Applicant FAQs for MSE
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) for Graduate Students
M.S. Program
- What are the course requirements?
- Can I take courses offered by other departments?
- How many units can I transfer from other universities to UCLA?
- What is the difference between the M.S. Thesis and M.S. Comprehensive Examination Plan?
- I have completed my course requirements. What do I have to do to graduate?
Ph.D. Program
- What are the course requirements?
- What are the Major Fields?
- What are the Minor Fields?
- What is the Oral Preliminary Examination?
- What is the Oral Qualifying Examination?
Degree Objectives and Requirements
- May I apply to both the M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs?
- Am I required to have a master’s degree to apply to the Ph.D. program?
- May I apply to the M.S. program if I already have earned or will soon earn a master’s degree?
- May I enroll part-time?
- May I apply for a winter or spring term?
- How long does it take to earn a MS degree?
- How long does it take to earn a PhD degree?
Advisor/Fields of Research
- Am I required to choose a preferred faculty advisor?
- How do I change my advisor?
- What fields of research are represented in the department?
Application/Admission/Document Status
- Have you received my transcripts/GRE/TOEFL/IELTS?
- Will my application be reviewed if any application material is submitted after November 30?
- When will I be informed of my admission status?
- If I am admitted, may I defer my admission to a future term?
- If I am not admitted, may I re-apply the following year?
Transcripts
- How many transcripts are required and where do I send them?
- How do you evaluate transcripts issued in a language other than English?
- My university does not assign grades on a 4.0 grade scale. Should I calculate my GPA?
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
- What is UCLA’s GRE institution code? What is MSE’s GRE department code?
- I have completed a master’s degree. Do I need to take the GRE?
- Is a GRE subject test required?
- Is there a minimum GRE score requirement?
- I will not receive official GRE scores until after the application deadline. Will I still be considered for admission?
- When do GRE results expire?
- For multiple GREs, which scores do you use?
- Will you receive my GRE report if I did not provide the correct department code?
- May I request that ETS send my score report to UCLA before I submit the online application?
TOEFL/IELTS (International Applicants Only)
- What is UCLA’s TOEFL institution code? What is MSE’s TOEFL department code?
- Am I eligible for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver? I attended an institution at which all instruction was done in English.
- Will my application still be considered for admission if I scored below the minimum on one of the sections of the TOEFL?
- When do TOEFL/IELTS results expire?
- May I send my TOEFL/IELTS score report to UCLA before I submit the online application?
Letters of Recommendation
- May I submit more than 3 letters of recommendation?
- Can I change my recommenders or send them reminders?
- May I ask my work supervisors to submit letters of recommendation?
- Will my application be considered if my recommenders submit letters after November 30?
Statement of Purpose & Resume
- Are there format or length requirements for the statement of purpose?
- Is a resume required?
- Are there format or length requirements for the resume?
Personal History Statement & Writing Samples
- In addition to the statement of purpose, is a personal history statement required?
- In addition to the statement of purpose, is a writing sample required?
Funding
- Do I need to submit an application for departmental funding?
- How do I apply for a teaching assistantship (TA) position?
- How do I apply for a graduate student researcher (GSR) position?
- How can I apply for financial aid?
M.S. Program
What are the course requirements?
Thesis Plan. Nine courses are required, of which six must be graduate courses. The courses are to be selected from the following lists, although suitable substitutions can be made from other engineering disciplines or from chemistry and physics with the approval of the departmental graduate adviser. Two of the six graduate courses may be Materials Science and Engineering 598 (thesis research). The remaining three courses in the total course requirement may be upper division undergraduate courses.
Comprehensive Examination Plan. Nine courses are required, six of which must be graduate courses with the exception of MSE 598, selected from the following lists with the same provisions listed under the thesis plan. Three of the nine courses may be upper division undergraduate courses.
Ceramics and ceramic processing: Materials Science and Engineering 111, 121, 122, 143A, 151, 161, 162, 200, 201, 244, 246A, 246D, 298.
Electronic and optical materials: Materials Science and Engineering 111, 121, 122, 143A, 151, 161, 162, 200, 201, 221, 222, 223, 244, 298.
Structural materials: Materials Science and Engineering 111, 121, 122, 143A, 151, 161, 162, 200, 201, 243A, 243C, 244, 250A, 250B, 298.
As long as a majority of the courses taken are offered by the department, substitutions may be made with the consent of the departmental graduate adviser.
Can I take courses offered by other departments?
