Learning Goals and Assessment in the Graduate Materials Science & Engineering Program

Masters (M.S.)

Attain a knowledge of the principles underpinning the relationship amongst structure, processing, properties and performance of materials.

Assessment of student achievement for Learning Goal 1

Role of the program in helping students to achieve Goal 1

Assure that students are being prepared in key areas of Materials Science and Engineering in a coherent and academically rigorous fashion
Evaluations of teaching effectiveness of instructors
Periodic review of curricular offerings and assessment tools

Gain core competencies for application of materials science and engineering in professional situations.

Assessment of student achievement for Learning Goal 2

Role of the program in helping students to achieve Goal 2

Attain training and understanding in the scientific, engineering, and mathematical, principles that underpin Materials Science & Engineering

Assessment of student achievement for Learning Goal 1

Performance on homework, exams, class participation in graduate courses
Attendance and maintenance of grades in graduate courses
Pass a written examination on four core topics relevant to materials science and engineering

Role of the program in helping students to achieve Goal 1

Assure that students are taught core topics of Materials Science and Engineering in an academically rigorous fashion
Review by faculty of student progress, with close advising and mentoring
Evaluations of teaching effectiveness of instructors
Periodic review of curricular offerings and assessment tools
Assign initial faculty advisors to all entering Ph.D. students

Engage in and conduct original research in Materials Science & Engineering

Assessment of student achievement for Learning Goal 2

Successful presentation of a thesis proposal demonstrating the significance of their research project in the broader context of Materials Science and Engineering
Periodic evaluation of progress to Ph.D. completion by faculty advisor, graduate program director and members of thesis/proposal committee
Critical evaluation of Ph.D. dissertation by committee of graduate faculty members and an outside member
Public defense of dissertation
Submission and acceptance of peer-reviewed articles and conference papers based on the dissertation

Role of the program in helping students to achieve Goal 2

Effective monitoring of student progress by faculty advisor, graduate program director and members of thesis/proposal committee
Organize research seminars by invited experts in different areas of Materials Science & Engineering
Provide a research advisor with expertise in the specific area of research
Provide opportunities for the student’s research to be presented orally and as posters
Encourage faculty and students to apply for internal/external grants and fellowships/scholarships to support research activities

Develop the skills and competencies for a successful career in research at an academic, industrial or Government Laboratory.

Assessment of student achievement for Learning Goal 3

Attendance and maintenance of grades in graduate courses
Performance in presentations and evaluation of written output
Evaluations of teaching when undertaking TA roles
Attendance and presentation of research at national and international research meetings

Role of the program in helping students to achieve Goal 3

Advising, supervising and mentoring of students by graduate faculty
Providing classes and curricula content that ensures awareness of research ethics, teaching methodology, and best practices for student engagement
Encouraging students to join professional bodies such as the Materials Research Society, the American Ceramics Society, and The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society
Providing opportunities for students to present their work at conferences and research meetings