The best nanotechnology master’s degrees from accredited universities can be completed in less than two years. The microelectronics and biomedical industries are finding new applications for nanomaterials, and they need experts in nanotechnology to expand their projects.
A nanotechnology master’s degree broadens your career in academia and gives you access to better positions. In this article, we show you how to get a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology, the requirements, and the tuition costs. We’ll also talk about the best nanotechnology master’s degree jobs.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology?
Some of the best schools where you can get a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology are Louisiana Tech University, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and North Carolina A&T State University. Many other universities with advanced science laboratories offer high-quality graduate programs in nanotechnology.
What Schools Offer the Best Nanotechnology Master’s Degrees?
- CUNY Graduate School and University Center
- Louisiana Tech University
- North Carolina A&T State University
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute
- North Dakota State University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology?
The admission requirements for a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology are a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or high GRE test scores. You’ll also need official transcripts from previous undergraduate programs, two to three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Some schools require you to contact the faculty to find an advisor to potentially work with you. They look for students with research interests similar to theirs. In your statement of purpose, you should mention your research interests.
Your undergraduate background should be related to fields in which nanotechnology is applied, like chemistry, physics, material science, or biomedicine. Teachers, researchers, or qualified professionals should write your letters of recommendation.
It is important that your statement of purpose describes your interest in the specific program and the outcome you expect from your graduate education. It’s also very valuable to include background working experience.
All schools with nanotechnology master’s degree programs are very selective in their admission process. Classes are small, and nanotechnology laboratories have limited capacity for students. It is not a bad idea to apply to several schools at the same time. The admission fee for most of them is around $60.
Read the application requirements for each program carefully. Most schools only allow you to send your application once, and you can’t make further changes after submission.
Nanotechnology Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering with a GPA of 3.0 or a high GRE test score
- Two or three letters of recommendation from teachers, researchers, or highly qualified professionals
- Statement of purpose mentioning your interest in that specific program, your research interests, and outcome expectations from your graduate education
- Official transcripts from all your previous undergraduate degrees
How to Get a Nanotechnology Master’s Degree
The best way to get a nanotechnology master’s degree is by fulfilling all of the graduation requirements. Most programs require 30 credits, which include a thesis or a final project. Keep a GPA of at least 3.0 at all times.
For part-time programs, the maximum time allowed to complete the credits is five years. Most programs require 30 to 32 credits from core courses, concentration courses, and a thesis or capstone project. You are expected to attend all core classes, exams, and lab sessions on campus.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology?
You need 33 credits for a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology. Some programs require 22 to 34 credits depending on your program’s path, which can include a thesis or more elective courses and a final examination. Typically, 24 credits come from core courses, three come from elective courses and the rest from a thesis or a capstone project.
Some schools don’t use credits as their unit, but the number of classes. For example, the program at the University of Pennsylvania requires you to take 10 courses, which include seven courses on core areas and three elective courses. Most colleges allow you to pack up to 12 or 15 credits per semester and six or less if you are on a part-time study program. You must complete all credits in a maximum of five years.
Nanotechnology Degree Requirements
- Complete the required credits according to your program, which typically ranges from 30 to 36
- Most credits correspond to core courses, with some credits corresponding to elective courses related to your concentration area
- The last 3 to 5 credits of your program correspond to a thesis or a capstone project
- Typically 6 to 9 courses are considered a full-time study load for a semester
- Part-time study programs must be completed in a maximum of 5 years
Best Nanotechnology Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center | MS Program in Nanoscience | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Louisiana Tech University | Master of Science in Molecular Sciences and Nanotechnology (MSNT) | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| North Carolina A&T State University | Master of Science in Nanoscience | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| SUNY Polytechnic Institute | Nanoscale Science MS | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| North Dakota State University | Masters of Science in Materials and Nanotechnology | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of California- San Diego | NanoEngineering Master’s Degree | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| University of Central Florida | Nanotechnology (MS) | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| University of New Mexico | Nanoscience and Microsystems Engineering MS | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Pennsylvania | Master of Science in Engineering in Nanotechnology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of South Florida | Master’s of Science in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Best Schools for Nanotechnology: Top Nanotechnology Master’s Degree Programs
The best schools for a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology are University of New Mexico, University of South Florida, and North Dakota State University. In this section we have included all you need to know about the admission requirements of each university, tuition, program length, and the first steps to start your application. All these schools are accredited and hold a solid reputation in the US.
