Materials Science and Engineering (BS)
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 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.
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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Math | ||
| MA 141 | Calculus I 1,2 | 4 |
| MA 241 | Calculus II 1,2 | 4 |
| MA 242 | Calculus III 3 | 4 |
| MA 341 | Applied Differential Equations I | 3 |
| ST 370 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
| Sciences | ||
| CH 101 & CH 102 | Chemistry - A Molecular Science and General Chemistry Laboratory 1,2 | 4 |
| CH 201 & CH 202 | Chemistry - A Quantitative Science and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| CH 220 | Introductory Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| or CH 221 | Organic Chemistry I | |
| CH 222 | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| PY 205 & PY 206 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists I and Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory 1,2 | 4 |
| PY 208 & PY 209 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists II and Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory | 4 |
| Economics | ||
| EC 205 | Fundamentals of Economics | 3 |
| or EC 201 | Principles of Microeconomics | |
| or ARE 201 | Introduction to Agricultural & Resource Economics | |
| Ethics Elective (verify requirement) | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| MSE 201 | Structure and Properties of Engineering Materials 2 | 3 |
| MSE 255 | Experimental Methods for Structural Analysis of Materials | 2 |
| MSE 260 | Mathematical Methods for Materials Engineers | 3 |
| MSE 270 | Materials Science and Engineering Seminar | 1 |
| MSE 300 | Structure of Materials at the Nanoscale | 3 |
| MSE 301 | Introduction to Thermodynamics of Materials | 3 |
| MSE 320 | Introduction to Defects in Solids | 3 |
| MSE 335 | Experimental Methods for Analysis of Material Properties | 2 |
| MSE 355 | Electrical, Magnetic and Optical Properties of Materials | 3 |
| MSE 360 | Kinetic Processes in Materials | 3 |
| MSE 370 | Microstructure of Inorganic Materials | 3 |
| MSE 380 | Microstructure of Organic Materials | 3 |
| MSE 420 | Mechanical Properties of Materials | 3 |
| MSE 423 | Introduction to Materials Engineering Design | 1 |
| MSE 470 | Materials Science and Engineering Senior Design Project | 3 |
| MSE 480 | Materials Forensics and Degradation | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| MSE Processing Elective (choose 1 course) | 3 | |
| Engineering Elective (choose 1 course) | 3 | |
| Technical Electives (choose 3 courses) | 9-11 | |
| Technical Writing | ||
| ENG 331 | Communication for Engineering and Technology | 3 |
| or ENG 333 | Communication for Science and Research | |
| Orientation Courses | ||
| E 101 | Introduction to Engineering & Problem Solving 1,3 | 1 |
| E 102 | Engineering in the 21st Century 3 | 2 |
| E 115 | Introduction to Computing Environments 1 | 1 |
| GEP Courses | ||
| ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research 1,3 | 4 |
| GEP Humanities | 6 | |
| GEP Social Sciences | 3 | |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 2 | |
| GEP Elective | 3 | |
| GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives | 3 | |
| GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement) | ||
| GEP Foundations of American Democracy (verify requirement) | ||
| World Language Proficiency (verify requirement) | ||
| Total Hours | 126 | |
- 1
College of Engineering CODA class
- 2
Grade of C or higher required
- 3
Grade of C- or higher required
MSE Processing Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MSE 440/540 | Processing of Metallic Materials | 3 |
| MSE 445/545 | Ceramic Processing | 3 |
| MSE 455/555 | Polymer Technology and Engineering | 3 |
| MSE 456/556 | Composite Materials | 3 |
| MSE 460/560 | Microelectronic Materials | 3 |
Engineering Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Any MSE Processing Elective | ||
| CE 214 | Engineering Mechanics-Statics | 3 |
| CE 225 | Mechanics of Solids | 3 |
| CSC 110 | Computer Science Principles - The Beauty and Joy of Computing | 3 |
| CSC 111 | Introduction to Computing: Python | 3 |
| CSC 113 | Introduction to Computing - MATLAB | 3 |
| CSC 116 | Introduction to Computing - Java | 3 |
| E 304 | Introduction to Nano Science and Technology | 3 |
| ECE 331 | Principles of Electrical Engineering | 3 |
| ISE 311 | Engineering Economic Analysis | 3 |
| MAE 206 | Engineering Statics | 3 |
| MAE 208 | Engineering Dynamics | 3 |
| MAE 214 | Solid Mechanics | 3 |
| MSE 409/509/NE 409/509 | Nuclear Materials | 3 |
| MSE 465/565 | Introduction to Nanomaterials | 3 |
| MSE 485 | Biomaterials | 3 |
| MSE/ECE/PY 489 | Solid State Solar and Thermal Energy Harvesting | 3 |
| MSE 490 | Special Topics in Materials Science and Engineering | 1-4 |
| MSE 495 | Materials Engineering Projects (Department Approval Required) | 3 |
| NE 202 | Radiation Sources, Interaction and Detection | 4 |
| TE 205 | Analog and Digital Circuits | 4 |
| Other engineering electives (with departmental approval). Contact your MSE academic advisor for options. | ||
| 500-level courses (with departmental approval). Available to students who are admitted to an engineering ABM program OR have a minimum 3.5 overall GPA. | ||
