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College of Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering

302 Roberts Hall
206-543-2600
Website
Faculty Website
mse@u.washington.edu

Materials science and engineering (MSE) is an interdisciplinary field where the scientific fundamentals of materials, their structure and properties, and their design and processing for real world applications are explored. Developing new equipment for materials development, and exploring new uses for existing and new materials are also essential tasks of MSE, particularly to meet the needs of modern technology. Examples of materials science research and applications development occurring in the MSE department include developing biomaterials for tissue engineering; composites and metals for aerospace; ceramics for energy applications; computational techniques for materials development; eco-materials for green technologies; genetically engineered molecules and semiconductors for electronics; magnetic materials for information storage/processing, biomedicine and energy conversion; and polymers for telecommunications and solar energy.

 Undergraduate Programs


Materials Science and Engineering

302A Roberts Hall
206-616-6581
askmse@uw.edu

 Program of Study: Major: Materials Science and Engineering


Program Overview

Materials science and engineering (MSE) is an interdisciplinary field where the scientific fundamentals of materials, their structure and properties, and their design and processing for real world applications are explored. Developing new equipment for materials development, and exploring new uses for existing and new materials are also essential tasks of MSE, particularly to meet the needs of modern technology. MSE offers two bachelor's degrees, one in MSE and another in MSE with a degree option in Nanoscience and Molecular Engineering. A BS-to-MS program is also available to highly qualified undergraduates. Preparing our students for the wide variety of jobs that await them is our highest priority. Our graduates find employment in the aerospace, automotive, biomedical, chemical, construction, electronics, energy and telecommunication industries. We are proud to lay the foundations for successful careers in many sectors of the economy, from academia to industry.

This program of study leads to the following credentials:
  • Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering degree
  • Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering degree: Nanoscience and Molecular Engineering
Admission Requirements

Engineering Undeclared Students

See section on College of Engineering Admission for additional details on Direct-to-College admission and placement process for Engineering Undeclared students. The deadline to submit a request for placement in an engineering major occurs annually on July 1.

If the number of Engineering Undeclared students requesting the major exceeds the department capacity for such students, a matching process is implemented. Factors considered include performance in prerequisite courses, quality of overall academic record, content of personal statement, applicable work or extracurricular activities, and other special circumstances as disclosed by the applicant.

Engineering Undeclared students in good standing with respect to the continuation criteria described below may request placement into an engineering major after completion of minimum requirements as specified below:

  1. ENGR 101
  2. English composition
  3. MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136)
  4. CHEM 142 (or CHEM 143 or CHEM 145)
  5. PHYS 121 (or PHYS 141)
  6. One course from the list on this website. Students are encouraged to choose a course required for graduation in the majors they are considering.
  7. Minimum 2.0 grade in each course used to satisfy a placement requirement.
  8. Minimum 12 credits as a matriculated UW student. Some departments require more credits. See department websites for details.

Students in good standing who do not meet the placement requirements by July 1 will be placed into a major on a conditional basis pending the completion of all placement requirements. Additional advising resources will be available to these students. See section on College of Engineering Continuation Policy for Engineering Undeclared Students for additional details.

Other Current UW Students and Transfer Students

Current UW students without Engineering Undeclared status and transfer students may apply. Admission is competitive.

  1. Admission is for autumn quarter only. Priority application deadline: April 5. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until September 1 in years when capacity remains. Direct transfer applicants must have an application submitted to the University for autumn quarter to be considered.
  2. Minimum course requirements: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136); CHEM 142, CHEM 152 (or CHEM 143, CHEM 153; or CHEM 145, CHEM 155); PHYS 121, PHYS 122 (or PHYS 141, PHYS 142); 5 credits English composition. All courses completed prior to application deadline. In addition, AMATH 301 (or CSE 122 or CSE 142); MATH 207 (unless MATH 135 is completed); and MSE 170 completed with minimum 2.0 grades prior to autumn quarter
  3. Grade requirements: Minimum 2.0 grade in each course required for application; minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in courses required for application

Students are encouraged to complete A A 210, CEE 220, ENGR 231, MATH 208 (unless MATH 136 is completed), and PHYS 123 (or PHYS 143) prior to autumn quarter.

Factors considered include performance in prerequisite courses, quality of overall academic record, demonstrated ability to complete a rigorous courseload, record of honors, content of personal statement, applicable work or extracurricular activities, and other special circumstances as disclosed by the applicant.

Continuation Policy

All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Failure to do so results in probation, which can lead to dismissal from the major. For the complete continuation policy contact the department adviser or refer to the department website.

 Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering degree


Credential Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering offers enrolled students exploration in the scientific fundamentals of materials, their structure and properties, and their design and processing for real world applications. Students also study the development of new equipment for materials development, and exploration of new uses for existing and new materials. Students study the fundamentals of engineering and science, spend their Junior studying core MSE concepts, and spend their Senior year on research and electives in areas of interest. Preparing our students for the wide variety of jobs that await them is our highest priority. Our graduates find employment in the aerospace, automotive, biomedical, chemical, construction, electronics, energy and telecommunication industries. We are proud to lay the foundations for successful careers in many sectors of the economy, from academia to industry.