What Is a Nanotechnology Master’s Degree?
A nanotechnology master’s degree is a graduate studies program that provides students with the knowledge and training to conduct research and work in the exciting field of nanotechnology. The degree includes interdisciplinary courses and coursework that prepare students for the different application areas of nanoscience across various industries.
During the program, students are under the supervision of faculty that offers them hands-on research experiences to develop their own academic projects. Students can earn a nanotechnology master’s degree after two years on a full-time study schedule.
To get a nanotechnology master’s degree, applicants need an undergraduate degree in applied science or engineering. Entry requirements are high as well as the expected performance from the students.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology?
A Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology is very important if you want to advance your career in science or engineering. You can’t expect to find research positions or specialized jobs in nanotechnology without a graduate degree in nanotechnology. Some of the best tech jobs at nanotechnology companies require a solid understanding of nanobiotechnology that only a master’s degree can give you.
If you earn a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology, you can join teams working on nanotechnology projects at your workplace. The degree also makes you more attractive to employers planning to develop products and services that involve nanotechnologies, like electronic devices and biomedical equipment.
What Types of Master’s Degrees Can You Get in Nanotechnology?
The types of Master’s Degrees in Nanotechnology you can get include a Master of Science and a Master of Engineering. The Master of Science degree is geared toward the research and development of new applications of nanotechnology. The Master of Engineering is geared toward the actual implementation of those applications and their commercial aspects.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or a Master of Engineering in Nanotechnology?
It is better to get a Master in Science degree because it allows you to continue your graduate education with a doctoral or postdoctoral degree. With a doctoral degree, you can work as a researcher at nanotechnology research institutions across the world.
The Master of Engineering is a good option if you are eager to join projects that use the research from nanoscience courses to develop new products and solutions. Both options offer good employability after graduation in all industries.
What Is the Difference Between a Nanotechnology Master’s Degree and a Nanotechnology Graduate Certificate?
The main difference between a nanotechnology master’s degree and a certificate is that the nanotechnology master’s degree has a broader scope and offers more education and research training.
A graduate certificate in nanotechnology is a three-course program that provides a general understanding of the fundamental concepts in nanotechnology, as the characterization and synthesis of nanoscale materials. Students don’t need an undergraduate degree in science or engineering, but only one STEM course in their undergraduate program.
A Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology paves the way for your professional growth in nanotechnology and research. A graduate certificate in nanotechnology is an accelerated approach to learning the fundamentals of nanotechnology for immediate application in local businesses or for kindergarten to grade 12 teachers.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology?
A Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology costs $12,171 on average in a public institution, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). There are many financial aid opportunities for these degree programs. For example, 94 percent of current students of the Master of Science in Nanoengineering program at North Carolina A&T State University receive assistantships and tuition waivers. Graduate students at the University of California San Diego may receive a Dream Loan that can award up to $4,000 per year.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Nanotechnology Master’s Degree?
It takes two years to get a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology. You need to complete between 30 and 36 credits during that period. These credits include core courses, elective courses, and your final project or thesis. A student taking between seven and nine credits per semester can complete the program within two years.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology?
Getting a nanotechnology master’s degree is hard. You need an undergraduate degree in physics, chemistry, bioengineering, materials science, systems engineering, mechanical engineering programs, or other forms of applied science and engineering.
