MSMSE Grad Booklet

College of Engineering Graduate Programs Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering Making Materials that Matter!

Idaho is considered by many to be the “White WaterCapital of the World.” Someof Idaho’s world-class rapids are just minutes from Boise on the Payette River.

The City of BoiseBoise, the capital and largest city in the State of Idaho, is the third largest metropolitan area in the Pacific Northwest. The cityoffers 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 likesnow skiing, river rafting, fishing, hiking, and more. The Treasure Valley boasts temperate year-round weather, a thriving businesscommunity, cultural events, and a great family atmosphere.The dynamic city of Boise also offers one of the lowest costs of livingin the western states, according to the ACCRA Cost of Living Index.Consider these facts:• The cost of living in Boise, Idaho is around 92 percent of the national average.• The average cost of a home in Idaho is around 81 percent of the national average.• Boise has been 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 ofthe best regional colleges in U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” issue and has been considered one of Ameri-ca’s Top Colleges by Forbe’s Magazine.The University is classified as a doctoral research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education —the nation’s premier college classification system. This designation reflects Boise State’s unique trajectory in building the researchand academic programs that modern economies demand. Boise State is an emerging leader in researching innovative materials,nanoelectronics, integrated systems and more. Our research opportunities provide 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 recreationcenter, and plenty of opportunities to network with peers, faculty, and staff. Campus is alive with activity in both academic andextra-curricular interests. Float down the Boise River in the summer, enjoy cultural events and performances at the MorrisonCenter, or network with students and faculty at the Student Union. Boise State has it all!Micron School of Materials Science and EngineeringLocated in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, we are a new model for a School of Materials Science and Engineering. Based on astrong foundation of interdisciplinarity, radical collaboration, industrial support, and dynamic balance, our vision is to be a leaderof inclusive excellence, empowering world-class students to solve global challenges of enduring significance through materialsinnovation. Materials science and engineering is an interdisciplinary field. We consider applicants from a variety of engineering and sciencebackgrounds. If you have a B.S. degree in a materials science-related field, other engineering field, the physical sciences, the lifesciences, or mathematics, you should apply.Our graduate students work closely with internationally recognized faculty members from several disciplines including physics,chemistry, biology, electrical engineering, mechanical and biomedical engineering, and more. The opportunity to learn from thebest, interact with industry partners, and collaborate with international researchers adds to the significance of our curriculum.

World-Class ResearchOur interdisciplinary program offers students a breadth of opportunities to engage in materials science. Research initiativesare continually expanding. Some examples of current research include the following:• Advanced Nanomaterials and Manufacturing • Epitaxy of Nanomaterials• Computational Materials Science • Functional Ceramics• Corrosion and Environmental Degradation • Materials for Extreme Environments• DNA Nanotechnology • Materials Theory and Modeling• Electrochemistry and Surface Chemistry • Polymeric Materials• Electronic Materials • Shape Memory AlloysCenter for Materials ResearchThe Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering recently received the largest gift in Boise State’s history. The MicronFoundation has contributed $25 million to fund the establishment of a new Center for Materials Research. Students earninga degree in materials science and engineering emerge as important contributors across many scientific disciplines. The Centerfor Materials Research will support our goal of preparing graduates for a more broadly based, technically fluent workforce.The Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering recently invested over $4 million in state-of-the-art lab equipment.Our focus is on conducting impactful research using modern technologies.Programs of StudyThe Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Graduate Program offers three programs of study:the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Master of Science (M.S.), and Master of Engineering (M.Engr.) Each of these programscovers a materials science and engineering core of knowledge, and has different advantages based on your career path.Detailed program information can be found at coen.boisestate.edu/mse or by contacting us at [email protected] or208.426.5600. We are here to assist you with making informed enrollment decisions.Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D.Most students who pursue a doctoral degree want to advance their scientific knowledge, make significant technical contribu-tions to the field, and promote their career opportunities within academia, industry, or governmental research and developmentfacilities. To obtain the degree, students must publish their research and complete a dissertation, core coursework, and a com-prehensive exam.Master of Science, M.S.Most students who pursue a Master of Science want to enhance their fundamental knowledge of materials science and developtheir research and technical communication skills to prepare them for further study at the doctoral level or promote futurecareer opportunities. To obtain the degree, students complete a thesis, core coursework, and a comprehensive exam.Master of Engineering, M.Engr.The Master of Engineering is designed for industry professionals interested in expanding their technical expertise and career op-portunities. Those who have recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science also pursue a Master of Engineering to enhance theirresume and broaden their career options. To obtain the degree, students complete core coursework and a comprehensive exam.

