The study of advanced structural materials provides students with a broad knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the science and engineering in various materials.

Structural Materials

Degree: Master of Science in Engineering – Structural Materials

Area Director: Professor Morris Wangymwang@ucla.edu

Program Description: The study of advanced structural materials provides students with a broad knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the science and engineering of lightweight metallic and composite materials, advanced metallic and composite materials, fracture mechanics, damage tolerance and durability, failure analysis and prevention, nondestructive evaluation, structural integrity and life prediction, and design of aerospace structures.

Program Statistics for Structural Materials

Degree Requirements: At least nine courses are required (36 Units), of which at least FIVE must be graduate courses at the 200 level (excluding ENGR 299 Capstone Project course) and meet exam comprehensive requirement.

Take the following required courses:

  • MAT SCI 298 – Nondestructive Evaluation (Winter)
  • MECH&AE M297C – Composites Manufacturing (Spring)
  • MAT SCI 250B – Advanced Composite Materials (Summer)

Then select a minimum of (3) courses from this list:

  • MAT SCI 243A – Fracture of Structural Materials
  • MAT SCI 243C – Dislocations and Strengthening Mechanisms in Solids (Projected: Fall 2024)
  • MAT SCI 298 – Materials Science in Additive Manufacturing
  • MAT SCI 270 – Computer Simulations of Materials
  • MECH&AE 166C – Design of Composite Structures
  • MECH&AE 256F – Analytical Fracture Mechanics
  • MECH&AE C296A – Mechanical Design for Power Transmission

The remaining (3) courses can be electives from any course offered via MSOL OR you may continue taking courses from the list above.

All courses can be taken in any order and do not require a particular sequence. 

Please visit the Registrar’s webpage for Course Descriptions.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAM REQUIREMENT

Students can meet the Comprehensive Exam Requirement by choosing ONE option below:

Option 1:
Take and Pass ENGR 299 Capstone Project course.

Option 2:
Take and pass three written exams for three different graduate level courses within the student’s area of specialization. The written exams are held concurrently with the final exam of the graduate level courses. Students may select which exams they would like to count towards the Comprehensive Exam requirement.

Electives:
As long as you have met the requirements above, the remaining courses may be selected from other Engineering departments. No approval is necessary.  Please note: Students may not apply electives towards earning a certificate.  Certificate programs are intended for non-matriculating students and are categorized as separate programs.

Thesis Plan:
NONE

Time-to-Degree:
Students are expected to complete the degree within two academic years and one quarter, including two summer sessions. The maximum time allowed in this program is three academic years (nine quarters), excluding summer sessions.>