Materials Science & Engineering Major

Why major in Materials Science & Engineering?

Materials engineers play a vital role in solving today’s most challenging energy and environmental problems, and the outlook for materials science engineers is incredibly promising. Engineering is one of the highest-paying industries for college graduates, and the job sector of materials science engineers is expected to see substantial growth in the coming decades. Developments in nanotechnology and in the use of biomedical materials, high-performance textiles, composites and sustainable materials are creating job opportunities.
With a materials science and engineering degree from the University of Delaware, you will be poised for success in industries that impact societal needs in energy, the environment, and biomedicine as well as other consumer needs such as semiconductor and electronics manufacturing.
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Materials Science and Engineering uses the principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering to develop better, safer and more sustainable materials. Everything we see and use is made from materials derived from the earth, and advanced materials are essential to nearly every modern technology. Materials engineers study the structures and properties of all types of materials – metals, polymers, ceramics, semiconductors and composites – and develop new ways to make them using nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing techniques.

Graduate Programs

  • MS or PhD in Engineering
  • MS or PhD in Engineering
  • Advanced Systems Architecture
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Electromagnetics and Photonics
  • Materials Science
  • Nanofabrication
  • Sustainable Energy Systems
  • MBA
  • Law School
  • Medical School
  • Dental School

Career Paths

  • Business Technology Analyst
  • Consultant
  • Design Engineer
  • Energy Systems Engineer
  • Entrepreneur
  • Medical Devices or Medical Device Sales
  • Medical Equipment and Diagnostics
  • Nanofabrication Engineer
  • Nuclear Engineer
  • Orthopaedics
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
  • Process Engineer
  • Product Development Engineer or Product Specialist
  • Project Engineer or Project Manager
  • Public Health
  • Quality Control Technician or Quality Engineer
  • Research Associate
  • Research and Development
  • Engineering
  • Research Scientist
  • Robotics Engineer
  • Simulation Engineer
  • System Test Engineer
  • Technical Support Engineer

Sample Curriculum

Faculty and students in materials science and engineering study biomaterials, photovoltaics, polymers, semiconductors, and nanocomposites in collaboration with established areas of excellence on campus, including the Center for Composite Materials, the Institute for Energy Conversion, and the Delaware Biotechnology Institute.
First Year

EGGG 101 – Introduction to Engineering (FYE)

CHEM 111 – General Chemistry

MATH 241 – Analytic Geometry & Calculus A

CISC 106 – General Computer Science for Engineers

ENGL 110 – Seminar in Composition

MSEG 111 – Freshman Materials Experience

CHEM 112 – General Chemistry

MATH 242 – Analytic Geometry & Calculus B

PHYS 207 – Fundamentals of Physics I

Breadth Requirement Elective 1

Second Year

MSEG 201 – Introduction to Materials Science

MATH 243 – Analytic Geometry & Calculus C

PHYS 208 – Fundamentals of Physics II

COMM 212 – Oral Communications in Business

Breadth Requirement Elective 2

MSEG 211 – Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics

MSEG 212 – Materials Chemistry & Kinetics

MATH 351 – Engineering Mathematics I

Technical Elective 1

Breadth Requirement Elective 3

Third Year
MSEG 305 – Materials Science & Engineering Lab I

MSEG 303 – Introduction to Polymers

MSEG 304 – Computational Materials Science & Engineering

Technical Elective 2

Breadth Requirement Elective 4

MSEG 312 – Solid State Physics & Quantum Mechanics

MSEG 311 – Structural & Mechanical Properties of Materials

MSEG 315 – Materials Science & Engineering Lab II

Technical Elective 3

Breadth Requirement Elective 5

Fourth Year
MSEG 401 – Design of Materials & Their Application (DLE & Capstone)

MSEG 402 – Nanoscale Materials Laboratory

MSEG Elective

Breadth Requirement Elective 6

MSEG 415 – Degradation & Failure of Materials

MSEG Elective

MSEG Elective

Technical Elective 4

Technical Elective 5

Additional MSE Undergraduate Opportunities

4+1 Program

Our department offers a special 4+1 BS/MMSE program for highly-qualified undergraduate students.
>> 4+1 Program Details

 

Undergraduate Minors

We offer two undergraduate minors: materials science and nanoscale materials.
>> Details and required courses

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