The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NC State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering degree. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Admission

Students complete the standard set of engineering first-year courses, which include courses in the humanities, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and computing. Students may apply to join the Department of Materials Science and Engineering as degree-seeking students via the CODA process. 

Curriculum

At NC State, Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) students are trained to understand the complexities of all classes of material, including but not limited to polymers, metals, ceramics, electronic materials, semiconductors, nanomaterials, and biomaterials. Our curriculum starts with core courses in thermodynamics, kinetics, and structure, followed by advanced courses in mechanical, thermal, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties.

Hands-on learning is emphasized through two laboratory courses, where students explore analytical methods for characterizing the structure of materials at all length scales and measuring properties of all classes of materials. Our program covers cutting-edge technologies like nanotechnology, biomaterials, computer modeling, and materials forensics (degradation and failure analysis).

With five technical electives, students can tailor their education with courses in materials processing, engineering, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and beyond. This flexibility allows students to prepare for diverse career paths in industry or pursue graduate studies.

In our capstone senior design sequence, spanning two semesters, students bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications in an industrial context. Collaborating in teams, students tackle real-world materials challenges with support from local industry partners.

Opportunities

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering offers two undergraduate concentrations (Biomaterials and Nanomaterials) and an Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (ABM) Program. 

The ABM program gives students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years. Four graduate courses (12 credit hours) can be taken while still an undergraduate student and can be double-counted towards both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. 

Contact Information

3002 Engineering Building 1 (EB1)
911 Partners Way, Raleigh NC 27695-7907
919.515.2377
Website

Plan Requirements

Technical Electives

Engineering Electives

MSE Processing Electives

Ethics Electives

Semester Sequence

This is a sample.

¹

Courses required for Change of Degree Audit (CODA). CH 101, CH 102; MA 141, MA 241; PY 205, PY 206 must be completed with a C or higher.

²

Minimum grade of C-, E 115 requires satisfactory completion (S).

Career Opportunities

A Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering is an interdisciplinary degree that qualifies you for a variety of jobs with an average starting salary of $70,000 to $90,000 per year. Material scientists and engineers can work in a diverse range of fields,  including but not limited to aerospace, electric vehicles, lighting, photovoltaics, semiconductors and microchips, manufacturing, construction, mining, prosthetics, pharmaceuticals, and other consumer products such as cosmetics and the food and beverage industry.

Career Titles

Example Job Titles

Upon graduation, you can apply for positions advertised for a material scientist or engineer. However, due to the interdisciplinary nature of the degree program, MSE graduates may also hold job titles such as Product Engineer, Metallurgist Engineer, Quality Control Engineer, Failure Analysis Engineer, Renewable Energy Materials Engineer, Biomaterial Engineer, Polymer Materials Engineer, and Project Manager.

Example Job Description

• Identify and produce a diverse range of materials for applications of interest
• Develop and improve methods for the analysis of complex materials
• Assist in the selection of materials for product application, the calculation of design parameters, the performance of material properties testing
• Apply scientific methods to resolve technical challenges related to materials and their use in products and processes

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American Society for Testing & Materials
Materials Research Society
National Society of Professional Engineers