Ceramic Engineering (CEGR) BS

Ceramics are materials of great diversity; their properties make them useful in many applications. Advanced ceramics are ubiquitous in electronic devices (computers, cell phones, tablets), sensors in automobiles, igniters in appliances, tiles on the space shuttle, and cathodes in batteries. Ceramics are also often used in manufacturing other materials and products- refractories that contain molten metals, filters for molten materials, insulators for furnaces, cutting tools, abrasives, and wear-resistant components. In a nutshell, ceramics are some of the oldest and some of the newest materials we use. Many issues that impact energy conservation, recycling, and other environmental concerns can only be solved by the use of ceramics.

Ceramic engineering graduates have a variety of career paths. Many become process engineers, ensuring that manufacturing operations run smoothly, and developing improvements that enhance production efficiency and save energy. Others work in technical sales, explaining materials and products, and working with customers to achieve the best match between needs and products. Some are engaged in developing new materials and processes, or in testing materials and components. Of course, some choose to continue their education, earning a Masters or Ph.D., and then going into research and/or teaching. Many ceramic engineering graduates, regardless of their initial path, achieve management positions (supervisors, plant managers, directors of research, etc.), and many ends up owning their own companies. 

The BS program in Ceramic Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Materials, Metallurgical, Ceramics and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. 

CEGR Program Objectives

1. The graduates of our Ceramic Engineering program function as engineers in the field of ceramics or material science, serving the ceramic and related industries and academia, with the tools necessary to sustain a long and productive career in the field.
2. The graduates of our Ceramic Engineering program are innovators in the field of ceramic engineering, and related materials fields, and bring their background and hands-on experience to problem-solving and the development of efficient and sustainable manufacturing practices.
3. The graduates of our Ceramic Engineering program will be able to design experiments, appropriately treat, evaluate, and interpret data generated in manufacturing processes (such as process control and loss data) or from experimental results, through statistical analysis, data presentation, etc., for the purposes of understanding trends, making predictions, and communicating effectively in the workplace.
4. The graduates of our Ceramic Engineering program bring professional expertise and organizational skills to their careers in industry or academia and relate science and technology to a wide range of technical fields.