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Dr. Joseph Tracy is a university faculty scholar and professor of materials science and engineering at North Carolina State University. He received his PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his BS in chemistry from UC Santa Barbara. He pursued post-doctoral studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dr. Tracy’s research focuses on the synthesis, characterization, self-assembly, and applications of noble metal, magnetic, and multifunctional nanoparticles. Incorporating these materials in elastomers, shape memory polymers, and hydrogels can make them responsive to magnetic fields and light for untethered soft robotics.
Dr. Tracy received an NSF CAREER Award in 2011 and a Humboldt Research Fellowship in 2018. At NC State, he has been recognized with the 2014 Alcoa Foundation Engineering Research Award, and in 2015 was selected as a University Faculty Scholar. Dr. Tracy is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC).
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What is something you wish the public understood about nanoengineering?
Dr. Tracy: Research on the perceptions of nanotechnology has shown that it is challenging for the public to understand how small the nanoscale is because we cannot see it by eye. The nanoscale is about 1,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair and is slightly larger than the size of molecules. Nanoscale objects have extremely high ratios of surface area to volume, which endows them with novel chemical and physical properties, some of which are size- or shape-tuneable.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students in nanoengineering?
Dr. Tracy: Nanoengineering is a broad field and is at the intersection of many disciplines. There are rather few degree programs in nanoengineering, nanoscience, or nanotechnology. Excellent education and research experience in nanoengineering is often available within traditional science and engineering programs. To excel in nanoengineering, it is helpful to have a broad background in chemistry, physics, and math. Many developments in nanoengineering will occur through introducing nanomaterials or nanostructures within larger systems, and it is also important to understand these larger systems.
Nanoengineering is an exciting field, with plenty of room for creativity and imagination. Sometimes science fiction is realized as science reality!
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What does the future of the field look like to you?
Dr. Tracy: New tools, including advanced simulations and AI, are revolutionary for nanoengineering. Simulations are less resource-intensive than experiments and can accelerate new discoveries in nanoengineering. Advanced characterization tools also allow more detailed measurements of the properties and a deeper understanding of the behaviors of nanostructures.
The future will include hierarchical materials and multifunctional materials with nanoscale building blocks. Much inspiration for these materials can be found in biology. New applications of nanomaterials will be developed, and many current potential applications will be realized.
One of the most compelling advantages of online learning is its flexibility. For individuals with full-time jobs, young children, or other commitments, the ability to complete coursework remotely is a game-changer. While students must still adhere to the academic calendar of the physical campus, online programs allow them to earn a degree without the need to relocate or sacrifice other responsibilities.
However, online programs come with potential drawbacks. The absence of in-person interaction with professors and peers can make it challenging for some students to stay engaged and motivated. For those who thrive in a collaborative, face-to-face learning environment, this lack of direct connection may be a significant hurdle. Additionally, succeeding in an online program often demands strong time-management skills, self-discipline, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ultimately, the suitability of an online nanoengineering degree depends on your personal learning style, life circumstances, and career goals. Prospective students should carefully research individual programs, understand their expectations, and reflect on their ability to navigate the unique demands of online education before committing.
Similarly to traditional undergraduate or graduate programs, those attempting to enroll in an online nanoengineering program will be expected to submit various materials. Common admissions requirements derived from the programs profile below include:
Aspiring students generally are required to follow the same admissions timeline as traditional students. Those who wish to begin school in the fall should expect to submit applications by January, while anyone hoping to start in the spring may need to submit materials by the fall. As the specific timeline will vary based on each institution, prospective students should search diligently to understand all relevant admissions information before starting the process.
As of early 2025, only a limited number of nanoengineering programs have received accreditation through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Furthermore, these programs are only offered in an on-campus format, meaning that it is currently not possible to attend an online nanoengineering program accredited by ABET. This lack of ABET accreditation for online nanoengineering programs may serve as an obstacle for some seeking a Professional Engineering (PE) license following graduation.
In some states, graduation from an ABET-accredited engineering program is a mandatory prerequisite to apply to sit for a PE licensing exam. In other states, graduates can use work experience in lieu of graduation from an ABET-accredited program, but the experiential requirements generally are higher than if a student attended an ABET-accredited institution. Overall, having a PE license is not a requirement to work as a nanoengineer, so an online degree can still allow the student the opportunity to obtain employment in the field.
In general, students in a nanoengineering undergraduate program take courses covering engineering computation, properties of materials, nanoengineering foundations, biochemical and physical principles of nanoengineering, molecular modeling, synthesis and fabrication, probability and statistical methods, and system design. In addition, undergraduate students may be required to take a number of general elective credits in pursuit of their degree, and graduate students may need to complete a thesis.
In some online degree programs, students may have the opportunity to choose a speciality within the field of nanoengineering. For example, a student pursuing a degree in online nanoengineering may also be able to focus on microelectronic devices and materials or biotechnology.
Online nanoengineering programs are still relatively rare, due to the hands-on and interdisciplinary nature of the field. Nanoengineering relies heavily on laboratory work, where students interact with specialized equipment like electron microscopes, nanolithography systems, and spectrometers. These tools are essential for understanding and manipulating materials at the nanoscale, and replicating this hands-on experience in an online format is a significant challenge. Additionally, the interdisciplinary nature of nanoengineering—blending physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science—requires practical training that is often difficult to deliver remotely. However, there are online programs in nanoengineering that take the aforementioned concerns into account.
North Carolina State University offers an online Master of Nanoengineering program through its College of Engineering. This 30-credit-hour, non-thesis degree is designed for individuals holding a bachelor's degree in science or engineering who aim to advance their expertise in nanoengineering. The program emphasizes the unique properties and applications of nanoscale materials, devices, and systems, particularly in sectors like energy, environment, and health. In addition to the core curriculum, courses are available in areas such as nanophotonics, nanoelectronics, and biomedical sciences in nanoengineering.
The Online Master of Science in Engineering with a specialization in Materials at the Nanoscale offered by the University of California, Riverside, is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge in nanotechnology. The program delves into nanoscale processes and their applications, emphasizing the design, synthesis, and processing of nanostructured materials. Coursework encompasses topics such as microelectromechanical systems, crystal structure, bonding, and defects, providing a comprehensive understanding of nanoscience.
A significant consideration for anyone interested in pursuing an online degree in nanoengineering is whether or not campus visits are required. Sometimes, a student may be asked to travel to the campus once or twice per year for exams, interviews, or orientation sessions. Because this is ultimately dependent upon the individual institution, it is essential that prospective students fully familiarize themselves with the specifics of the program before beginning the admissions process.
Matt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about a wide range of engineering disciplines, with a particular focus on the potential impacts of major technological breakthroughs. His work largely centers around conversations with engineeri...
After graduating from UC Berkeley, Jocelyn traveled the world for five years as an English teacher and freelance writer. After stints in England, Japan, and Brazil, she settled in San Francisco and worked as a managing editor for a tech company. She’s recently become interested in the underrepr...
Meet 25 top professors of electrical engineering, and learn more about their areas of expertise, their achievements, and their contributions to both engineering and their respective programs.
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