Industry-relevant education

Our curriculum is designed to combine a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills of MSE with a modern education that inculcates a thoughtful, problem-solving approach to professional life. The program culminates in a capstone project that enables students to work with industry partners and a team of their classmates to solve real-world problems.

Highlights of the B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering

The curriculum includes:

  • 102 units* of core courses - more than half of the core courses include lab work, including the Capstone course.
  • 36 units of MSE-restricted elective courses
  • 9 units of technical elective courses
  • 45 units of free elective courses

*3 units is equivalent to 1 credit at other institutions 

  • Many students choose to pursue an additional major in Biomedical Engineering, Engineering and Public Policy, or Engineering Design, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. 
  • Students in MSE can pursue any of the College of Engineering minors

Explore the core courses for an MSE undergraduate student.

View a sample schedule of courses.

Want to get a sense of what day day might look like as an undergraduate MSE student? View our " A Day in the Life" Video.