The program includes a series of required MNT core courses; additional elective courses; written and oral preliminary examinations; a doctoral dissertation based on independent, original research in the area of materials and nanotechnology; and a final oral examination of the dissertation.

Materials & Nanotechnology students are able pursue a master's degree under either the Plan A - Master's Thesis or the Plan C - Culminating Experience option. Each option requires a minimum of 30 graduate credits with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.

The Plan A thesis option represents a more traditional Master of Science degree, with an independent research component in the form of an original thesis that can serve as a foundation for future doctoral work in science or engineering. For the Thesis Option, of the required minimum 30 graduate credits, at least 16 credits must be from approved graduate courses numbered from 601-689, 691, 700-789, and 791 while the research credits (798) must be not fewer than 6 nor more than 10.