Materials Science and Engineering (MATS) BS

Advanced materials are critical to nearly every modern technology (electronics, transportation systems, and medical devices). They also play an important role in the solutions to energy and environmental problems we face today. Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is the broad interdisciplinary field that uses the principles of chemistry, physics, engineering, and biology to develop the improved materials. With an increased focus on nanotechnology, the field is advancing rapidly and will be at the heart of new technologies that we haven’t even envisioned.

A materials engineer may specialize in a specific material class (ceramics, metals, polymers) or a specific area of materials science (electrical properties, mechanical properties, processing, testing, etc.), but should possess a broad background in materials science and engineering. Increased emphasis on cost, weight, and size reduction, while still improving product performance, creates challenges for monolithic materials, and opportunities for composites and other new materials. Miniaturization of components frequently is limited by the interactions of dissimilar materials at a microscopic scale. A materials engineer must be able to optimize the overall performance of complex systems involving several materials. In many industries, several materials may be competing for the same market (e.g., polymer composites versus metallic aircraft structures, and ceramic versus metallic engine components). In these applications, a materials engineer must be able to make an unbiased decision in selecting the best material (or combination of materials), which requires a fundamental understanding of the properties and performance of each of the competing materials. The broad technical base of the Materials Science and Engineering degree prepares graduates for employment in a wide range of industries, including electronics, automotive, and aerospace, as well as for graduate school in engineering and science. Graduates of this program are particularly well suited to work for smaller companies that need materials engineers with a broad background, rather than people specialized in particular fields. Many companies involved in manufacturing require engineers with this broad materials background who can specify materials selection, oversee production, or maintain quality control. 

The BS program in Materials Science and 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. 

MATS Program Objectives

Graduates of AU’s Materials Science and Engineering Program will:

1. Be employed in materials-related industries and will continue to move into positions with both increased technical skill requirements and increased managerial responsibilities.
2. Be engaged in continuing their education and lifelong learning in both technical and non-technical fields including graduate studies in Materials Science and Engineering, and other science and engineering majors; MBA programs; medical school; law school; or short course/workshops applicable to growth within a chosen technical field.
3. Become leaders in the development of their professions including professional society activities, conference presentations, scholarly publications, and student recruiting and mentoring.