New Master’s in Nanoengineering

Nanomaterials and nanotechnology are key to innovation in industries from pharmaceuticals to consumer electronics, a point made clear by the White House’s Material Genome Initiative. To help meet the growing demand for workers who can keep pace with these emerging technologies, NC State is launching a master’s degree program in nanoengineering.

“There has long been a tremendous focus on nanoscience, but for that science to benefit society, we need nanoengineering,” says Professor Justin Schwartz, head of the materials science and engineering department. “The program will give people the interdisciplinary skills they need to facilitate the transition of laboratory concepts to real-world products. These skills will be critical to achieving the Materials Genome Initiative’s goal of decreasing the time and cost of bringing new products to market.”

The degree program begins this fall and will hold classes on campus, but will also be the first master’s degree program in nanoengineering offered online, making the program available to students who are already in the workforce. The program will also offer concentrations in biomedical science, materials science, and nanoelectronics and nanophotonics.

“To stay competitive, businesses in fields from medical devices to energy need employees with the skills to develop and manufacture new devices,” says program Director Lew Reynolds, associate professor of materials science and engineering. This program will provide industry with a highly trained, educated workforce. By the same token, our graduates will be able to thrive in a competitive global marketplace.”

“This is one of only a few comprehensive engineering-specific master’s degrees focused on nanotechnology and nanomaterials,” says Professor Jay Narayan, senior advisor to the degree program. “We are giving our students a firm understanding of how to use scientific research to develop new technologies, and how to shepherd those technologies through the manufacturing process to create nanosystems and nanodevices.”

The degree program was developed with support from the University of North Carolina General Administration.