Financial SupportFunding is an important factor in the decision to pursue an advanced degree. The cost of attending Boise State is com-petitive with many other universities and the cost of living in Boise is surprisingly affordable. Varying levels of fundingsupport may be available through graduate assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and federal or private loans.AssistantshipsMany programs offer graduate assistantships to highly qualified students. In the Micron School of Materials Science andEngineering, M.S. and Ph.D. students are considered for assistantships during the admissions process. Availability isdependent upon funding. Highlights of an assistantship in our program include the following:• A competitive annual stipend and registration fee waiver is included.• Non-resident tuition is waived.• Graduate assistants perform research.• Graduate assistants serve as teaching assistants for up to two semesters while enrolled in the program.We encourage you to contact individual program faculty to inquire about the availability of assistantships in theirresearch groups.FellowshipsFellowships are financial awards that provide funding with varying stipulations such as performing research and studyinga specific area of expertise, maintaining a minimum GPA and submitting regular progress reports and or a comprehen-sive report upon graduation. Many externally funded fellowships are available. The Micron School of Materials Scienceand Engineering is happy to help highly qualified candidates prepare competitive fellowship applications.ScholarshipsScholarships are financial awards, which may or may not be renewable. Free national scholarship internet search pro-grams and websites can assist students with identifying scholarship opportunities.Federal and Private Student LoansFederal and private student loans are available through various application processes. Federal student loans often offera fixed interest rate and income-based repayment plans. Private loans can be more expensive than federal student loans.Federal Student Aid, anoffice of the U.S. Depart-ment of Education, offers agreat comparison of federalvs. private student loans.The Boise State UniversityFinancial Aid Office canassist you with completinga financial aid application. coen.boisestate.edu/mse

Admissions ProcessMaterials science and engineering is an interdisciplinary field. We accept applicants into the M.Engr., M.S., and Ph.D.programs from a variety of engineering and science backgrounds. If you have a Bachlor of Science in a materials scienceand engineering-related field, including other engineering fields, the physical sciences, the life sciences, or mathematics, youshould apply.Preparation Courses• 1 semester of college-level chemistry (Required)• 4 semesters of calculus, including differential equations (Required)• 2 semesters of calculus-based physics (Required)• 1 semester of quantum physics OR physical chemistry (Recommended)• 1 semester of introduction to materials science and engineering (Recommended)Application for AdmissionApply online at coen.boisestate.edu/mse/applyOfficial TranscriptOfficial transcripts from each educational institution attended beyond high school must be sent directly to the Boise StateGraduate College.Graduate Record Exam (GRE)The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required for admission consideration. Official scores should be submitted by theEducational Testing Service (ETS) directly to Boise State University (Institutional Code 4018.) Exemptions from the GRErequirement are not allowed.English Language Proficiency (International Students Only)Completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System(IELTS) is required for international students. Official TOEFL or IELTS scores should be sent directly from ETS to BoiseState University (institutional code 4018.) Information about minimum scores and exemption from this requirement can befound online at graduatecollege.boisestate.edu/international-students.Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering Admission Materials• Three Letters of Recommendation on Official Letterhead 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. Be sure to communicate any deadlines for com- pleting and sending the letters, and follow up with each reference as necessary.• Statement of Purpose The statement of purpose is written to the admissions committee and indicates your educational and professional goals, background, 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.• CV (curriculum vitae) A curriculum vitae (CV) is similar to a resume. While a resume lists employment history, a CV includes academic experiences and publications applicable to a graduate program. Summarize your academic and pertinent employment history in a structured and professional format.

FAQsAre There Deadlines for Applying?The application deadline for priority admission consideration is January 15 for fall admission. The Micron School of MaterialsScience and Engineering graduate program adheres to the Council of Graduate Schools Resolution. This resolution provides anational deadline of April 15 for prospective graduate students to accept an offer of financial support. To receive priority con-sideration for graduate assistantship funding for the fall semester, all application materials must be on file by January 15.Can I Work Full time and Go to Graduate School at the Same Time?The Master of 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. Students can take courses on a part-time orfull-time basis without research commitments. You can submit a request to change programs if your job circumstances change;however, you must have a major advisor and commit to performing research full-time to be considered for a change to the M.S.or Ph.D. program.What Types of Classes are Offered?Students take coursework in crystallography and crystal chemistry, thermodynamics, and phase transformation and kinetics.A variety of core emphasis courses, characterization and processing courses and student chosen electives are also completed. Acomplete list of course offerings can be viewed at coen.boisestate.edu/mse.Are on Campus Housing Opportunities Available?Graduate students are welcome to apply foravailable space, particularly in the Boise Statetownhomes and suites. Information aboutthe living communities can be found throughuniversity housing at housing.boisestate.edu/.How can I find out more?Stop by our office if you are in the area. Wewould be happy to coordinate a tour of ourfacilities and arrange introductions to some ofour faculty.We offer a limited number of sponsored visitsto Boise for qualified domestic candidates. Meetfaculty, tour our facilities, visit with graduatestudents, and explore the Boise State campus.These visits are a great opportunity for you to geta feel for the Boise lifestyle, Boise State culture,and the research opportunities within our graduate program. After your visit, remind us to share some of our favorite spots for hiking,mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, boating, fly fishing, and exploring! #materialsrocks!

#materialsrocks!