Curriculum

Requirements for the Degree (30 units)

A total of 30 semester units is required, of which at least 15 units must be 5000-level courses.
The advice and approval of the program director must be obtained before enrolling in any course.

Core Requirements (18 units)

  • MSE 4141 Engineering of Materials (3)
  • MSE 4142 Chemistry and Physics of Materials (3)
  • MSE 5140 Mechanical Behavior of Materials (3)
  • MSE 5330 Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Materials (3)
  • MSE 5350 Materials Characterization (3)
  • MSE 5510 Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Materials (3)
 

Elective Requirements (9-12 units)

Select from the following list with program director approval.
Students completing the MSE 5960 (Comprehensive Examination) must complete 12 units to meet the degree requirement.
Students completing MSE 5990 (Thesis) take 9 units, including MSE 5970.
 
  • CHEM 4410 Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics and Kinetics (4)
  • CHEM 4420 Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics (3)
  • CHEM 4430 Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemical Methods (1)
  • CHEM 5600 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3)
  • ENGR 4970 Seminar in Interdisciplinary STEM Research (1)
  • ME 4020 Strength of Materials II (3)
  • ME 4140 Machine Design II (3)
  • ME 4300 Properties and Selection of Engineering Materials (3)
  • ME 4310 Material Laboratory (1)
  • ME 4510 Biomaterials (3)
  • ME 5130 Advanced Structure of Materials (3)
  • ME 5300 Advanced Manufacturing Processes (3)
  • ME 5800 Advanced Numerical Methods (3)
  • ME 5810 Continuum Mechanics (3)
  • ME 5830 Advanced Technical Communication (1)
  • ME 5840 Advanced Experimental Methods (3)
  • MSE 5540 Special Topics in Materials Science and Engineering (3)
  • MSE 5970 Graduate Research (3)
  • MSE 5980 Graduate Directed Study (3)
  • PHYS 4200 Introduction to Computational Physics (3)
  • PHYS 4251 Classical Mechanics I (3)
  • PHYS 4261 Electricity and Magnetism I (3)
  • PHYS 4280 Advanced Statistical Physics (3)
  • PHYS 4321 Introductory Quantum Mechanics I (3)
  • PHYS 4330 Solid State Physics I (3)
  • PHYS 4700 Advanced Physics Laboratory and Applications (3)
  • PHYS 5101 Mathematical Methods of Physics (3)
  • PHYS 5731 Theory of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and its Applications to Materials Physics (3)
  • PHYS 5732 Practical Implementation of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Applications to Materials Physics (3)

Culminating Experience (0-3 units)

Select one.
MSE 5960 Comprehensive Examination
or
MSE 5990 Thesis

Students have the option of choosing either the comprehensive examination or thesis option for their culminating experience. Advancement to candidacy is required of all students to be eligible to register for the culminating experience supervisory courses Thesis Option MSE 5990 and Comprehensive Examination MSE 5960. Advancement to candidacy requirements are as follows:

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Completion of Graduate Writing Proficiency requirement.
  • Completion of a minimum of 12 units in residence at Cal State LA.

Upon advancement to candidacy, students may formally apply for the culminating experience by filling out the designated form. Approval of the advisor and the Program Director will be required on the form.