted towards another degree program will be considered. See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.
• How quickly can I complete the online degree in MS MESE?
  Full-time students can complete the MS MESE degree in just 1 year with 15-week terms. Students can also choose to enroll as a part-time student and move through the program at a pace that works best for them.
• Is there an internship or project required for this degree?
  The ME MESE online degree requires students to complete 1 system engineering course or project in systems engineering to satisfy the credits needed to complete the degree. Students can choose from courses in Engineering Entrepreneurship in Renewable Energy, Techno-economic Analysis and Energy Policy, Smart Manufacturing, or a project-based course. If students chose to complete the project-based course, they will work with a faculty/team leader on a renewable energy systems topic and develop an in-depth understanding and provide a written report that includes problem definition, literature review, studies/analysis conducted and conclusions. The project can also be replaced with an external internship or practicum opportunity under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
• What can I do with a master’s degree in materials and energy science & engineering
  UofL’s Master of Science in Materials and Energy Science & Engineering prepares students for career tracks in industries including semiconductor/opto-electronics, catalysts, and energy as well as to pursue entrepreneurship or join government and corporate labs. Graduates will also have a strong foundation to pursue doctoral studies in related materials and energy science and engineering disciplines. Some employment opportunities for graduates with this degree include Semiconductor Processing Engineer, Materials Engineer, Project Manager, Sustainability Consultant, Research and Development Engineer, and so much more.