Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ranked second on The World's Top Universities' 50 Top Engineering and Technology Universities list in 2010. The Department of Materials Science and Engineering's research ranges from scientific to applied studies, involving chemistry, physics, electronics, the artistic and historical aspects of materials, design and entrepreneurial ventures. Coursework spans the materials cycle, from mining and refining of raw materials, to production and utilization of finished materials, and finally to disposal and recycling. The department offers a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Doctor of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degrees in materials science and engineering.
The Materials Science and Engineering bachelor degree at Stanford University was ranked number one on the "U.S. News & World Reports'" 2008 listing of America's Best Colleges. At the graduate level, Stanford offers a Master's of Science. There is no thesis or research for this degree; according to the university, "some master's students opt to earn six to fifteen units of credit by doing research with a professor in the lab and writing a Master's Report." The university also offers a PhD program designed to give students a broad and comprehensive understanding of materials science and engineering. Admission is based on the applicant's background and potential for success. Stanford also has a petition for students who perform above the average during the first two quarters in the MS program to request a transfer to the PhD program.
The University of Maryland in the Washington, D.C. area offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in its Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The program puts emphasis on the fundamental properties of materials and structures, combined with the application and design of advanced materials, to address a wide range of engineering problems. Students can specialize in their junior and senior years in several aspects of materials science and engineering, including applications in materials and manufacturing, materials science, biomaterials and organic materials.
Students in the undergraduate degree program at Johns Hopkins' Department of Materials Science and Engineering can apply for either a Master's of Science in Engineering or a Master's of Science in Engineering Management. This fast track program, known as a Concurrent BS/MS, allows students to reduce the time spent on a master's degree. Johns Hopkins also offers a Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering. To graduate with a doctorate, you must complete four required courses with a 3.0-grade point average: Structure of Materials, Thermodynamics of Materials, Phase Transformations in Materials and Physical Properties of Materials. The department is highly ranked by the National Research Council.