Yes, you can take up to two courses outside of Materials Science toward your M.S. degree. However, in order to count them towards your degree, they must be related to Materials Science. You may take other courses, but they will not count towards your M.S. degree.
How many units can I transfer from other universities to UCLA?
Through petition, courses completed in graduate status on other UC campuses may apply to master’s programs at UCLA, provided they were not used toward a previous degree. Such courses may fulfill up to one-half of the total course requirement, one-half of the graduate course requirement, and one-third of the academic residence requirement.
A maximum of two courses completed with a minimum grade of B in graduate status at institutions other than UC may apply to UCLA master’s programs. Two courses would be the equivalent of eight quarter units or five semester units. They may not fulfill the minimum five-graduate-course requirement or the academic residence requirement. The approval of the Graduate Division and the student’s major department is required on a petition for transfer of credit.
Courses taken for any other degree previously awarded at UCLA or another institution, and courses taken before the award of the bachelor’s degree may not be applied toward a graduate degree at UCLA.
What is the difference between the M.S. Thesis and M.S. Comprehensive Examination Plan?
Thesis Plan. A written report of original results of your research topic, under the supervision and approval of the thesis committee. It must contain some original research contribution. Generally, a M.S. Thesis is about 50 to 70 pages long (when formatted with macros and templates like those used for filing a thesis with the librarian).
Comprehensive Examination Plan:
M.S. Project Plan: A project can be one of the following forms pending on the approval of his/her supervisor:
- An expanded version of term paper
- A design project
- An experimental or theoretical research topic
Written Comprehensive Examination Plan: A student have to take written examinations from six (6) graduate level courses. Each examination is roughly 30 minutes.
NOTE: The oral and written preliminary examination can be used in lieu of the MS comprehensive examination for the students who will pursue the PhD degree in the department. The student must complete the course requirement for the corresponding MS program before being formally admitted into the PhD program.
I have completed my course requirements. What do I have to do to graduate?
Here is a list of things you need to do for graduation:
- You need to have completed the “Program of Study for the M.S. Degree”.
- You need to fill out the “UCLA Graduate Division Petition for Advancement to Candidacy for the Master’s Degree”. This can be obtained from Lili’s Office (3121K Engineering V).
- You need to fill out the “Nomination of Master’s Committee” form.
- Submit your thesis to graduate division if you choose the M.S. Thesis Plan. Check Graduate Division website for details.
Ph.D. Program
What are the course requirements?
There are no formal course requirements for the Ph.D. degree, and students may substitute coursework by examinations. Normally, however, students take courses to acquire the knowledge needed for the written and oral preliminary examinations.
The basic program of study for the Ph.D. degree is built around one major field and one minor field. The major field has a scope corresponding to a body of knowledge contained in nine courses, at least six of which must be graduate courses, plus the current literature in the area of specialization. The major fields named above are described in a Ph.D. major field syllabus, each of which can be obtained in the department office.
The minor field normally embraces a body of knowledge equivalent to three courses, at least two of which are graduate courses. Grades of B- or better, with a grade-point average of at least 3.33 in all courses included in the minor field, is required for every quarter. If students fail to satisfy the minor field requirements through coursework, a minor field examination may be taken (once only). The minor field is selected to support the major field and is usually a subset of the major field.
For information on completing the Engineer degree, see School wide Programs, Courses, and Faculty.
What are the Major Fields?
- Ceramics and Ceramic Processing
The ceramics and ceramic processing field is designed for students interested in ceramics and glasses, including electronic materials. As in the case of metallurgy, primary and secondary fabrication processes such as vapor deposition, sintering, melt forming, or extrusion strongly influence the microstructure and properties of ceramic components used in structural, electronic, or biological applications. Formal course and research programs emphasize the coupling of processing treatments, microstructure, and properties.
- Electronic and Optical Materials
The electronic and optical materials field provides an area of study in the science and technology of electronic materials which includes semiconductors, optical ceramics, and thin films (metal, dielectric, and multilayer) for electronic and optoelectronic applications.
Course offerings emphasize fundamental issues such as solid-state electronic and optical phenomena, bulk and interface thermodynamics and kinetics, and applications which include growth, processing, and characterization techniques. Active research programs address the relationship between microstructure and nanostructure and electronic/optical properties in these materials systems.
- Structural Materials
The structural materials field is designed primarily to provide broad understanding of the relationships between processing, microstructure, and performance of various structural materials, including metals, intermetallics, ceramics, and composite materials. Research programs include material synthesis and processing, ion implantation-induced strengthening and toughening, mechanisms and mechanics of fatigue, fracture and creep, structure/property characterization, nondestructive evaluation, high-temperature stability, and aging of materials.