You also need a GPA of 3.0 from your undergraduate degree and a strong statement of purpose that convinces the faculty that your outcome expectations are correct. Finally, you have to contact the faculty to find a researcher with research interests that match yours. For many programs, you need to find an academic advisor before applying for admission.
Why Should You Get a Nanotechnology Master’s Degree?
You should get a nanotechnology master’s degree because it is the best way to boost your career in science or engineering. Jobs in the nanotechnology industry require a high level of specialization and research training that only a graduate studies degree can provide.
You can learn nanotechnology through different courses, but a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology is the most robust kind of education for a career or a job in nanotechnology. You get a great return over investment for those two years invested in the program.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Nanotechnology?
Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology courses include nano and micro photonics, quantum mechanics, physics of semiconductors, electromagnetic and optical theory, and principles of quantum technology. Each program offers a different set of core and elective courses depending on the area of nanotechnology it focuses on.
Nanofabrication
Students learn molecular modeling and simulation to create models on a nanoscale, like molecular motors, RNA folding simulation, and novel components for nanodevices. Students get to understand bottom-up nanomanufacturing and tridimensional nanomanufacturing.
Structure and Analysis of Solids
In this course, students learn the fundamentals of atomic structures that include metals and semiconductors. Students learn to make structure comparisons for quality control purposes.
Bionanotechnology
Here, students learn the engineering principles behind biomolecules, including DNA and proteins. Students learn about the research on synthetic biomolecules that are already available in nature.
Polymer Science and Engineering
In this course, students learn about the characteristics of different polymers, their characterization, and thermodynamic processes. They also learn about the applications of smart materials in the field of medicine and can conduct a thorough analysis of materials too.
Nanoscale Energy Technology
A nanoscale energy technology course teaches students how to use nanotechnology to improve the performance of photovoltaics and fuel cells. They also learn about methods for electrical engineering in the transmission and conversion of alternative energy.
Continuing Education Paths for Nanotechnology Master’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a nanotechnology master’s degree is a doctoral degree. Graduates can also work as technicians or interns in nanotechnology research facilities, like the Singh Center for Nanotechnology at the University of Pennsylvania.
With a doctoral degree, students can take part in another postgraduate program in nanotechnology like the NASA Postdoctoral Program or become trainees at the NIH Cancer Nanotechnology Training Centers or the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
Related Nanotechnology Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Nanotechnology Master’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best nanotechnology master’s degree programs are concentration options, graduation rate, school reputation, employment outcomes, and cost. Tuition costs for most programs are significantly lower for in-state residents, so consider local schools or relocation. Choose your program according to the area of specialization in nanotechnology in which you plan to work after graduation.
Concentration Options
Each program offers different concentration options, which are the areas of specialization you choose according to your career interests or the job you expect to get. For example, the nanotechnology master’s program at the University of South Florida offers concentrations in biomedical engineering and drug discovery. The program at North Dakota State University offers specializations in microelectronics and biomaterials.
Graduation Rate
Schools with a high graduation rate are often more supportive and flexible to increase the chances of their students graduating on time. Schools with graduation rates above 90 percent include the University of Central Florida and the University of Pennsylvania.
Reputation of the School
Employers select job candidates who graduated from the best schools. They often consider graduates from schools with a good reputation to be better prepared. Choose a school with a solid reputation to improve your employability after graduation.
Employment Outcomes
Choose a nanotechnology master’s degree program related to your work experience and your area of expertise. For example, if you have professional experience in the healthcare industry and health sciences, choose a degree program in pharmaceutical nanotechnology or nanomedicine to supplement your employment potential.
Cost
Graduate degrees from public schools are generally less expensive than degrees from private schools. The average tuition for the University of Central Florida is less than $7,000, while the average tuition cost for the University of Pennsylvania is $38,732. Public schools often have advanced centers for research training, like the NanoScience Technology Center at the University of Central Florida.
What Is the Most Affordable Nanotechnology Master’s Degree?
