аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÄÚÄ»ÐÅÏ¢

materials science and engineering major works in lab at uc davis

Materials Science and Engineering

College of Engineering

  • Bachelor of Science

Have you ever wondered what your stuff is made of? Then materials science and engineering is the major for you! Cell phones, semiconductors, automobiles, airplanes, tennis rackets, bicycles, space shuttle tiles and surgical implants — all of these objects rely on metals, ceramics, glasses or polymers. Discovering new materials and integrating them into engineering design is a daunting but rewarding task. This is the heart of the discipline. Newly engineered materials play a crucial role in technology, health and the well-being of society. 

Major Requirements

You will begin with a rigorous series of courses in mathematics, natural sciences and basic engineering to prepare yourself for more advanced study. At the upper-division level, you will take materials science and engineering (MSE) courses in materials thermodynamics, structure evolution, phase changes, transformation kinetics, and mechanical, electrical and magnetic properties. Parallel with this, you may choose to specialize in any one of the following areas: biomedical engineering, biosystems engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering or mechanical engineering. Regardless of your specialization, you will master principles of fundamental MSE, perform experiments, and conduct laboratory analysis and materials testing. In your senior year, you will be required to complete a capstone course in materials engineering design to integrate your coursework and prepare for the transition to a job in industry or for opportunities for graduate study.

Contact Information

Degree Outcomes

Careers

  • Materials Engineer
  • Metallurgist
  • Design Engineer
  • Product/Process Development Scientist
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technician

Graduate Study

  • Engineering
  • Environmental sciences
  • Synthetic biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Materials science

Alumni Employers

  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Intel
  • Nike
  • National Center for Photovoltaics
  • Northwestern University
Two students inspect a photo on a window.
Internship opportunities

Explore internships and jobs on campus and beyond.

Learn more

 

Students smile and listen in a lecture.
Your course roadmap

Find the detailed course requirements for your program and map out your path to graduation.

 

Two people in safety goggles inspect a test.
The faculty you will work with

Our undergraduates work directly with our faculty through research projects and labs.

Learn more

 

study abroad student explores europe
Global learning programs

Expand your horizons by studying abroad or pursuing global learning on campus.

 

rebecca hernandez examines plants as part of her energy ecology work
Undergraduate research

Get hands on with your interests. Participate in one of our hundreds of research opportunities.

Learn more

 

A student wears a cap and gown.
What can I do with my MSE major?

Learn how to connect your materials science and engineering major to career opportunities.

Learn more