Online Education for Working Professionals
Simulate the processes required to develop specific materials microstructures and
properties.
Develop skills and competencies in computational modeling and simulation.
Simulate microstructural evolution and property change during materials processes.
Apply computational principles, numerical algorithms, and programming implementation
of thermodynamics of materials science. Learn the kinetics of microstructure development
and microstructure-property relationships. Build skills in communication with a real-world
perspective in computational materials science.
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How to Apply
3 + 1 courses in 3 semesters.
| Length |
3 + 1 courses in 2-3 semesters |
| Effort |
3 hours per credit per week |
| Each course |
3 credits, 1 credit |
| Total credits |
9 + 1 |
| Course type |
Online or on-campus |
| Modality |
Watch class recordings on demand |
| Cost |
Based on credits and course type |
| Already enrolled? |
Speak with your advisor. |
Curriculum
Progress quickly with a compact curriculum. Work with the program advisor to select
courses that fit your interests and prerequisite skills.
Prerequisites
Check your preparation. Students with degrees in the physical sciences (engineering,
physics, chemistry) are encouraged to apply.
Required Courses
Take 4 credits of required courses. Take 1 credit of MSE 5970 as Perspectives on Computational
Materials Science. Take MSE 5540 or MSE 4540.
MSE 5540 - Advanced Computational Materials Science: Theory, Modeling, Simulation, and Practice
Theories of materials science from list principles to constitutive laws. Materials modeling and computer simulation at multiple length and time scales. Laboratory practice of various computational methods.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
MSE 4540 - Computational Materials Science: Theory, Modeling, Simulation, and Practice
Theories of materials science from first principles to constitutive laws. Materials modeling and computer simulation at multiple length and time scales. Laboratory practice of various computational methods.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
MSE 5970 - Special Topics - Graduate Materials Science and Engineering
Special Topics in Materials Science and Engineering at the Graduate level.
- Credits:
variable to 4.0;
Repeatable to a Max of 8
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Electives
Take 6 credits of elective courses. Do not take both MSE 5151 and PH 5141. Choose
no more than one of ME 4405, BE 5115, or CEE 5202. No more than 3 of the 10 credits
may be 4000 level.
MSE 5140 - Mechanical Behavior of Materials
Deformation-related physical behaviors of materials in the mathematical framework of tensor analysis. Material symmetry and tensor property. Stress, strain, and elastic constitutive relation. Non-elastic strain, thermomechanical, electromechanical, and magnetomechanical behaviors.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
MSE 5151 - Quantum Field Theory for Photonics and Materials
This course will review the basics of quantum mechanics and second quantization, and cover quantum field theoretical methods, including Wick's theorem and Feynman diagram techniques, for absolute zero and non-zero temperatures (Matsubara frequencies) and their application in photonics, properties of materials and condensed matter physics.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in even years
PH 5151 - Quantum Field Theory for Photonics and Materials
This course will review the basics of quantum mechanics and second quantization, and cover quantum field theoretical methods, including Wick's theorem and Feynman diagram techniques, for absolute zero and non-zero temperatures (Matsubara frequencies) and their application in photonics, properties of materials and condensed matter physics.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 3410 and PH 3411(C)
MA 4620 - Numerical Methods for PDEs
Derivation, analysis, and implementation of numerical methods for partial differential equations; applications to fluid mechanics, elasticity, heat conduction, acoustics, or electromagnetism.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560) and MA 3160
ME 4405 - Mechanism Synthesis/Dynamic Modeling
Students apply kinematic synthesis techniques in design and analysis of mechanical systems. They develop synthesis software to link to dynamic analysis packages such as ADAMS, I-DEAS, Unigraphics, etc. They investigate influences of process variation on system output and learn methods to minimize the variation influences.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3400 or ME 3400
BE 5115 - Finite Element Modeling
The course teaches both fundamentals of finite element theory and hands-on experience for bio-engineers.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
CEE 5202 - Finite Element Analysis
Introduction to the use of finite element methods in structural analysis. Covers the finite element formulation, 1- and 2-D elements, including isoparametric elements, axisymmetric analysis, plate and shell elements, dynamics, buckling, and nonlinear analysis.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): CEE 4201 or CEE 5203
Typical Schedule
The minimum completion time is one semester. Here is a typical schedule.
| Fall |
Spring |
MSE 5540
with 0-1 of
MSE 5140
ME 4405
MA 4620 |
MSE 5970
with 1-2 of
PH 5151
BE 5115 |
Application Process and Admissions Requirements
Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out
our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required
for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.
Graduate School Admissions Process
Applying to the Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts, test scores, or letters needed to start). The application
process involves three easy steps.
See Admissions Steps
Graduate School Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:
- have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
- be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous
degree and your scholastic record.
See additional application requirements, including required materials:
Program Specific Requirements
Program Specific
- Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0
scale
- GMAT/GRE: Not required
- Preferred major: Bachelor's Degree in Material Science Engineering, or closely related
field
International Students
- TOEFL: Recommended Score of 79 iBT
- IELTS: Recommended Overall Band Score of 6.5
Admissions Decisions
Made on a rolling basis.
Prospective Students
- Prospective students and non-degree seeking students interested in obtaining a graduate
certificate must apply to the certificate program using the online application.
- Accelerated certificate options exist for current Michigan Tech undergraduate students in good standing and have
achieved at least junior-level standing or recent bachelor’s graduates of Michigan
Tech (less than two years).
- The number of credits earned prior to admission that can be counted are restricted.
Current Graduate Students
- Current Michigan Tech graduate students who are in a degree program do not need to formally apply. Current students must still submit the appropriate degree schedule in order to complete the certificate.
International Student Requirements
International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.
See International Applicants
Interested in taking a single, online course? Enroll as a non-degree seeking student.
Upon completion of the certificate, students will be able to:
- be able compare/contrast the leading methods and approaches utilized to computationally
simulate material behavior and response.
- be able to simulate material behavior and response using at least three appropriate
computational approaches and tools
Michigan Tech was founded in 1885.
The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and widely respected
by fast-paced industries, including automotive development, infrastructure, manufacturing,
and aerospace. Michigan Tech graduates deliver on rapid innovation and front-line
research, leaning into any challenge with confidence.
The College of Engineering fosters excellence in education and research.
We set out as the Michigan Mining School in 1885 to train mining engineers to better
operate copper mines. Today, more than 60 percent of Michigan Tech students are enrolled
in our 17 undergraduate and 29 graduate engineering programs across nine departments.
Our students and curriculum embrace the spirit of hard work and fortitude our founders
once had. Our online graduate courses are the same, robust classes taken by our doctorate
and masters candidates, taught directly by highly regarded faculty, with outstanding
support from staff. We invite working professionals to join these courses, bring their
own experience and challenges as part of the discussion. Leverage the national reputation
of Michigan Tech to advance your career in tech leadership.
Online Certified Instructors
Meet the online certified instructors. Students have the flexibility to review class
recordings later.
Teaching Statement
Dr. Jin teaches courses in materials processing, mechanical behavior of materials, and transmission electron microscopy.
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Teaching Statement
Dr. Wang teaches courses in materials science and engineering, advanced computational materials science, thermodynamics and kinetics, and crystallography and diffraction.
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