Technical Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Any MSE Processing Elective | ||
| Any Engineering Elective | ||
| BCH 451 | Principles of Biochemistry | 4 |
| CH 223 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 315 | Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| CH 401 | Systematic Inorganic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 437 | Physical Chemistry for Engineers | 4 |
| MA 305 | Introductory Linear Algebra and Matrices | 3 |
| MA 351 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematical Models | 3 |
| MA 401 | Applied Differential Equations II | 3 |
| MA 402 | Mathematics of Scientific Computing | 3 |
| MA 405 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MEA 463 | Fluid Physics | 3 |
| PY 328 | Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics | 3 |
| PY 407 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| PY 411/511 | Mechanics I | 3 |
| PY 412/512 | Mechanics II | 3 |
| PY 414/514 | Electromagnetism I | 3 |
| PY 415/515 | Electromagnetism II | 3 |
| Other technical electives (with departmental approval). Contact your MSE academic advisor for options. | ||
| 500-level courses (with departmental approval). Available to students who are admitted to an engineering ABM program OR have a minimum 3.5 overall GPA. | ||
Ethics Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EED 414/514 | Ethics for Engineering Education | 3 |
| IDS 201 | Environmental Ethics | 3 |
| PHI 214 | Issues in Business Ethics | 3 |
| PHI 221 | Contemporary Moral Issues | 3 |
| PHI 227 | Data Ethics | 3 |
| PHI/STS 325 | Bio-Medical Ethics | 3 |
| PHI 375 | Ethics | 3 |
| STS 302 | Contemporary Science, Technology and Human Values | 3 |
| STS 304 | Ethical Dimensions of Progress | 3 |
Semester Sequence
This is a sample.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| CH 101 & CH 102 | Chemistry - A Molecular Science and General Chemistry Laboratory 1,2 | 4 |
| ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research 1,3 | 4 |
| E 102 | Engineering in the 21st Century 3 | 2 |
| MA 141 | Calculus I 1,2 | 4 |
| EC 205 | Fundamentals of Economics or Principles of Microeconomics or Introduction to Agricultural & Resource Economics | 3 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CH 201 & CH 202 | Chemistry - A Quantitative Science and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| E 101 | Introduction to Engineering & Problem Solving 1,3 | 1 |
| E 115 | Introduction to Computing Environments 1 | 1 |
| MA 241 | Calculus II 1,2 | 4 |
| PY 205 & PY 206 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists I and Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory 1,2 | 4 |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| MSE 201 | Structure and Properties of Engineering Materials 2 | 3 |
| ST 370 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
| MA 242 | Calculus III 3 | 4 |
| PY 208 & PY 209 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists II and Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory | 4 |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| MSE 255 | Experimental Methods for Structural Analysis of Materials | 2 |
| MSE 260 | Mathematical Methods for Materials Engineers | 3 |
| MSE 270 | Materials Science and Engineering Seminar | 1 |
| CH 220 or CH 221 | Introductory Organic Chemistry or Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 222 | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| MA 341 | Applied Differential Equations I | 3 |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| MSE 300 | Structure of Materials at the Nanoscale | 3 |
| MSE 301 | Introduction to Thermodynamics of Materials | 3 |
| MSE 320 | Introduction to Defects in Solids | 3 |
| MSE 335 | Experimental Methods for Analysis of Material Properties | 2 |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| MSE 355 | Electrical, Magnetic and Optical Properties of Materials | 3 |
| MSE 360 | Kinetic Processes in Materials | 3 |
| MSE 370 | Microstructure of Inorganic Materials | 3 |
| MSE 380 | Microstructure of Organic Materials | 3 |
| Engineering Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| MSE 420 | Mechanical Properties of Materials | 3 |
| MSE 423 | Introduction to Materials Engineering Design | 1 |
| ENG 331 or ENG 333 | Communication for Engineering and Technology or Communication for Science and Research | 3 |
| MSE Processing Elective | 3 | |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| MSE 470 | Materials Science and Engineering Senior Design Project | 3 |
| MSE 480 | Materials Forensics and Degradation | 3 |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Ethics Elective (GEP Requirement) | 3 | |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 126 | |
- 1
College of Engineering CODA class
- 2
Grade of C or higher required
- 3
Grade of C- or higher required
Career Opportunities
Earning a Bachelor of Science in MSE offers graduates a wealth of exciting career opportunities across diverse industries. The interdisciplinary nature of an MSE education prepares individuals to work in roles that involve designing, developing, and optimizing materials that drive innovation and address societal needs. Here’s what you can expect:
Starting Salary: Graduates in MSE typically earn an average starting salary of $70,000 to $90,000 per year.
