Online Master of Science in Materials and Energy Science and Engineering
Discover the power of advanced materials and renewables
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Master of Science in Materials and Energy Science and Engineering, 100% Online
The online master’s in materials and energy science and engineering (MESE) is designed for professionals within the field of materials and energy science wanting to significantly advance their careers and develop the skillset needed to support and implement new energy technologies.
Meeting the rising energy demand is one of our greatest challenges, affecting quality of life, education and commerce across the globe. UofL’s online engineering master’s equips materials and energy scientists and engineers to better address this challenge and influence the quality of life worldwide. This multidisciplinary program delivers in-depth knowledge in areas such as materials chemistry and physics, processing, energy conversion and storage and systems-level engineering.
The online master’s focused on materials and energy science and engineering is offered by the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, which has been consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its Graduate Engineering Programs, academic excellence and student support.
UofL's Online MS MESE Degree
100% online, no GRE required. Apply today and be a part of 100 years of engineering excellence!
Master of science in materials and energy science and engineering
100% online
The big picture
Our civilization faces growing energy consumption and subsequent demand challenges. Preparing our students and graduates to apply their knowledge to overcome this challenge through the creation and integration of new, advanced earth-abundant materials into cost-effective technologies lies at the heart of UofL’s energy and materials science online program.
This undertaking includes important tasks like redefining our dependence on fossil-based fuels and low-energy efficiency systems – thus lowering our carbon impact on the environment – as well as finding new ways of attaining renewable energy generation, such as tapping into the immense potency of the sun.
The online master’s in materials and energy science and engineering at the University of Louisville prepares engineering professionals to design, develop and enact potential solutions and technologies that advance the way energy is generated, stored and distributed. UofL’s curriculum enables students to better understand the broad social, ethical and professional issues related to contemporary science and engineering practices.
Online MS MESE program degree highlights
- Gain expertise and highly marketable skills in areas including solar energy conversion, energy storage, biofuels and biomass conversion, solar fuels, materials characterization and advanced energy materials.
- Develop advanced-level knowledge in key materials and energy science, engineering and research areas.
- Complete your degree in 18-months as a full-time student or enroll part-time and move through the program at your pace.
- Take advantage of convenient 100% online classes with access to courses anytime, anywhere.
- Build a strong foundation to pursue doctoral studies in related disciplines.
Systems engineering course/project/internship requirement
To meet the master’s degree graduation requirements, students complete either a course or a project in systems engineering.
- For the course option, students can choose engineering entrepreneurship in renewable energy, techno-economic analysis and energy policy or smart manufacturing.
- For the project option, students can work with a faculty or team leader on a renewable energy systems topic and produce a written report.
- For the internship option, students can choose an external internship or practicum opportunity under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
"Materials and energy scientists and engineers receive the gratification that comes from working toward addressing the most important challenges of this century. Professionals in this area choose this field not only because of the growing job market and potential compensation, but to be of service to society by applying their engineering knowledge and skills to meet advanced materials challenges and energy challenges faced worldwide. The new M.S. in materials and energy science and engineering is a multidisciplinary program that prepares graduates for careers in a semiconductor manufacturing industry that targets improving our quality of life."
Dr. Mahendra Sunkara
Program director, MSMESE
Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research
A collaborative community
At UofL, we are building a strong engineering community for materials and energy science and research, consisting of established collaborations between the Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research and various other academic departments across the university in pursuit of innovation. Your learning journey is thus enriched through collaborative work and exposure to innovation pursuits.
Are you ready to fuel your engineering career forward?
How to apply to UofL’s online MS MESE degree
Check out typical application deadlines for the MS MESE online program at UofL and prepare your application packet according to the requirements outlined below.
Application deadlines
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall | August |
| November 15 | Spring | January |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
Steps to apply for the online master’s in materials and energy science and engineering
- Start your application for graduate admission
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Upload required materials*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
- Create a financial plan
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What are admissions requirements for the online master’s in materials and energy science and engineering
To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
- A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
*Required application packet materials include:
- Transcripts showing an undergraduate degree in engineering; degrees in chemistry or physics may also be considered
- A written statement of interest describing what motivated you to apply to the MESE program, including previous experience in the field and how this degree will help you fulfill your career goals
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current resume
*Your application portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
Graduate credit transfer
See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.
Online master of science in materials and energy science and engineering for international students
This graduate engineering online program is open to international students. If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to review these additional admission requirements for international students.
- International students will not be issued a U.S. visa since there are no campus attendance requirements.
All courses in the program are taught 100% online, allowing you to attain the entire degree from the comfort of your home and at any time convenient for you, regardless of your current location, anywhere in the world.
For more information on the application and admission process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor through an information request.
How much does it cost to earn an online MS MESE degree at UofL?
Academic year tuition
$850 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement?
Many employers have programs available to assist their employees financially in their educational pursuits. Do not miss out on any potential opportunities. Reach out to your organization’s HR department to learn about available options.
