The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) prepares students to design, analyze, and manufacture the materials that enable modern technology. From lightweight structural alloys for aerospace and transportation to advanced ceramics for energy systems, semiconductors for microelectronics, sustainable polymers, nanomaterials, and biomaterials for medical devices, our graduates engineer the materials that drive innovation across industries. Our program integrates foundational science, advanced characterization, materials processing, and computational and AI-driven materials design to equip students with the skills needed to address global challenges in energy, healthcare, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.

Student success is central to our program. With small class sizes and close interaction with faculty, students receive individualized mentorship in both coursework and research. All MSE students are supported by a dedicated Academic Advisor who guides academic planning, career exploration, and preparation for industry or graduate study. Hands-on laboratory courses provide training in modern materials characterization and processing techniques. Many students engage in mentored undergraduate research, internships with industry partners, study abroad programs, and student leadership opportunities.

Graduates of the MSE program pursue careers in industries including aerospace, energy, electronics, semiconductors, automotive, biomedical devices, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable materials. Common roles include materials engineer, process engineer, research and development engineer, semiconductor device engineer, manufacturing engineer, and technical consultant.

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?

The curriculum emphasizes the fundamental relationships between processing, structure, properties, and performance across all classes of materials. Students gain expertise in thermodynamics, phase transformations, kinetics, crystallography, mechanical behavior, electronic and optical properties, and materials characterization. Hands-on laboratory courses train students in advanced analytical techniques, including microscopy, spectroscopy, mechanical testing, and thermal analysis. In response to rapid advances in AI, the curriculum is evolving to further integrate data-driven materials design and AI-enabled optimization, equipping students to accelerate materials discovery and development.

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 a two-semester capstone design sequence, students work in teams to solve real-world materials challenges in collaboration with industry sponsors. Projects emphasize experimental design, data analysis, engineering communication, and professional practice.

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

MSE Program Highlights

• Two concentration options, Nanomaterials and Biomaterials, in addition to the B.S. in MSE. 
• New electives in AI, machine learning, and data-driven material design.
• Strong industry engagement through internships and sponsored senior design projects.
• A 5-year Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (ABM) program.
• Over 25% of graduates pursue advanced degrees at leading institutions.
• Consistently ranked among the top 20 public MSE programs nationally.
  

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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