Materials Science and Engineering (BSE)

Program Overview

The University of Connecticut's Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) program equips students with a deep understanding of materials principles and their application in various industries. Through a combination of coursework, labs, and a capstone project, students develop strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The program's small class sizes, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities foster personalized learning and prepare graduates for successful careers in materials engineering, research, and related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) program in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at the University of Connecticut prepares students for careers in the design, development, and application of new materials. The program aims to provide students with:

• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Program Outline

The MSE program at UConn consists of 127 total credits, including:

• Required Courses: These courses cover the fundamental principles of materials science and engineering, including thermodynamics, mechanics, materials characterization, and processing.
• MSE Core: These courses delve deeper into specific areas of materials science and engineering, such as phase transformations, electrical and magnetic properties, and thermal/mechanical processing.
• MSE Labs: These labs provide hands-on experience with materials characterization and processing techniques.
• Capstone Design Project: The capstone project gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to solve a real-world engineering problem.
• Professional Electives: Students choose 12 credits of electives from a variety of courses related to materials science and engineering, as well as other fields such as business and management.
• Technical Electives: Students choose 9 credits of electives from courses in other engineering disciplines, science, and mathematics.
• Free Elective: Students choose 3 credits of any course from any discipline.
• Concentration in Naval Science and Technology: This optional concentration allows students to focus on topics of relevance to the Navy and maritime industries.

Program Assessment

The MSE program uses a variety of methods to assess student learning, including:

• Laboratory Reports: Laboratory reports require students to demonstrate their ability to properly conduct experiments and analyze data.
• Presentations: Presentations allow students to develop their communication skills and demonstrate their understanding of a particular topic.
• Capstone Design Project: The capstone project is a rigorous assessment of students' ability to design, build, and test a prototype device or system.

Program Teaching

The MSE program at UConn features:

• Small class sizes: This allows for personalized attention from faculty and facilitates active learning.
• Experienced faculty: The program's faculty members are actively involved in research and are committed to teaching excellence.
• Hands-on learning: The program includes several laboratory courses that give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
• State-of-the-art facilities: The program has access to state-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities.

Program Careers

Graduates of the MSE program at UConn are prepared for a variety of careers in the materials science and engineering industry, including:

• Materials engineer: Materials engineers design, develop, and test new materials for use in a variety of applications.
• Metallurgist: Metallurgists study the properties and behavior of metals and their alloys.
• Ceramic engineer: Ceramic engineers design and develop ceramic materials for use in a variety of applications, including electronics, construction, and biomedical devices.
• Polymer engineer: Polymer engineers design and develop polymers for use in a variety of applications, including packaging, electronics, and automotive components.
• Materials scientist: Materials scientists conduct research to develop new materials and improve the properties of existing materials.
The MSE program also prepares students for graduate studies in materials science and engineering or related fields.
• The MSE program at UConn offers a variety of student organizations, including the Materials Science and Engineering Society and the Society of Women Engineers.
• The program also offers opportunities for internships and co-ops with a variety of companies and organizations.
• The MSE program has been ranked among the top undergraduate materials science and engineering programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.