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Undergraduate Program

Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering

Materials scientists and engineers design, develop, and produce both traditional and new advanced materials with diverse applications intended for use in a wide variety of industries. These include traditional materials-intensive industries such as the structural clay, foundry, whiteware, polymers, plastics, fibers, textiles, composite materials, and automotive industries. Also included are high-performance technology industries such as semiconductor, defense, biomaterials, aerospace, and communication industries. The broad career responsibilities of this discipline require competence in science, engineering, mathematics, and the social sciences. The curriculum develops skills in problem-solving, engineering analysis, and design, as well as oral and written communication.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering establishes in students a broad foundation in the science & engineering of materials.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering establishes in students a broad foundation in the science & engineering of materials.  After completion of the General Engineering requirements and declaring the Materials Science & Engineering major, sophomores are introduced to metals and ceramics, polymer science, thermodynamics, mechanical behavior, and kinetics.  Classroom experiences for juniors are integrated with laboratory work in the processing, fabrication, and characterization of materials.  Seniors may then focus on a particular area of interest, such as Inorganic Materials (ceramics, glasses, metals, optical, and electronic materials) or Polymeric Materials (plastics, elastomers, fibers and fibrous materials, films, coatings, and adhesives). Fundamentals of research are developed and carried out in a senior capstone design project.  Students develop life-long learning and are prepared for exciting careers in industry and for professional and graduate school.

Requirements for Graduation

In addition to the common educational objectives of all engineering programs, baccalaureate degree graduates in Materials Science and Engineering will be able to:

  • Demonstrate learning consistent with ABET Criteria 2019 for materials engineering programs;
  • Perform well in the laboratory and plant environments; and
  • Serve the local, national, and international materials communities.

Specifically, the ABET Engineering Criteria 2019 requires that baccalaureate degree graduates in Materials Science and Engineering be able to:

  • Apply advanced science (such as chemistry and physics) and engineering principles to materials systems implied by the program modifier, e.g., ceramics, metals, polymers, composite materials;
  • Demonstrate an integrated understanding of the scientific and engineering principles underlying the four major elements of the field: structure, properties, processing, and performance related to materials systems appropriate to the field;
  • Apply and integrate knowledge from each of the above four elements of the field to solve materials selection and design problems;
  • Utilize experimental, statistical, and computational methods consistent with the program educational objectives.

General Admissions Information

Undergraduate Admissions
Undergraduate Catalog