What are the Minor Fields?
The minor field normally embraces a body of knowledge equivalent to three courses, at least two of which are graduate courses. Grades of B- or better, with a grade-point average of at least 3.33 in all courses included in the minor field, is required. If students fail to satisfy the minor field requirements through coursework, a minor field examination may be taken (once only). The minor field is selected to support the major field and is usually a subset of the major field. Please see your advisor for approval if you would like to pursue a particular minor field.
Students entering the Ph.D. program with a Master’s degree from another university can transfer this Master’s degree as the equivalent of a Minor Field.
What is the Oral Preliminary Examination?
During the first year of full-time enrollment in the Ph.D. program, students must take five out of the six subjects for the oral preliminary examination which encompasses the body of knowledge in materials science at the level equivalent to that required for a B.S. degree. Students must pass four out of the five subject examinations they choose to take. Students may not take an examination more than twice.
The six fields are: Diffusion & Phase Transformation, Electronic Properties, General Materials Science, Thermodynamics, Characterization, Mechanical Properties.
What is the Oral Qualifying Examination?
After passing both preliminary examinations, students take the University Oral Qualifying Examination. The nature and content of the examination are at the discretion of the doctoral committee but ordinarily include a broad inquiry into the student’s preparation for research. The doctoral committee also reviews the prospectus of the dissertation at the oral qualifying examination.
Note: Doctoral Committees. A doctoral committee consists of a minimum of four members. Three members, including the chair, are “inside” members and must hold appointments at UCLA in the student’s major department in HSSEAS. The “outside” member must be a UCLA faculty member holding an appointment in a department outside the student’s major department.
Degree Objectives and Requirements
May I apply to both the M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs?
The Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) department does not allow applicants to apply to both programs. The admissions committee does not consider Ph.D. applicants for admission into the M.S. program and vice versa. Admission to the Ph.D. program is more selective than for the M.S. program.
While a Ph.D. degree prepares students not only for careers in research and academia, Ph.D. applicants typically demonstrate significant achievement in and/or potential for advancing knowledge through independent research and teaching. A M.S. degree prepares students not only for careers in industry, M.S. applicants typically demonstrate interest in developing and applying technical skills and translational knowledge. M.S. applicants should be aware that the selection process is rigorous for M.S. students who later apply for admission into the Ph.D. program.
Am I required to have a master’s degree to apply to the Ph.D. program?
No. It is not a requirement. We admit students who do not have master’s degrees into our MSE PhD program.
May I apply to the M.S. program if I already have earned or will soon earn a master’s degree?
You will not be considered for admission into the M.S. program if you already have a master’s degree in Materials Science & Engineering.
May I enroll part-time?
No. MSE students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units each quarter. Unless granted a formal leave of absence or in filing fee, students are expected to register every term, including the term in which their degree or certificate is to be awarded. The filing fee may be used in lieu of registration if all formal requirements for the degree, except for filing the thesis or taking the comprehensive examination, are met prior to the first day of instruction of the term.
May I apply for a winter or spring term?
The MSE department only allows applicants to apply for the fall term. Applications are not accepted for the winter, spring, or summer terms.
How long does it take to earn a MS degree?
Most of our students complete the master’s program in two years. The MS program of study consists of nine courses, of which six must be graduate courses, completed while in graduate status. Typically, students take two to three courses every quarter.
How long does it take to earn a PhD degree?
Most students complete the Ph.D. MSE program in 4 – 6 years. The MSE Ph.D. program of study consists of nine courses, of which six must be graduate courses, completed while in graduate status. These courses are used to acquire the knowledge needed for the oral preliminary examinations and research related studies.
Advisor/Fields of Research
Am I required to choose a preferred faculty advisor?
Yes, all applicants must select three (3) preferred faculty advisors when submitting the online application. You can view our faculty members’ specialties and research interests by visiting the MSE Faculty Research Areas page and the MSE Faculty page. Initial faculty advisors are assigned to M.S. students during the summer before fall enrollment.
How do I change my advisor?
Please come in to see Natasha Levy in 3121K Engineering V to fill out a change of advisor form after consulting with your previous and new advisor.
What fields of research are represented in the department?
There are three (3) main areas in the M.S. program:
- Ceramics and Ceramic Processing
The ceramics and ceramic processing field is designed for students interested in ceramics and glasses, including electronic materials. As in the case of metallurgy, primary and secondary fabrication processes such as vapor deposition, sintering, melt forming, or extrusion strongly influence the microstructure and properties of ceramic components used in structural, electronic, or biological applications. Formal course and research programs emphasize the coupling of processing treatments, microstructure, and properties.
