Nanoscience, PSM

32 credit hours including the required applied project course (NAN 593)

Required Core (5 credit hours)
NAN 505 Nanoscience and Society (2) or NAN 506 Innovation and IP Management (2)
NAN 571 Quantum Physics (3) or NAN 544 Introduction to Nanoscience (3)

Electives or Research (15 credit hours)

Other Requirements (6 credit hours)
NAN 591 Seminar (6)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
NAN 593 Applied Project (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students must take either NAN 505 or NAN 506. Students may also take the other course as an elective.

Students with a physical science or engineering background should take NAN 571 Quantum Physics, and students with a biochemistry or life sciences background should take NAN 544 Introduction to Nanoscience.

The program includes a two-semester, student-centered professional seminar in which the central role of the program as a vehicle for innovation emerges. During the spring semester and summer session, students conduct an individual applied project in association with a research group. Throughout the program, students interact with research faculty and other students in a variety of disciplines related to nanoscience. Students also meet with visiting speakers and industrialists in the professional seminar and in other seminars.

If taken full time, the PSM in nanoscience program can be completed in 12 months (fall semester, spring semester and two eight-week summer sessions). Another option is the two-year part-time program, which allows prospective students and their employers flexibility in scheduling the program of study.

Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives. Many of the requisite elective courses are currently offered within the Department of Physics and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Most are cross-listed with other units.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in physics, chemistry or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

1. graduate admission application and application fee
2. official transcripts
3. personal statement
4. resume
5. two letters of recommendation
6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. TOEFL scores or equivalent are required for applicants whose native language is not English.

The personal statement should outline the applicant's research interests and why the applicant wants to enroll in the Professional Science Master's degree program.

Letters of recommendation should be from individuals familiar with the applicant's work or studies relevant to the program.

Nanoscale science and engineering are having an increasing impact on many aspects of daily life, and the opportunities for careers are rapidly expanding. In areas as diverse as designing medical diagnostic devices, building better batteries, creating cosmetics, enhancing energy efficient windows, auto and plane manufacturing, and researching the nature of matter itself, knowledge of nanoscale science and engineering will be increasingly important in the upcoming years and decades.

The highly technical field of nanotechnology and nanoscience is always looking for scientists, engineers and technicians. Career examples include:

• applications engineer
• biotechnologist
• forensic scientist
• instrument development engineer
• manufacturing engineer
• market development manager
• materials scientist
• mechanical or electrical engineer
• medical engineer
• microscopist
• optical engineer
• research scientist
• technical program manager