About Materials Science at CSUSB
CSUSB’s Master of Science in Materials Science is a two-year program designed for students with a background in chemistry, physics, materials science, or related fields. Whether you’re preparing for advanced research or an applied career, this program offers a flexible path to meet your goals.
You’ll choose from two concentration options:
- Entrepreneurial Concentration – Combine science with innovation through applied coursework and a final project conducted with a local employer or community partner.
- Interdisciplinary Materials Investigation Concentration – Dive into advanced lab-based research, culminating in a thesis and oral defense on a real-world materials science challenge.
Both options include a strong foundation in:
- The structure and reactivity of materials
- Laboratory techniques and hands-on experimentation
- Scientific communication and research methodology
With small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and experiential learning at its core, CSUSB’s M.S. in Materials Science prepares you for research, industry, or entrepreneurial ventures in a rapidly growing field.
Careers in Materials Science
As a graduate of the M.S. in materials science program, you’ll be ready to pursue a career in a variety of areas of chemistry, physics and materials science industries and government labs, including aerospace industries, surface and coatings companies, advanced materials, and the semi-conductor workforce.
Graduates may also work as college or university lecturers, or apply to Ph.D. programs in physics, chemistry or materials science.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sees a strong job outlook for materials scientists and chemists, with faster-than-average job growth between 2024 and 2034.
Sample Courses
Advanced Instrumentation and Experimentation in Materials Science
Connecting materials properties and applications with the proper test procedures and instrumentation needed to best characterize them.
Material Structure
Survey of different types of solid-state structures with an emphasis on the states of condensed materials, such as glasses, crystals, ceramics, and liquid crystals.
Thermodynamics of Materials
Thermodynamics and phase equilibria applied to manufactured materials structure, properties and phase transitions; kinetic considerations considered.
Opportunities for Students
This master’s program gives you access to state-of-the-art scientific equipment across both the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Department of Physics & Astronomy, as well as the College of Natural Sciences. Financial support may be available through employment as a teaching assistant or as a research stipend.
Similar to Materials Science
With more than 50 undergraduate degress at CSUSB, we offer a variety of programs that reflect the Coyotes' passion for learning. Check out where your curiosity will take you at CSUSB.