- Electronic and Optical Materials
The electronic and optical materials field provides an area of study in the science and technology of electronic materials which includes semiconductors, conducting and light-emitting polymers, electroactive polymers, optical ceramics, and thin films (metal, dielectric, and multilayer) for electronic and optoelectronic applications. Course offerings emphasize fundamental issues such as solid-state electronic and optical phenomena, bulk and interface thermodynamics and kinetics, and applications which include growth, processing, and characterization techniques. Active research programs address the relationship between microstructure and nanostructure and electronic/optical properties in these materials systems.
- Structural Materials
The structural materials field is designed primarily to provide broad understanding of the relationships between processing, microstructure, and performance of various structural materials, including metals, intermetallics, ceramics, and composite materials. Research programs include material synthesis and processing, ion implantation-induced strengthening and toughening, mechanisms and mechanics of fatigue, fracture and creep, structure/property characterization, nondestructive evaluation, high-temperature stability, and aging of materials.
Application/Admission/Document Status
Have you received my transcripts/GRE/TOEFL/IELTS?
Unfortunately, we are unable to verify receipt of your transcripts, GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS. The MSE Staff will contact you via the email you provided in your application if any document or application material is missing or needed. Please do not email or call to inquire about receipt of documents as it will delay our efforts to process application material. Our office is able to match test reports and transcripts for all applicants. An applicant is denied admission consideration due to an incomplete file only if he or she does not respond to our request to submit missing material.
Will my application be reviewed if any application material is submitted after November 30?
In fairness to all applicants and to assure the efficacy of the selection process, we cannot guarantee that your file will be reviewed if application material is submitted after the November 30 deadline. This is why it is important that you submit your documents early. Our office will match transcripts received early with online applications completed later.
When will I be informed of my admission status?
If you are a Ph.D. applicant, you will receive an email notification concerning your admission status by March 1. If offered admission and funding, you must accept or decline our offer no later than April 15. M.S. applicants will be notified by late March.
If I am admitted, may I defer my admission to a future term?
No. The MSE department does not offer admission deferrals.
If I am not admitted, may I re-apply the following year?
Yes. However, keep in mind, you will need to submit a new online application and new supplemental material. Your test scores will be available as long as they have not become outdated or expired.
Transcripts
How many transcripts are required and where do I send them?
All applicants are required to upload ONE (1) official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended to the online application portal. Official transcripts should also be mailed to the address below to be received by the November deadline. For international students, transcripts, enrollment certifications, and diplomas/graduation certificates (if applicable) are required in both English and the native language.
Applicants should mail transcripts as early as possible in the process and not wait until after completing the online application. Our office will match transcripts received early with online applications completed later.
Applicants who are attending or have graduated from a U.S. institution that transmits verified transcripts electronically, may request to have official e-transcripts sent to Lili Bulhoes lili@seas.ucla.edu. Scanned copies/PDFs/photos will not be accepted.
UCLA Materials Science & Engineering
420 Westwood Plaza, 3111 Engineering V
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1596
How do you evaluate transcripts issued in a language other than English?
International credentials issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by an English translation. You must submit ONE (1) set of official transcripts in both English and the native language.
My university does not assign grades on a 4.0 grade scale. Should I calculate my GPA?
Transcripts not based on the 4.0 system will be evaluated for minimum requirements. MSE staff in the graduate student affairs office will review and convert, as necessary, the marks or grades of all applicants. The online application asks applicants to submit their grade point average based on the scale used by their institutions.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
What is UCLA’s GRE institution code? What is MSE’s GRE department code?
UCLA’s GRE institution code is 4837. The GRE department code is 0402. If you are unable to submit the department code, we will still be able to receive your score report.
I have completed a master’s degree. Do I need to take the GRE?
Yes, applicants must submit an official GRE score report.
Is a GRE subject test required?
No. The MSE admissions committee does not review subject test scores.
Is there a minimum GRE score requirement?
No. There is no minimum GRE score requirement to apply. However, the most competitive applicants typically earn above average scores compared to the applicant pool.
I will not receive official GRE scores until after the application deadline. Will I still be considered for admission?
Yes. As long as you complete the exam on or before the November 30 deadline and send your scores via ETS, we will accept the scores. Our office will match score reports received early with online applications completed later.
When do GRE results expire?
