About Institute Of Materials Science And Engineering in Washington University in St. Louis

The Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (IMSE) at Washington University seeks to create and sustain a culture of interdisciplinary materials science research and education at WashU that eliminates traditional boundaries between departments and schools. IMSE is focused on the development and application of new materials with desirable properties and microstructures. Disciplines in the physical sciences (chemistry, physics, etc.) and engineering fields (mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, Biomedical engineering, etc.) frequently play a central role in developing the fundamental knowledge that is needed for materials studies. The discipline of materials science and engineering integrates this knowledge and uses it to design and develop new materials and to mate these with appropriate technological needs.

The IMSE offers an interdisciplinary doctoral program in materials science and engineering designed to allow students to easily work across departmental boundaries. Students apply directly to the IMSE, pursue coursework offered by several of the member departments, and conduct their thesis research with the mentorship of interdisciplinary faculty teams. This allows our students to take advantage of the rich breadth of materials science expertise and facilities across the University.

The institute also expands and administers user facilities and resources for materials processing and characterization; coordinates and provides management support for interdisciplinary groups pursuing external funding for campus-wide research efforts; and coordinates research and entrepreneurial interactions with industry and national facilities. Established in 2013, the IMSE brings together more than thirty research groups in Arts & Science, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the Medical School.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree 

English language requirements 

• IELTS : 7.0
• TOEFL IBT: 100
• PTE : 68