Department Information

MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (MSE )

Contact Information:

Department of Materials Science and Engineering The University of Arizona Mines Building, 131 1235 East North Campus Dr PO Box 210012 Tucson, AZ 85721-0012

Phone: (520) 621-6070 Fax: (520) 621-8059 Email: msed@email.arizona.edu Web: Department Homepage

General Information:

MSE  Course Descriptions

Faculty Members

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is in the College of Engineering and Mines.

Degrees, Majors, Minors, and Options:

Baccalaureate Degree

• Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (B.S.M.S.E.)

Graduate Degrees -- consult the Graduate Catalog or department office for details.

• Master of Science (M.S.)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Major and Degrees -- undergraduate degrees link to the Degree/Academic Program Requirements Reports (APRRs).

• Materials Science and Engineering (B.S.M.S.E., M.S., Ph.D.)

Undergraduate Minor

The undergraduate program does not require a minor; however students may select an optional minor from the list of approved university minors.  Minors available within the department are:

• Materials Science and Engineering

Materials science is the science of the structure, properties and behavior of metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers, and composite materials. The materials scientist strives to expand knowledge of the properties of existing materials and to develop new materials.

Materials engineering emphasizes the fundamental knowledge necessary to select, process, and apply materials for societal needs. The materials engineer strives to transform materials for practical use.

More than one-fourth of all scientists and engineers are involved in the science or engineering of materials, indicating that almost every field in science and engineering uses materials. Recognizing the importance of materials in nearly every aspect of technology, The University of Arizona has committed its resources to expanding the Department of MSE. A wide range of courses, covering the many facets of MSE, is now offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (ABET Accredited):

Materials science and engineering is the study of the structure, processing and properties of materials. The field covers the behavior of metals, ceramics, glasses, polymers, semiconductors and composites. The curriculum in MSE includes an unusually large number of elective courses, which can be taken both inside and outside MSE. This is a reflection of the interdisciplinary nature of the field.

All students in MSE are required to take the ten core courses, which cover the fundamental principles of MSE. Based upon a student's interests, an appropriate sequence of elective courses is decided upon with a faculty advisor in the sophomore year. Involvement in active research programs is an important part of undergraduate education in MSE. While participation is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged, and students are urged to seek out faculty and arrange for projects as early in their undergraduate careers as possible. The MSE curriculum prepares students for employment in materials research, development, and production. Graduates are also prepared for graduate study in the many facets of materials science and engineering.

For more information contact the department office listed above.