The most affordable Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology is the Nanotechnology (MS) degree from the University of Central Florida. With a cost of $370 per credit, you can complete the 32 credits of the program for $11,829. The cost per credit includes all administrative fees, as well as the health, athletic, transportation access, and technology fees.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nanotechnology Master’s Degree Graduates
The need for specialists in nanotechnology is increasing in plenty of industries, and as such, there are well-paid jobs for graduates with a nanotechnology master’s degree. Some graduates return to their workplace to join nanotechnology projects. Others get internships in large companies that use cutting-edge nanotechnology processes.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Nanotechnology Master’s Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a nanotechnology master’s degree. Many industries are finding promising and profitable applications for nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is now a fundamental part of modern medicine and electronics production. Nanomaterials are used increasingly in the production of batteries and fuel cells.
A Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology is a great option to improve your employability in the job market for nanotechnology specialists and materials engineers. You can also expect higher salaries and broader career options.
What’s the Average Nanotechnology Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology is $93,000 per year, according to PayScale. Jobs at the engineering level pay more than positions for technicians. A chemical engineer with a nanotechnology master’s degree earns more than $100,000 per year. An industrial engineering technician with the same degree earns $60,220 per year on average.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Nanotechnology Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with a nanotechnology master’s degree are in the fields of chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, and materials engineering. There is an increasing need for nanotechnology specialists across all industries, from electronics manufacturing to the development of biomolecules for medicine and farming.
Nanotechnology Degree Jobs
- Corrosion Control Engineer
- Mathematical Engineer
- Optical Engineer
- Photonics Engineer
- Ordnance Engineer
Potential Careers With a Nanotechnology Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology?
You can make between $60,220 and $105,550 per year with a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology. You can expect a higher salary if you already have an engineering degree or professional experience in a technical field. If you are in a part-time degree and are learning while keeping your job, you can expect a raise in your salary or promotion once you graduate.
Highest-Paying Nanotechnology Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Nanotechnology Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Chemical Engineer | $105,550 |
| Bioengineer and Biomedical Engineer | $97,410 |
| Chemist and Materials Scientist | $79,760 |
| Agricultural and Food Scientist | $74,160 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologist and Technician | $60,220 |
Best Jobs for Nanotechnology Master’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for nanotechnology master’s degree grads are chemical engineer, materials scientist, and biomedical engineer. There are also well-paid jobs for nanotechnology specialists in the agricultural and electronic components industry.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology Worth It?
Yes, a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology is worth it. It’s your best bet to enter the nanotechnology industry. The industry offers high-paying jobs in fast-growing areas like nanomedicine and nanomaterials.
The increasing sophistication of computing electronics and high-precision sensors will increase the demand for nanotechnology experts in the coming years. A Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology equips you with the knowledge and research training to work in a nanotechnology lab.
Once you earn your degree, you can continue your education with a doctoral degree or join a hands-on project in the largest nanotechnology companies like DuPont and Taiwan Semiconductor or major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and BioNTech.
Additional Reading About Nanotechnology
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Nanotechnology Master’s Degree FAQ
Nanotechnology can be used in numerous fields. You can use it to create new biomolecules and nanomaterials for medical applications. It can also be used to increase the efficiency and performance of solar panels, batteries, and computing devices.
We need nanotechnology to solve problems that happen at the nanoscale and can’t be solved with conventional technologies. Computing technologies increasingly depend on nanocomponents for miniaturization and nanomaterials for increasing efficiency.
You can study nanotechnology as soon as you graduate from high school. There are universities that offer bachelor’s degree programs in nanotechnology, like Louisiana Tech University, as well as other accredited institutions that offer online courses through an online program if you are a busy professional. To study nanotechnology at any level, you need a strong scientific or technical background and this applies to online students also.
Nanotechnology will affect the future by offering new applications. It will be used to build the next generation of computers, which use photons instead of electrons. Nanotechnology will speed up information processing and reduce energy consumption.
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