Nanoengineering

The online Master of Nanoengineering is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in a science or engineering discipline who wish to pursue a graduate degree in nanoengineering. The field of nanoengineering is revolutionizing technology and improving quality of life, particularly as related to energy, environment and health. Students achieve an understanding of the fundamental advantages of nanoscale materials, devices and systems.

The Master of Nanoengineering is a 30-credit-hour degree program that does not require a thesis, final oral exam or on-campus residency. GRE scores are recommended but not required. NC State has an existing strength in nanostructured materials and devices.

Eligibility

The minimum requirements for admission to the online Master of Nanoengineering graduate degree program are as follows:

• BS degree in science (i.e. chemistry or physics) or engineering from an accredited university with a minimum 3.0 GPA in their major.
• GRE scores should be submitted if available and should not be more than two years old.
• Three letters of recommendation from persons able to comment on the applicant’s qualifications for graduate study.
• Official transcript.
• Completion of written statement outlining student’s background, work experience and particular interest in nanoengineering.
• The Graduate School requires that all international applicants take the TOEFL or IELTS examinations unless they have completed one year of study at a university in the U.S., Canada, or Great Britain. The exam must have been taken within two years of receipt of application. Standard practices for admission of international students by the NCSU graduate school will be followed.

Plan of Study

• Coursework must include 12 credit hours in core courses, a minimum of 12 credit hours from the areas of specialization, and 6 technical elective credit hours (e.g., in another area of specialization or in math).
• A minimum of three courses are required to qualify for a concentration in one of three areas: materials science in nanoengineering, nanoelectronics and nanophotonics, and biomedical sciences in nanoengineering.
• If the student is admitted to the nanoengineering program, a maximum of twelve hours taken as a NDS student from NC State or from another institution may apply toward the 30 credit hour requirement. However, courses taken from other universities must be approved.
• No thesis or on-campus residency required.
• After a student has been admitted and enrolls for the first time, he/she is required to maintain continuous enrollment in each fall and spring semester until completion of the degree program. A student in good academic standing may request a leave of absence for good reasons from the Director of Graduate Programs in Nanoengineering. The leave may not exceed two semesters.
• Degree requirements must be completed within six years.

Program Logistics

It is preferable to seek admission to the degree program as soon as possible to assure integration into the advising process. However, a person does not have to be admitted to the MNAE program to enroll in an online credit course. Prior to applying to Graduate School, a qualified individual may enroll in Engineering Online courses as a Non-Degree Studies (NDS) student. The NDS classification is designed for individuals who wish to undertake academic work but who are not currently admitted to a degree program. Those who wish to take only a few courses and not pursue a degree do not need to apply for formal program admission to NC State University. However, students who wish to earn the degree must formally apply for admission to The Graduate School (opens in new tab). When completing the online application, please be sure to select the “Distance Track” version of the degree.

Course Registration

Students register for online courses through Engineering Online. To register for an Engineering Online course, complete the registration form on the Engineering Online website by clicking on “Course Registration” at the top of the main page. Students cannot register through the University MyPack Portal system for Engineering Online courses.

Career Prospects

Nanotechnological advancements have impacted every technological sector and ultimately may change aspects of our daily lives. The development of these new technologies requires innovative nanoengineers who are invested in the fields of electronics, materials, chemical technology, biotechnology and biomedical engineering. Graduates of the Master of Nanoengineering program are equipped with a solid foundation in nanoscience and nanotechnology necessary for the development of new products and procedures.

Additional Resources

For detailed information regarding engineering online programs and how to apply and enroll, please visit the Engineering Online website.