The Materials Science and Engineering (BS): Nanomaterials Concentration provides a comprehensive understanding of materials science and engineering, with a focus on the unique properties of materials at the nanoscale. Students study the behavior of materials at the scale of individual atoms and molecules, including in ultra-thin films, nanowires, and nanoparticles. They learn how properties at these scales differ from those in bulk specimens and how engineering materials at the nanoscale can impact their overall structural and functional properties. 

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. Students can declare a nanomaterials concentration during the CODA process or any subsequent semester once they join the MSE department. 

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).

As part of the Nanomaterials concentration, students will take MSE 465: Nanomaterials. Four electives are included, offering a broad range of courses in materials processing, engineering, chemistry, physics, and other disciplines. This flexibility allows students to tailor their education for careers in industry or graduate school.

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.

The Materials Science and Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program

The Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (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

Nanomaterials Electives

MSE Processing Electives

Ethics Electives

Engineering Electives

Technical 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).

What can I do with a Nanomaterials Concentration?

Graduates of the Nanomaterials Concentration will be well-prepared for careers in industries that rely on nanotechnology, such as electronics, structural materials, and pharmaceuticals. 

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.

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

Learn More About Careers

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