What you learn in the online master’s in materials and energy science and engineering
Online courses
The online master of science in materials and energy science and engineering is a 30-credit-hour (10 course) program that requires 5 core MESE fundamental courses, 2 courses covering energy processing, 2 courses covering energy conversion and 1 systems engineering course or project. The program is 100% online. Courses are delivered asynchronously, in standard term length.
To see all available online courses and degree requirements, please visit UofL's Academic Catalog page (select Degree Requirements tab).
This graduate engineering online degree must be completed with a 3.00 GPA or better for all graduate courses used to satisfy degree requirements and all academic work attempted overall in graduate studies.
Take the next step with confidence. Start working on your application and feel free to connect with us anytime if you have questions or need further guidance.
What can I do with a master's in materials and energy science and engineering?
Aligned with the mission of the Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research, UofL’s online master’s in materials and energy sciences and engineering prepares scientists and engineers to innovate in these vital areas, ultimately impacting economic development, energy competitiveness, health, education and the quality of life worldwide.
Our interdisciplinary coursework prepares you to advance your current engineering career focused on materials and energy science and become a leader and driver of innovation in your organization. You can also pursue further professional/doctoral studies in materials and energy science, engineering or a related field as this knowledge can have a significant impact on a wide array of industries.
According to Lightcast.io occupation outlook data, on average, jobs in the materials and energy science and engineering field are projected to grow 4% between 2025 and 2033, with 15,510 annual job postings. The median salary for materials and energy science and engineering jobs is nearly $115,000 (Lightcast.io).
Career opportunities and earnings vary based on actual job role, geographic location, prior experience and employer. These figures reflect overall industry trends and are not a guarantee of individual results.
UofL’s master of science in materials and energy science and engineering prepares students for career tracks in industries including semiconductor/opto-electronics, catalysts and energy, as well as pursuing entrepreneurship or join government and corporate labs.
Graduates will also build a strong foundation to pursue doctoral studies in related materials and energy science and engineering disciplines.
Employment opportunities for graduates with this degree include:
- Semiconductor processing engineer
- Materials engineer
- Project manager
- Sustainability consultant
- Research and development engineer and so much more.
Are you ready to fuel your engineering career forward?
What your support network looks like
Success in a technical graduate program requires more than strong coursework – it requires the right support. From application through graduation, MS in materials and energy science and engineering students are backed by a knowledgeable team that understands the demands of working professionals. Enrollment counselors, academic advisors, program leadership staff and faculty collaborate to provide clear guidance, timely support and practical insight so you can stay focused, confident and on track throughout your degree.
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Charlie Nattrass | Online Enrollment Counselor | online@louisville.edu | 800.871.8635 |
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Leigh Ann Elles | Assistant Director of Graduate Programs | leigh.elles@louisville.edu |
502.852.4415
|
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Delaina Amos | Graduate Advisor | delaina.amos@louisville.edu | 502.852.4091 |
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Mahendra Sunkara | Program Director | mksunk01@louisville.edu | 502.852.8574 |
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
What else should you know?
The questions and answers below help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission, internship process and options or how to succeed as an online student at UofL and beyond.
- What bachelor’s degrees are acceptable for admission into the MS in Materials and Energy Science & Engineering (MESE) program?
A bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or an equivalent bachelor’s degree in physics or chemistry from an accredited university is required for admission into the MS in materials and energy science and engineering program.
- Are GRE scores required for admission?
No, GRE scores are not required for admission into the MS MESE online program.
- Is there a specific GPA requirement for admission into the program?
Yes, successful applicants typically have a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for previous coursework completed at accredited institutions. However, applicants can be admitted provisionally with a 2.75 GPA, but must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the program to graduate.
- Can I receive credit for graduate courses completed at another institution?
Once admitted, students may request department permission to transfer up to six (6) credit hours from an accredited graduate program. Only courses that have not counted towards another degree program will be considered. See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.
- How quickly can I complete the online degree in MS MESE?
Full-time students can complete the MS MESE degree in just one year with 15-week terms. Students can also choose to enroll as a part-time student and move through the program at a pace that works best for them.
- Is there an internship or project required for this degree?
The ME MESE online degree requires students to complete a system engineering course or project in systems engineering to satisfy the credits needed to complete the degree. Students can choose from courses in engineering entrepreneurship in renewable energy, techno-economic analysis and energy policy, smart manufacturing or a project-based course. If students choose to complete the project-based course, they will work with a faculty or team leader on a renewable energy systems topic and develop an in-depth understanding and provide a written report that includes problem definition, literature review, studies/analysis conducted and conclusions. The project can also be replaced with an external internship or practicum opportunity under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
- What can I do with a master’s degree in materials and energy science & engineering
UofL’s master of science in materials and energy science and engineering prepares students for career tracks in industries including semiconductor/opto-electronics, catalysts and energy as well as to pursue entrepreneurship or join government and corporate labs. Graduates will also have a strong foundation to pursue doctoral studies in related materials and energy science and engineering disciplines. Some employment opportunities for graduates with this degree include semiconductor processing engineer, materials engineer, project manager, sustainability consultant, research and development engineer and so much more.
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
