The undergraduate program in materials and science engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Mailing Address: 122 S. Central Campus Dr., #304, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0560
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Website: www.mse.utah.edu
Phone: 801-581-6863
Email: mse-info@lists.utah.edu
Department Chair: Dmitry Bedrov, Ph.D.
Mission Statement
The Materials Science & Engineering program at the University of Utah advances the understanding, design, and application of materials through integrated teaching, research, and service. The program prepares students to apply principles of physics, chemistry, and engineering to develop innovative materials solutions that support technological advancement, sustainability, and societal needs.
Overview
Materials Science & Engineering is an interdisciplinary field combining physics, chemistry, and engineering to understand structure–property relationships and design advanced materials. The program serves as a key academic unit within the College of Engineering, supporting both fundamental scientific discovery and applied engineering innovation. Faculty research and teaching emphasize the development and processing of metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and electronic materials, with applications spanning energy systems, aerospace, biomedical technologies, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.
The department is committed to:
Excellence in undergraduate and graduate education through rigorous, research-informed curricula
Cutting-edge materials research addressing modern technological challenges
Hands-on laboratory and experimental training
Collaborative engagement with industry and interdisciplinary research communities
Preparing graduates for leadership roles in engineering, research, and advanced technological sectors
Distinctive strengths include strong integration of science and engineering fundamentals, emphasis on materials processing and characterization, and research addressing energy, sustainability, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
Types of Degrees
Bachelor of Science
Master of Science
Master of Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy
Undergraduate Programs
The Bachelor of Science in Materials Science & Engineering provides students with a rigorous, interdisciplinary education integrating physics, chemistry, and engineering principles to understand structure–property relationships and design advanced materials systems. The undergraduate curriculum emphasizes foundational science, materials characterization, processing methods, computational tools, and engineering design, preparing students for careers in industry, research, or advanced study.
Students progress through a structured sequence beginning with mathematics, physics, chemistry, and introductory engineering courses, followed by core materials science topics including thermodynamics, kinetics, materials characterization, mechanical behavior, electronic materials, polymers, ceramics, composites, and critical minerals/materials. Upper-division coursework integrates laboratory experiences and design-focused projects that emphasize problem solving, experimental analysis, and teamwork.
Signature Opportunities and Experiential Learning
Participation in faculty-led research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
Access to advanced research and characterization facilities such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and spectroscopy laboratories
Industry internships and cooperative education experiences
Design projects aligned with real-world engineering challenges
Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering and science disciplines
Advising Model and Student Support
Students are supported through a structured advising model that includes faculty advisors, professional academic advisors, and departmental staff. Advising focuses on academic planning, career development, research engagement, and preparation for internships or graduate school.
Graduate Program
The graduate programs in Materials Science & Engineering provide advanced education and research training leading to the Master of Science (M.S.), Professional Master’s, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Graduate study emphasizes independent research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advanced technical expertise across a broad range of materials systems.
Graduate Academic Experience
Graduate students engage in coursework and research that deepen understanding of materials structure, processing, characterization, and performance. Students work closely with faculty advisors to develop individualized plans of study aligned with research goals and career pathways.
Research Areas and Specializations
Metals and structural materials
Ceramics and composites
Polymer and soft materials
Semiconductor and electronic materials
Biomaterials
Materials for energy systems
Advanced manufacturing and processing
Materials characterization and computational materials science
Signature Opportunities and Experiential Learning
Participation in externally funded research projects
Collaboration with industry and national laboratories
Access to advanced research instrumentation and facilities
Teaching assistantships and mentoring opportunities
Advising Model and Student Support
Graduate students are mentored by faculty research advisors and supported by graduate coordinators and departmental resources.