In addition, the department houses the Center for Light Metals, which oversees a variety of research on Al, Mg, and Ti alloys, and composites containing these metals. The Center for Electrochemical Sciences and Engineering, a VCIT Center, conducts interdisciplinary research involving five departments. The surface science laboratory conducts fundamental studies of surfaces of materials and provides surface analysis services. The graduate program consists of regular graduate courses and thesis research. While a few courses are considered fundamental, there is great flexibility in allowing students to adapt their choice of courses according to their particular field of interest and specialization.
Major emphasis is placed on the student's acquisition of knowledge and understanding.
The Master of Materials Science and Engineering, or the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science degrees are offered. Minor Six courses constitute a minor. Although not required for the minor, the laboratories associated with courses MSE 301 and 306 are recommended.