Common Industries
- Materials Science: Innovate and optimize materials such as semiconductors, metals, steel, plastics, ceramics, and composites for a wide range of applications.
- Electronics and Semiconductors: Create advanced materials for microchips, sensors, and electronic components.
- Aerospace: Develop lightweight, durable materials for aircraft and spacecraft.
- Energy: Advanced materials for renewable energy technologies, batteries, and energy storage systems.
- Sustainability: Develop sustainable materials and processes to reduce environmental impact.
- Biomedical: Design biomaterials for prosthetics, medical devices, and tissue engineering.
- Automotive: Innovate materials for improved fuel efficiency, durability, and safety.
- Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare: Design and improve materials used in drug delivery systems and medical implants.
- Environmental Engineering: Design materials for air and water purification, carbon capture, and environmental cleanup.
- Consumer Goods: Improve products like durable coatings, cosmetics, and high-performance clothing with nanomaterials.
- Regenerative Medicine: Create materials for applications in stem cell therapy and wound healing.
- Diagnostics: Design biosensors and diagnostic devices that utilize biomaterials for medical testing and monitoring.
Career Titles
Materials science and engineering is a dynamic field, offering professionals opportunities to solve complex challenges and make meaningful contributions to society. A career in MSE offers a diverse range of opportunities:
- Ceramics Engineer: Designing and testing ceramic materials for applications in aerospace, electronics, and healthcare.
- Composite Engineer: Designing and analyzing composite materials for lightweight and durable structures.
- Consulting Engineer: Providing technical expertise to solve engineering challenges across industries.
- Corrosion Engineer: Analyzing material degradation and developing corrosion-resistant materials and coatings.
- Data Engineer: Designing, developing, and optimizing data pipelines and workflows for materials-related data.
- Defectivity Design Engineer: Minimizing defects in materials or manufacturing processes and implementing corrective actions.
- Design Engineer: Creating and optimizing product designs using CAD and simulation tools.
- Engineering Technician: Assisting engineers in testing, developing, and manufacturing materials or products.
- Failure Analysis Engineer: Investigating material or product failures to determine root causes and enhance reliability.
- Field Applications Scientist: Supporting customers in implementing scientific tools or materials in applications.
- Manufacturing Engineer: Developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for material production.
- Materials Engineer: Designing, testing, and analyzing materials for various applications.
- Materials Scientist: Conducting research to understand material properties and developing innovative materials.
- Metallurgical Engineer: Developing processes for extracting, refining, and processing metals and alloys.
- Packaging Engineer: Designing and testing innovative packaging solutions for products.
- Patent Examiner: Reviewing patent applications for originality and compliance in materials-related innovations.
- Plastics Engineer: Developing and optimizing polymer and plastic materials for industrial applications.
- Polymer Materials Engineer: Researching and developing advanced polymer materials for diverse applications.
- Pre-Sales Engineer: Providing technical expertise to support sales teams in material-related products.
- Principal Scientist: Leading R&D initiatives in materials science and mentoring junior researchers.
- Process Engineer: Developing and improving manufacturing processes for materials production.
- Product Designer: Creating innovative product designs using advanced materials.
- Product Engineer: Overseeing the development, testing, and manufacturing of products.
- Project Manager: Planning and overseeing material development projects and coordinating teams.
- Quality Engineer: Developing and implementing quality assurance processes to ensure material compliance.
- Quality Control Engineer: Testing materials and products to ensure quality and performance standards are met.
- Renewable Energy Materials Engineer: Developing materials for renewable energy technologies like solar panels and batteries.
- R&D Engineer: Leading research projects to develop innovative materials and technologies.
- Sales Engineer: Providing technical support for the sale of material-related products and solutions.
- Semiconductor Processing Engineer: Developing and optimizing processes for semiconductor fabrication.
- Systems Engineer: Designing and integrating systems for material-related projects and optimizing performance.
Learn More About Careers
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American Society for Testing & Materials
Materials Research Society
National Society of Professional Engineers