Sensor Science and Technology (M.S.)
The only program of its kind in the United States, this degree trains students to help solve health and environmental problems by advancing innovations in the growing field of sensor science and technology.
The new Master of Science in Sensor Science and Technology degree offers advanced and multidisciplinary training in sensor science and technology with an emphasis of targeting problems in health and the environment. Current and future sensor systems must utilize advanced sensing platforms and computational algorithms to intuitively and intelligently collect, connect, analyze, and interpret data from individuals, devices, and systems for systemic and precise detection and assessment. Students gain a specialized education in sensor science and technology that includes sensor principles, mechanism of recognition events, materials and methods involved in characterization and signal transduction, the application background of various sensors, and important factors in making a sensor device. They receive hands-on sensor research experience and training in the field鈥檚 latest principles, methods, techniques, and technologies.
This one-of-a-kind program will prepare you for a career developing smart scientific and technology innovations to address health and environmental issues, including:
- sensor invention toward emerging challenges in food safety, environmental monitoring, clinical analysis, and medical diagnosis
- portable, miniaturized diagnostic devices with enhanced connectivity for patients and clinicians
- AI-ML enabled new generation of medical instruments
- smart, environmentally adaptive materials for molecular recognition and signal transduction, integrable to various sensing modalities
- advanced product analysis processes, such as chemical and drug screening, quality control, and online monitoring
- solutions to monitor water quality, air pollutants, food contaminants, and chemicals and microbials in waste control to address environmental hazards
Program Overview
Prepare for a career developing health and environmental technology innovations in the growing field of sensor science and technology.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue advanced Ph.D. training as well as careers in academia, government, and the many companies developing sensor and sensor-based solutions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth in all of the following occupations through 2030:
- health technologists and technicians
- environmental technologists and technicians
- food scientists and technologists
- life scientist
- medical scientist
- environmental protection specialist
The Master of Science in Sensor Science and Technology program is tailored for full-time or part-time students who can complete the program either on campus or online. It offers both a thesis option and a non-thesis option.
Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree in science or engineering with at least two semesters of organic chemistry and two semesters of calculus. The academic adviser will assist students in determining whether any prerequisites are necessary.
For international students, GRE scores are not required but recommended. Domestic students are expected to have an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or above.
Meet with the Program Director
Are you interested enrolling in a graduate program in chemistry? Professor of Chemistry Rong Wang, the graduate program director in the Department of Chemistry, is available for one-on-one student appointments. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the curriculum and the current research being done within the department鈥攁nd to get your questions answered! You can set up a 15-minute appointment online.