Program Overview

Materials Science and Engineering Bachelor's Degree

Materials science and engineering focuses on how materials behave, allowing students to understand, improve, and even create new materials. At Michigan Tech, discover how materials engineering is the key to nearly all engineered products.

A bachelors degree in materials science and engineering prepares students to design materials that are central to quality-of-life improvements. Create and innovate everyday products like automobiles, mountain bikes, computers, and cell phones. Work at the forefront of technology to compose new, high-quality products for a cleaner environment and more efficient technology.

What Will I Study?

As a materials science and engineering major at Michigan Tech, students will build on a foundation of physics, mathematics, and engineering principles. Develop hands-on expertise working on product design and manufacturing projects.

Before graduating, put materials science and engineering skills to the test in either an industry-sponsored Senior Design capstone project or collaborative Enterprise team. Expand expertise with advanced coursework in the following areas:

• Principles of Metal Casting
• Composite Materials
• Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis
• Materials Forensics
• Light and Photonic Materials
• Hydrometallurgy/Pyrometallurgy

Engineering Enterprise Concentration

Students can pursue an Enterprise concentration by taking part in Michigan Tech's award-winning Enterprise Program. Work on real projects, with real clients, in an environment thats more like a business than a classroom. Choose from more than 25 Enterprise teams on campus to invent products, provide services, and pioneer solutions.

All Enterprise teams are open to all majors. A team with a particular focus on materials science projects is Advanced Metalworks. Tackle real-world design projects for industry sponsors or take part in a national competition (or both). This concentration can add courses in business and entrepreneurship.

Be Career Ready

Explore career opportunities for materials science and engineering majors. Graduate with a bachelors degree in materials science and engineering and prepare to transition directly to entry-level jobs in industry. Gain a position in process engineering, quality control, and materials design. Go into the electronics, auto, or foundry industry. An advanced degree is desirable for research positions.

Possible career paths include:

• Reliability Engineer
• Composites Engineer
• Research Engineer
• Semiconductor Processing Engineer
• Failure Analysis Engineer
• Materials Engineer
• Quality Assurance Engineer

The mean entry-level salary is $76,175.

Program Resources

• Typical Four-year Outlines
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Enterprise Concentration
• All Department Courses
• Degree Audit

Additional Resources

• Advising
• Faculty Listing
• Compare Four
• What is Materials Science and Engineering?

Transfer Students

• Course Equivalencies
• Transfer Students
• AP/IB/CLEP

The undergraduate Materials Science and Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the General Criteria and the Materials, Metallurgical, Ceramics, and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering at Michigan Tech applies physics, chemistry, and engineering to develop new materials and processes that improve products and quality of life. Get involved in research, from nanotechnologies and biomaterials to sustainable energy solutions and high-performance composites. Work closely with faculty who are shaping the future through cutting-edge research and hands-on learning. Gain the skills and experience needed to solve tomorrows toughest challenges in a dynamic community with state-of-the-art facilities and global opportunities.

Receive unique training in:

• Electron microscopy
• Metal casting
• Mechanical testing
• Microfabrication
• More

Engage in a rich, personalized learning environment with academic support in the dedicated learning center. Participate in undergraduate research with world-renowned faculty. Develop real solutions working on an industry-sponsored Senior Design capstone project. Join an Enterprise team such as Advanced Metalworks or Green Campus. Specialize with a minor in electronic materials, structural materials, or nanoscale science and engineering.

Real Engineering. Meaningful Work.

Michigan Techs College of Engineering is committed to inspiring students, advancing knowledge, and innovating technological solutions to create a sustainable, just, and prosperous world. With an entering engineering class of about 1,000 students, 15+ degrees to choose from, and 160+ engineering faculty alone, students take part in a world-class education with the trusted reputation of Michigan Tech.

Collaborate and innovate as part of Michigan Techs discovery-based learning environment. Explore the endless possibilities of engineering education in Engineering Fundamentals. Work closely with world-renowned faculty as a research assistant or develop real solutions with industry partners on an Enterprise team or Senior Design capstone project.

Join the pack and find the support needed. Map academic career with the help of an academic advisor. Transition to University life with the support of the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success or receive academic support in any of the Learning Centers across campus.

Study abroad, with engineering opportunities ranging from a few weeks to a full year. Focus on problems facing disadvantaged communities in countries around the world. Michigan Techs Global and Community Engagement program offers a range of options.

A degree in engineering from Michigan Tech can take students anywhere. After graduating, 95 percent of alumni find successful employment within six months. Tech engineers work at NASA, Whirlpool, General Motors, Dow, Lockheed Martin, and other noteworthy organizations around the globe. With multiple annual Career Fairs and one-on-one advising from Career Services, students can find an internship, co-op, or full-time job where engineering expertise can make a difference.

Tomorrow Needs Every Engineer

Michigan Tech engineers are at the forefront of change. Using creative ideas and technologies to solve problems in healthcare, energy, transportation, space exploration, climate change, and beyond, Tech engineers are prepared to help people and their communities adapt toward an equitable future. Become an engineer who is ready for what tomorrow needs.