ID
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Materials Science and Engineering

Explore 3D printers, SolidWorks software, and the behavior of materials with a bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering from UW-Eau Claire.

Available as
Major
Description

Step Into an Exciting, Innovative Industry

The materials science and engineering bachelor's degree at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire addresses the world's growing need for skilled engineers. A mix of physics, chemistry, and math, the esteemed major applies the tools of basic science with an engineering component that seeks to understand the behavior of materials, their development, and their applications to modern technologies.

Rooted in experiential learning, you will graduate with knowledge of the field and the technology you will use in it. Create parts using 3D printers and develop out-of-the-box solutions to modern-day challenges. Training on cutting-edge, industry-standard instrumentation and software, including SolidWorks, COMSOL, LabView, and MATLAB, will provide you with substantial professional experience.

Curriculum is intentionally structured to help you become a mature critical thinker. Unique assignments, study abroad, and undergraduate research opportunities will refine your writing, communication, and problem-solving skills.

You'll also get a chance to explore. Partnerships with area businesses through capstone projects, internships, and other outside-the-classroom learning experiences will help you identify potential career paths, make connections, and uncover new interests.

Degree Types

Program Details

Degree Types
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Degree Level undergraduate
Available asMajor
Program Length 4 years
Campus
Eau Claire
Offered
On Campus
Requires a minor No
Authored on

Accreditation Information

The Bachelor of Science in Materials Science + Engineering program at UW-Eau Claire is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Materials Engineering Program Criteria.

Hallmarks
MSE capstone student Grey Larson 2020
Preparation for the Real World

UW-Eau Claire’s materials science and engineering degree teams challenging coursework with practical, professional experience. A year-long capstone project will provide you with the opportunity to address a materials-related question or problem, providing you with real-world applications and input from industry experts. Opportunities like these build your technical knowledge of the field, improve your soft skills, and strengthen your resume.

Student in MatSci using lab instrumentation
The Materials Science and Engineering Center

Use testing instruments, equipment, and software found in the industry right now, including a scanning Auger nanoprobe, a scanning electron microscope, an x-ray diffractometer, a confocal laser scanning microscope, and more. Not typically available to students at other universities, this expertise helps you stand out from other job applicants and allows you to do the job — and do it well — on day one.

student poster session, Materials Science research
Aligned with Employer and Industry Needs

Built from the ground up, this program is responsive to the needs of employers, including those in Western Wisconsin as well as the broader materials engineering community. Long-standing relationships with local industry professionals — and a semiannual Career Fair with regional employers — lead to internship and career opportunities while ensuring graduates are prepared to meet workforce needs.

Doug Dunham and student in research computer lab for MatSci
Exceptional Teachers and Mentors

Blugold materials science and engineering students receive an outstanding, personalized education. Faculty hold a Ph.D. in engineering or STEM and go out of their way to encourage an environment that promotes success and innovation. Small class sizes — 100% teacher taught — allow you to develop strong relationships with your peers and professors.

Facts List

Just
the
facts

100% Employed or Continuing Education
Every 2022-2023 graduate from this major is currently employed or continuing their education.
Outcomes Image
Tayo Sanders speaking at NCUR 2023
What can I do

Where can the materials science and engineering program lead me after graduation?

The field of materials science and engineering offers a wide range of career opportunities for Blugold graduates. Graduates find employment in microelectronics, energy production and storage, biomedical applications, aerospace, information technology, nanotechnology, manufacturing, and materials production. 

Example Careers

  • Materials engineer
  • Process engineer
  • Quality assurance
  • Research and development
  • Design and manufacturing
  • Technical journalism
  • Forensic science
  • Technical sales and marketing
  • Production management

Recent Graduates

3M Corporation
Minnesota

Phillips Medisize
Wisconsin

Preco
Wisconsin

Kohler Company
Wisconsin

Cardinal Glass
Wisconsin

Courses information
SampleCourses

UW-Eau Claire's engineering curriculum is designed to meet the individual needs of students. Innovative learning experiences, a focus on design and access to state-of-the-art facilities will allow you to step into the world of engineering and immediately make an impact.

Here are a few courses in Materials Science and Engineering at UW-Eau Claire.

MSE 221

Living in a Materials World

The interplay of the structure, properties, and processing of technological materials and their impact on performance. Societal benefits of sustainable, biomimetic, or responsible materials selection.

MSE 350

Thermodynamics of Materials

Survey of the laws of thermodynamics and their application in Materials Science including phase equilibria. Mathematical skills relevant to engineering applications are discussed in the lab section.

MSE 475

Nanomaterials

Quantum behavior and statistical mechanics of nanomaterials, plus modern synthesis methods, electronic and optical applications, biomaterials.

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