Materials Science and Engineering (BS): Nanomaterials Concentration
The Materials Science and Engineering (BS): Nanomaterials Concentration provides a comprehensive understanding of materials science and engineering, emphasizing the unique properties of materials at the nanoscale. This concentration delves into the fundamental principles governing the interactions and characteristics of materials at the atomic levels. Students explore advanced topics such as the design and manipulation of ultra-thin films, nanowires, nanoparticles, and other nanostructures and gain a deep understanding of how nanoscale phenomena—such as quantum confinement, surface area effects, and interfacial properties—differ from the behaviors observed in bulk materials. They also study how engineering materials at the nanoscale can impact their structural and functional properties, enabling groundbreaking applications in fields such as electronics, energy storage, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.
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 program.
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.
A cornerstone of this concentration is MSE 465: Nanomaterials, a specialized course that introduces students to the unique properties and applications of materials at the nanoscale. This course covers the fundamentals of nanostructured materials, including their synthesis, characterization, and integration into various applications. Topics include quantum confinement effects, surface area-to-volume ratios, and the role of nanoscale phenomena in influencing material behavior. To further tailor their education, students select four electives from a diverse array of courses in materials processing, engineering, chemistry, physics, and related disciplines. This flexibility allows students to explore topics aligned with their specific interests and career goals. For example, students interested in energy applications might choose electives focusing on nanomaterials for batteries, photovoltaics, or fuel cells, while those aiming for careers in electronics may explore courses in semiconductor materials or quantum mechanics.
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.
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
| 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 |
| Nanomaterials Concentration Courses | ||
| MSE 465 | Introduction to Nanomaterials | 3 |
| Nanomaterials Electives (choose 2 courses) | 6 | |
| MSE Processing Elective (choose 1 course) | 3 | |
| Technical Elective (choose 1 course) | 3 | |
| Technical Writing | ||
| ENG 331 | Communication for Engineering and Technology | 3 |
| or ENG 333 | Communication for Science and Research | |
| Orientation Course | ||
| 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
Nanomaterials Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CH 435 | Introduction to Quantum Chemistry | 3 |
| CH 437 | Physical Chemistry for Engineers | 4 |
| CHE 460 | Chemical Processing of Electronic Materials | 3 |
| CHE 465 | Colloidal and Nanoscale Engineering | 3 |
| CHE 468/568/ECE 468/568 | Conventional and Emerging Nanomanufacturing Techniques and Their Applications in Nanosystems | 3 |
| E 304 | Introduction to Nano Science and Technology | 3 |
| PY 407 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| Other nanomaterials 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. | ||
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 |
| 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 485 | Biomaterials | 3 |
| MSE/ECE/PY 489 | Solid State Solar and Thermal Energy Harvesting | 3 |
| MSE 409/509/NE 409/509 | Nuclear Materials | 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 & CH 224 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| CH 315 | Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| CH 401 | Systematic Inorganic Chemistry I | 3 |
| 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 |
| Nanomaterials Concentration Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| MSE 420 | Mechanical Properties of Materials | 3 |
| MSE 423 | Introduction to Materials Engineering Design | 1 |
| MSE 465 | Introduction to Nanomaterials | 3 |
| ENG 331 or ENG 333 | Communication for Engineering and Technology or Communication for Science and Research | 3 |
| MSE Processing 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 |
| Nanomaterials Concentration Elective | 3 | |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| Ethics Elective (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: Nanomaterials 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.
What can I do with a Nanomaterials Concentration?
A concentration in nanomaterials within MSE offers exciting career opportunities in cutting-edge fields where material properties at the nanoscale are leveraged to revolutionize industries. Nanomaterials professionals are equipped with the expertise to design, characterize, and optimize materials with unique properties like high strength, lightweight, improved electrical conductivity, and enhanced reactivity, making them invaluable in various applications. Whether you aim to pursue a career in research, product development, or environmental sustainability, a concentration in Nanomaterials provides a strong foundation for growth.
Common Industries
- Advanced Materials & Manufacturing: Engineer nanostructured metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites for high-performance applications.
- Electronics & Semiconductors: Develop nanoscale materials for microchips, sensors, transistors, and quantum computing.
- Aerospace & Defense: Enhance lightweight, high-strength materials for aircraft, spacecraft, and protective coatings.
- Energy & Sustainability: Create high-efficiency solar cells, next-gen batteries, and hydrogen storage materials.
- Biomedical & Healthcare: Design nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, biosensors, and tissue engineering.
- Automotive & Transportation: Improve fuel efficiency, durability, and lightweight materials for electric and conventional vehicles.
- Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology: Innovate in nanomedicine, drug delivery systems, and diagnostic tools.
- Environmental Engineering: Engineer nanomaterials for water purification, air filtration, and carbon capture.
- Consumer Goods: Develop self-cleaning surfaces, antimicrobial coatings, and high-performance textiles.
Career Titles
- Nanomaterials Scientist: Conducting research and development of new nanomaterials for specific applications.
- Nanotechnology Engineer: Designing and fabricating nanoscale devices and systems.
- Quality Assurance Specialist: Ensuring nanoscale products meet rigorous safety and performance standards.
- Sustainability Specialist: Developing nanomaterials for eco-friendly and sustainable solutions
Learn More About Careers
NCcareers.org
Explore North Carolina’s central online resource for students, parents, educators, job seekers and career counselors looking for high quality job and career information.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Browse the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to view state and area employment and wage statistics. You can also identify and compare similar occupations based on your interests.
Career One Stop Videos
View videos that provide career details and information on wages, employment trends, skills needed, and more for any occupation. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Focus 2 Career Assessment (NC State student email address required)
This career, major and education planning system is available to current NC State students to learn about how your values, interests, competencies, and personality fit into the NC State majors and your future career. An NC State email address is required to create an account. Make an appointment with your career counselor to discuss the results.
Focus 2 Apply Assessment (Available to prospective students)
A career assessment tool designed to support prospective students in exploring and choosing the right major and career path based on your unique personality, interests, skills and values. Get started with Focus 2 Apply and see how it can guide your journey at NC State.
American Society for Testing & Materials
Materials Research Society
National Society of Professional Engineers