The Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) Department is dedicated to preparing students for a future of innovation and leadership in materials science and engineering, empowering them to address the world's most pressing challenges. Whether it’s designing lightweight metals for aerospace, developing high-performance ceramics for energy storage, advancing next-generation batteries for renewable energy, engineering sustainable nanomaterials, manufacturing semiconductors for cutting-edge electronics, creating biomaterials for medical devices, or leveraging computational materials science to accelerate innovation, our program equips students with the skills and knowledge to shape the future of society and industry.

In MSE, student success is our top priority. Our program offers students the opportunity to learn from world-renowned faculty in an intimate classroom setting, gain hands-on experience through state-of-the-art lab courses and mentored undergraduate research, and participate in practical senior design projects that prepare them to tackle real-world challenges. Each student in the MSE program is supported by a dedicated Academic Advisor, who helps them navigate academic requirements, explore career paths, and maximize their educational experience. Beyond the classroom, students have access to enriching experiential learning opportunities, including student leadership roles, research, internships, and study abroad programs. 

We’re here to help you tackle the world’s biggest challenges, make a real impact, and shape the future of materials science and engineering.

What is Materials Science and Engineering?

At NC State, Materials Science and Engineering students are trained to understand the complexities of all classes of material. Our curriculum begins with core courses in thermodynamics, kinetics, and structure, building a strong foundation before advancing to mechanical, thermal, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties.

Hands-on learning is a cornerstone of the program, with two laboratory courses that immerse students in analytical techniques to characterize materials at all scales and measure their properties. Our program covers cutting-edge technologies like nanomaterials, biomaterials, advanced functional materials, materials forensics, computational modeling, and AI-driven materials optimization.

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

In our two-semester capstone senior design project, students apply their knowledge to solve practical materials challenges with industry partners. Working in teams, you'll tackle hands-on problems and bridge classroom learning with real-world impact. 

The Materials Science and Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org/.

MSE Program Highlights

• In addition to the B.S. in MSE degree, two concentrations are offered: Nanomaterials and Biomaterials
• New elective courses on design and optimization of materials with AI and machine learning
• A 5-year Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (ABM) program is available for advanced study and further specialization. 
• More than 25 percent of all MSE B.S. degree recipients enroll in a graduate degree program at places such as MIT, UC Berkeley, Penn State, Georgia Tech, Purdue, and NC State.
• We are consistently ranked in the top 20 nationally by US News and World Report

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.

Program Educational Objectives

With the background knowledge in science, engineering, critical thinking, and teamwork provided by the MSE curriculum, our alumni are fully prepared to achieve one or more of the following within five years of graduation:

• Practice materials engineering in academic, industrial, government or entrepreneurial organizations.
• Earn an advanced degree such as MS, Ph.D., or MBA, leading to a career in academia, research and development, or technical management.
• Be promoted into leadership roles in their chosen career.
• Demonstrate by their participation in technical societies, community service, and professional activities, a high degree of service and ethical responsibility to their professional field and the community.

Contact Information

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