Materials graduates are essential to the economic growth of the country. They contribute to the development, selection, and use of materials in all engineering and scientific applications. Master's and doctoral degrees in materials science and engineering are offered. An excellent selection of undergraduate courses is also offered in preparation and support of graduate studies. Course offerings and research activities cover a diversity of subjects in the broad field of materials. Subjects include biomaterials, nanotechnolgy, computational materials science, physical metallurgy, mechanical properties, fracture mechanics, corrosion phenomena, processing, thermodynamics and phase equilibria, non-destructive testing, X-ray analysis, phase transformations, glass science, electronic/technical ceramics, thin-film semiconductors, electronic and optical microscopy, dispersions and rheology, refractories, surface analysis, fiber science, polymerization reaction engineering, polymer process simulation, mechanical properties of polymers, and process-structure-property characterization of polymers. For a listing of approved polymer courses, also see the listings in the Schools of Chemical Engineering and Polymer, Textile and Fiber Engineering. State-of-the-art research facilities in the School of Materials Science and Engineering contribute to the strength of the program.

MSE graduates find employment with manufacturing firms in light and heavy industry, in research laboratories of private firms and federal agencies, and in academic institutions. Several recent graduates have filled positions of high responsibility in these areas and have been instrumental in advancing the level of materials engineering practice in the United States. The MSE faculty participate in numerous multidisciplinary programs including manufacturing engineering, surface science technology, microelectronics, electronic packaging, polymers, and composites.