GRE results expire after FIVE (5) years. The test must be taken within five (5) years of the submission date of the online application. For example, if you took the exam on October 30, 2014, you would need to complete and submit the online application no later than October 30, 2019.
For multiple GREs, which scores do you use?
The department will see all scores from all reports and will post for review the highest scores. If you plan to take or have already taken an additional exam, please make sure that ETS has sent your first exam report to UCLA before November 30.
Will you receive my GRE report if I did not provide the correct department code?
Yes, UCLA’s Graduate Division will be able to match your report to your application. However, to avoid delays in matching your report to your application, it is important to use the correct institution code, 4837, and the correct department code, 1403.
May I request that ETS send my score report to UCLA before I submit the online application?
Yes. We will be able to match your score report to your online application.
TOEFL/IELTS (International Applicants Only)
What is UCLA’s TOEFL institution code? What is MSE’s TOEFL department code?
UCLA’s TOEFL institution code is 4837. The TOEFL department code is 69.
Am I eligible for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver? I attended an institution at which all instruction was done in English.
If you hold a bachelor’s or higher degree from a university located in the United States or in another country in which English is both the official spoken language (e.g., Australia, Barbados, Canada, Jamaica, etc.) and the medium of instruction or who have completed a full two years of full-time study at such an institution before or at the time of application submission, you are exempted from both the TOEFL/IELTS requirement and the ESLPE. Your eligibility for an exemption will be verified by the information you provide in the academic history section of your online application and the official transcripts that you mail to the MSE department. The UCLA Graduate Division English Requirement website provides an extensive explanation of who is required to submit a TOEFL/IELTS as well as exemptions.
Will my application still be considered for admission if I scored below the minimum on one of the sections of the TOEFL?
Yes. The MSE department will allow a score below the minimum on one section of the exam if your total TOEFL score is at least 87. To learn more about the TOEFL minimum required sub scores and requirements please visit UCLA’s Graduate Division website.
When do TOEFL/IELTS results expire?
You must have taken the TOEFL within TWO (2) years of the date the online admission application is submitted. For example, if you took the exam on September 30, 2017, you would need to complete and submit the online application no later than September 30, 2019.
May I send my TOEFL/IELTS score report to UCLA before I submit the online application?
Yes. The Graduate Division and our office will be able to match your score report to your online application completed later.
Letters of Recommendation
May I submit more than 3 letters of recommendation?
Most applicants submit only 3 letters, which is the department’s preference.
Can I change my recommenders or send them reminders?
Yes. The online application allows you to change recommenders and send reminders as needed. Please make sure your recommenders are aware of the November 30 deadline and have sufficient time to submit a letter on your behalf. We recommend giving your recommender at least one month’s time to write a letter for you.
May I ask my work supervisors to submit letters of recommendation?
Yes. We prefer to receive letters from faculty members who are familiar with your academic history; however, we understand that applicants who have graduated several years ago, and/or applicants who have work experience may have recommenders outside of academia.
Will my application be considered if my recommenders submit letters after November 30?
Letters and transcripts are due by November 30. Please speak to your proposed recommender early and send a request via the online application as soon as possible so your recommenders have time to submit their letters via the online link they will be sent. In fairness to all applicants and to assure the efficacy of the selection process, we cannot guarantee that your file will be reviewed if application material is submitted after the November 30 deadline.
Statement of Purpose & Resume
Are there format or length requirements for the statement of purpose?
There are no word count or font requirements. Typically, applicants upload a PDF or word document. We recommend a maximum of 2 pages double-spaced.
Is a resume required?
Yes, a resume is required and should be uploaded to the online application. The admission committee will take into consideration factors such as research experience or publications, but they will not replace any of the above requirements. We do not offer conditional admission for applicants who need remedial work at the undergraduate level. Such work should be completed before applying to our program.
Are there format or length requirements for the resume?
There are no layout, format, font, or page length requirements. Typically, applicants upload a PDF or word document.
Personal History Statement & Writing Samples
In addition to the statement of purpose, is a personal history statement required?
The personal history statement is not required. Personal history statements are only required for fellowship applicants. It must include a diversity statement (differences including race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, language, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and geographic region, and more). We recommend a maximum of 1 page double-spaced in length.
In addition to the statement of purpose, is a writing sample required?
The statement of purpose is considered to be the writing sample. No additional writing sample is required.
Funding
Do I need to submit an application for departmental funding?
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How do I apply for a teaching assistantship (TA) position?
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How do I apply for a graduate student researcher (GSR) position?
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How can I apply for financial aid?
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