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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 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 completing 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.

Undergraduate Admissions
Undergraduate Catalog

Research

A significant advantage of attending a major research university as an undergraduate is the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and graduate students on exciting research projects and industry partnerships. The college regularly partners with businesses, government agencies and industries to discover practical solutions to real-world problems. Students become valuable team members in research groups that are tackling economic, ethical and environmental issues.

With more than $100 million in sponsored research support annually, Clemson is one of the National Science Foundation’s top 100 research universities. Research in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences alone attracts more than $50 million annually in competitively sponsored grants. As a result, Clemson houses some of the most sophisticated research centers, laboratory facilities and testing instrumentation in the Southeast.

Students in Materials Science and Engineering are encouraged to engage in research opportunities available to them during their time at Clemson. As a part of their curriculum, all undergraduate students will complete three credit hours of undergraduate research. Additionally, students can engage in other research opportunities, including Creative Inquiry classes, lab positions, and REU – Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs.

Creative Inquiry

Creative Inquiry projects allow students to research and problem-solving projects in small-group settings while working with the support of a faculty mentor.

REU

Research Experience for Undergraduates Programs are funded through the National Science Foundation. Each REU site hosts a small number of undergraduate students for the summer to work on a specific research project at the institution.