Materials Science and Engineering Profession

Materials Science & Engineering is the study of mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of engineering materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. The objective of a Materials Engineer is to predict and control material properties through an understanding of atomic, molecular, crystalline, and microscopic structures of engineering materials. A Materials Engineer is an essential member of an engineering team responsible for synthesis and processing of advanced materials for manufacturing. A graduate's work may be in areas as diverse as automobile, aerospace, biomedical, or microelectronics manufacturing. Opportunities are available through these industries in the area of research, quality control, product development, design, synthesis, and processing operations.

What does a Materials Science & Engineering Major do?

For career information from the The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS, www.tms.org).

Check out our brochure: Why you should become a Materials Scientist/Engineer at Michigan State!

MSE Program Educational Objectives

The MSE program prepares students to apply their understanding of the processing, application, and sustainable use of engineering materials essential to the realization of new ideas coming from engineers, scientists, enterprises, and society. Our overarching objectives are to equip graduates with the confidence that comes from professionalism, and provide them with the tools needed to contribute meaningfully within any of the diverse professional career paths they may choose.

Since the discipline creates bridges between science and engineering, MSE majors must communicate effectively with people in many different specialties, and work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. MSE graduates must be aware of the economic, social, and environmental implications entailed in the processing and use of materials, and must have a solid grounding in professional engineering ethics.

The faculty provide a rigorous academic environment so that graduates will have mastered the analytical and technical skills needed to successfully compete as professionals, entrepreneurs, or as postgraduate scholars.

The MSE Program prepares our graduates to:

• Achieve success in Materials Science & Engineering or another chosen career;
  
• Advance to leadership roles within their profession and community;
  
• Contribute effectively to their disciplines, economies and society;
  
• Compete with confidence for opportunities for postgraduate education;
  
• Enjoy the benefits of a lifetime of learning and professional development.