Completion Requirements

Minimum 180 credits

General Education Requirements

Basic Skills

  1. Written and Oral Communications (12 credits)
    1. English Composition: 5 credits from the University list
    2. Writing: ENGR 231 (or department-approved alternative); remaining 4 credits met by coursework in the major
  2. Reasoning (RSN) (5 credits): met by program requirements
  3. Diversity (DIV) (5 credits): courses may also apply to an Areas of Inquiry requirement. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.

Areas of Inquiry

  1. Arts and Humanities (A&H) and Social Sciences (SSc) (24 credits)
    1. A&H (10 credits)
    2. SSc (10 credits)
    3. Additional credits in A&H or SSc to bring total to 24 credits
  2. Natural Sciences (NSc) (55-62 credits)
    1. Mathematics (24-25 credits) complete one of the following:
      1. MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 207, MATH 208; one from MATH 209, MATH 224, MATH 318, IND E 315, or STAT 390
      2. MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136; one from MATH 209, MATH 224, MATH 318, IND E 315; additional MATH, IND E, or STAT courses to reach 24 credits
    2. Sciences (31-37 credits): CHEM 142, CHEM 152 (or CHEM 143, CHEM 153; or CHEM 145, CHEM 155); PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123 (or PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 143); two additional natural science courses from the department's approved list
Additional Completion Requirements

Major Requirements (93 credits)

  1. Engineering Fundamentals (24 credits): one course from CSE 122, CSE 142, or AMATH 301; MSE 170; A A 210; CEE 220; 8 credits of additional engineering elective courses from the department's list of approved courses.
  2. Materials Science and Engineering Core (54 credits): MSE 310, MSE 311, MSE 312, MSE 313, MSE 321, MSE 322, MSE 331, MSE 333, MSE 342, MSE 351, MSE 352, MSE 362, MSE 399, MSE 431, MSE 442, MSE 491, MSE 492, MSE 499 (4)
  3. Technical Electives (15 credits): See department advising office for list of acceptable courses.
  4. Grade Requirement: Minimum 2.00 departmental cumulative GPA

 Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering degree: Nanoscience and Molecular Engineering


Credential Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering, with an option in Nanoscience and Molecular Engineering (NME) offers enrolled students exploration in the scientific fundamentals of materials, their structure and properties, and their design and processing for real world applications. Students also study the development of new equipment for materials development, and exploration of new uses for existing and new materials. In this degree Option, students devote all of their MSE electives and their Senior Project to the subjects of nanoscience and molecular engineering. NME students study the fundamentals of engineering and science, spend their Junior studying core MSE concepts, and spend their Senior year on research and NME coursework. Our NME option students find employment in all areas of MSE, but are naturally focused on putting their NME skills to work. We are proud to lay the foundations for successful careers in many economic sectors, from academia to industry.

Additional Admission Requirements

Option specific admission

Admission is by self-selection and normally occurs after completion of NME 220 and NME 221, completion of the major prerequisite courses, and formal admission to the MSE major. Transfer students should indicate an interest on their major application and discuss their interests/background in the application personal statement.

Completion Requirements

Minimum 180 credits

General Education Requirements

Basic Skills

  1. Written and Oral Communications (12 credits)
    1. English Composition: 5 credits from the University list
    2. Writing: ENGR 231 (or department-approved alternative); remaining 4 credits met by coursework in the major
  2. Reasoning (RSN) (5 credits): met by program requirements
  3. Diversity (DIV) (5 credits): courses may also apply to an Areas of Inquiry requirement. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.

Areas of Inquiry

  1. Arts and Humanities (A&H) and Social Sciences (SSc) (24 credits)
    1. A&H (10 credits)
    2. SSc (10 credits)
    3. Additional credits in A&H or SSc to bring total to 24 credits
  2. Natural Sciences (NSc) (55-62 credits)
    1. Mathematics (24-25 credits) complete one of the following:
      1. MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 207, MATH 208; one from MATH 209, MATH 224, MATH 318, IND E 315, or STAT 390
      2. MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136; one from MATH 209, MATH 224, MATH 318, IND E 315; additional MATH, IND E, or STAT courses to reach 24 credits
    2. Sciences (31-37 credits): CHEM 142, CHEM 152 (or CHEM 143, CHEM 153; or CHEM 145, CHEM 155); PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123 (or PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 143); two additional natural science courses from the department's approved list
Additional Completion Requirements

Option Requirements (97 credits)

  1. Engineering Fundamentals (24 credits): one course from CSE 122, CSE 142, or AMATH 301; MSE 170; A A 210; CEE 220; 8 credits of engineering elective courses from the department's list of approved courses.
  2. Materials Sciences and Engineering Core (54 credits): MSE 310, MSE 311, MSE 312, MSE 313, MSE 321, MSE 322, MSE 331, MSE 333, MSE 342, MSE 351, MSE 352, MSE 362, MSE 399, MSE 431, MSE 442, MSE 491, MSE 492, MSE 499 (4). The senior project (MSE 499) must be in an NME area.
  3. Nanoscience and Molecular Engineering Courses (19 credits): NME 220, NME 221, NME 321, NME 421; additional approved nanoscience and molecular engineering electives to reach 19 credits. See adviser for list of approved electives.
  4. Grade Requirements: Minimum 2.00 departmental cumulative GPA

 Program of Study: Minor: Materials Science and Engineering


Program Overview

Materials Science & Engineering offers a minor to provide enrolled students with the necessary fundamental materials science and engineering skills to enable specialized work with materials within their major discipline upon graduation, or to prepare for graduate studies in Materials Science & Engineering at the UW or elsewhere.

