Program Overview

Materials Science and Engineering, BS

Materials science and engineering is a unique, interdisciplinary field centered on developing new materials and improving existing materials with broad applications in all engineering fields. Our program is committed to providing students with all the necessary resources for becoming local and global leaders in a fast-growing, high-impact discipline.

Program Overview

Our materials science and engineering program focuses on the study of design, mechanics, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and electronics, serving as a stepping stone for students to grow in their professional and academic goals. Our curriculum stresses “hands-on” learning through laboratory classes that introduce students to advanced processing and testing techniques while they work toward synthesizing and evaluating the performance of materials.

Through access to educationally relevant internships and co-ops, students will gain real-world experience while studying under world-class leaders in materials research, many of whom are affiliated with local Oak Ridge National Lab. The department has an expansive research program, providing students and faculty opportunities to work in areas of cutting-edge technology for real-world impact.

Why Study Materials Science and Engineering?

We live in a “materials world” with the advent of new technology and research advancements in materials science and engineering improving quality of life every day. Through our program, students will enter the frontlines of these scientific revolutions, making positive impacts in the lives of others through discovery and creation of smarter, stronger materials.

Program at a Glance

Our mission is to incorporate high-quality education, professional development, and hands-on research through 22 world-renowned faculty members and industry leaders. With a 3:1 student to faculty ratio, students will benefit from high exposure mentorship and industry knowledge, fostering a sense of confidence as they blaze a trail in their materials science future.

Career Opportunities

Materials scientists and engineers are not limited to one area of study, with opportunities to pursue careers in areas like:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Computer Engineering and Data Science
• Environment, Sustainability, and Energy
• Health and Medicine
• Infrastructure, Transportation, and Society
• Robotics and Manufacturing

As a rapidly growing industry, materials science is the perfect area of study for students seeking diverse career paths with opportunities for further specializations. Pursuing a degree in materials science and engineering opens the doors to professions like materials and process engineering in manufacturing and production, nanotechnology engineering, materials specialist in automotive and transportation sectors, biomaterials engineering, and more.

Featured Courses

Our undergraduate program is meticulously designed to offer a holistic understanding of materials science, blending fundamental principles with cutting-edge research. Some of the courses that students in our program can choose to take include:

MSE 120 Impact of Materials on Society

Explores the connections between the discovery of new materials and the development of technologies and social structures worldwide.

MSE 260 Materials Engineering Thermodynamics

Thermodynamic laws, entropy, internal energy, and state functions.

MSE 302 Mechanical Behavior of Materials I

Fundamentals of deformation and fracture in solids, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites.

MSE 489 Materials Design

Design projects involving materials selection and performance.

Complementary Minors

Interested in pursuing a minor to expand your engineering expertise? Examples of curriculum that would pair well with a materials science and engineering degree include:

• Environmental Engineering Minor
• Aerospace Engineering Minor
• Engineering for Sustainability Minor

Admissions and Aid

Choosing the right university to pursue an engineering degree is an important decision—and a significant investment. The university offers various financial aid opportunities to make attending affordable. Students can explore tuition and cost, as well as financial aid opportunities, to make an informed decision.