On behalf of the Materials Science and Engineering Department, congratulations on your recent acceptance to Carnegie Mellon University! We are delighted that you are considering joining our vibrant community.
We know that you are making many decisions and we would like to have the best and most complete information available for you. If you have any questions remaining, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
We hope to welcome you to CMU this fall!
MSE Information Sessions
These sessions held during the University's "Turn Tartan" days will answer all of your questions about the MSE curriculum, requirements, research opportunities, career options, and anything else that comes to mind. Our department will be participating on March 24 and 31, as well as April 7, 11 14, and 18. A virtual information session will be held on April 24.
If you are unable to attend at one of these times, please fill out an appointment request and we will arrange an alternate time to connect.
A glimpse into life in MSE
Coursework for first year students
In addition to the Engineering the Materials of the Future course (27-100), you can expect to be scheduling courses that are required in the engineering curriculum. Many students in MSE choose to pursue an additional major in Engineering and Public Policy, Biomedical Engineering, or Engineering Design, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, so you may wish to consider these introductory courses in your second semester. A variety of minors are also available through the College of Engineering and beyond.
Undergraduate Research
The Materials Science and Engineering department has numerous research opportunities available to undergraduate students. Many students carry out research for credit or extracurricular research with individual professors; students are encouraged to contact professors directly for such opportunities. In your senior year, you will work on a capstone project sponsored by industry partners in order to solve a real-life materials challenge.
Student outcomes
Carnegie Mellon has a strong reputation among employers and graduate schools alike. In MSE, our students have completed internships at companies worldwide, including Apple, Merck, NASA, Nucor, Proctor & Gamble, and US Steel. Our department works closely with the University Career & Professional Development Center to facilitate connections for students. After completing the undergraduate program, our graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees at premier higher education institutions, or enter the workforce with an average starting salary of $85,000.
Big city setting with neighborhood feel
Pittsburgh is one consistently rated as one of the most affordable and safest cities in the U.S. Composed of distinctive neighborhoods, there's something in Pittsburgh to appease all interests - from sports to outdoor activities to the fine arts. Just steps away from CMU's campus in Oakland, students have access to parks, museums, restaurants, shopping, and more.
Visit us virtually
Since not everyone is able to visit campus, we’ve gathered a few videos that highlight the campus experience. You'll see research opportunities, recordings of actual undergraduate class sessions, and information regarding on-campus activities. We will also be hosting a virtual information session in April.