This program of study leads to the following credential:
  • Minor in Materials Science and Engineering

 Minor in Materials Science and Engineering


Credential Overview

The Materials Science & Engineering minor provides students with the necessary fundamental materials science and engineering skills to enable specialized work with materials within their major discipline upon graduation, or to prepare for graduate studies in Materials Science & Engineering at the UW or elsewhere. Courses for the MSE minor are particularly chemistry- and physics- intensive so foundational skills in these disciplines are essential for success.

Completion Requirements

30 credits

  1. MSE 170, MSE 321, MSE 322, MSE 331, MSE 333, MSE 342, MSE 351, MSE 352, MSE 362
  2. Minimum 2.0 grade required for each course

The following courses serve as prerequisites for the departmental courses in the minor: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 207, and MATH 208 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136); CHEM 142, CHEM 152 (or CHEM 143, CHEM 153, or CHEM 145, CHEM 155); PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123 (or PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 143); MSE 170; English composition. Students should take these courses before beginning the minor program.

Additional Information

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

  • Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: Undergraduate students are offered both broad core and in-depth courses. The broad core provides the needed background and understanding of all types of engineering materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic materials, and composites. The curriculum provides an opportunity to use basic knowledge in science and engineering fundamentals to synthesize and design materials for engineering applications. The undergraduate curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience, oral and written communication, and teamwork, and encourages participation in research. Graduates with a degree in materials science and engineering find employment in a broad range of industries including aerospace, biomedical, clean energy sector, electronic manufacturing, materials processing, and transportation. The Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org. Refer to department website for more information about MSE undergraduate program educational objectives and student outcomes.
  • Instructional and Research Facilities: Department research facilities and labs are detailed on the department website.
  • Honors Options Available: With College Honors (Completion of Honors Core Curriculum and Departmental Honors); With Honors (Completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major). Refer to department website for more information.
  • Research, Internships, and Service Learning: All undergraduate students complete a research requirement for graduation. Refer to department website for more information. Students interested in earning credit for internships register for the Career Center @ Engineering Internship program.
  • Department Scholarships: The department awards scholarships annually through the College of Engineering scholarship process. Refer to department website for more information.
  • Student Organizations/Associations: Refer to department website for information.

 Graduate Programs


Materials Science and Engineering

302B Roberts Hall
206-543-2740
msegradadvising@uw.edu

 Program of Study: Doctor Of Philosophy (Materials Science And Engineering)


This program of study leads to the following credentials:
  • Doctor Of Philosophy (Materials Science And Engineering And Nanotechnology And Molecular Engineering)
  • Doctor Of Philosophy (Materials Science And Engineering)
Admission Requirements

Contact department for requirements.

 Doctor Of Philosophy (Materials Science And Engineering And Nanotechnology And Molecular Engineering)


Completion Requirements

Contact department for requirements.

 Doctor Of Philosophy (Materials Science And Engineering)


Completion Requirements

Contact department for requirements.

 Program of Study: Master Of Science (Materials Science And Engineering)


This program of study leads to the following credentials:
  • Master Of Science (Materials Science And Engineering)
  • Master Of Science (Materials Science And Engineering: Applied)
Admission Requirements

Contact department for requirements.

 Master Of Science (Materials Science And Engineering)


Completion Requirements

Contact department for requirements.

 Master Of Science (Materials Science And Engineering: Applied)


Completion Requirements

Contact department for requirements.

 Program of Study: Master Of Science In Materials Science And Engineering


This program of study leads to the following credentials:
  • Master Of Science In Materials Science And Engineering
  • Master Of Science In Materials Science And Engineering
  • Master Of Science In Materials Science And Engineering (fee-based)
Admission Requirements

Contact department for requirements.

 Master Of Science In Materials Science And Engineering


Completion Requirements

Contact department for requirements.

 Master Of Science In Materials Science And Engineering


Completion Requirements

Contact department for requirements.

 Master Of Science In Materials Science And Engineering (fee-based)


Completion Requirements

Contact department for requirements.

Additional Information

Master's Program


Overall details about the MSE Master's Program are available at https://mse.washington.edu/student/applied-masters

Master's Program Admission : https://mse.washington.edu/admission/graduate/amp


Ph.D Program


Overall details about the MSE Ph.D. Program are available at https://mse.washington.edu/student/doctorate

Ph.D. Program Admission: https://mse.washington.edu/admission/phd


Research Facilities and Labs


MSE research facilities and labs are detailed at https://mse.washington.edu/about/facilities.