Materials science and engineering

You'll study the properties, structure, and performance of materials. Improve them. Customize them. You could break them down and make them better—or build new products and applications for more advanced materials.

Major highlights

Fundamental courses: In materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, and composites. 

Required classes: Study thermodynamics, kinetics, metals and alloys, and electrical and magnetic properties. 

Senior design course: Receive practical training and mingle with industry mentors. 

$67,564 estimated starting salary of our graduates.

Student groups

There are many you can join as an MSE major at the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering, including Material Advantage and the Solar Vehicle Project (UMNSVP). See cse.umn.edu/studentgroups.

Career examples

  • Ceramic engineer
  • Component engineer
  • Metallurgical engineer
  • Materials scientist
  • Polymer engineer

For more info on career prospects, visit: What can I do with a major in materials science and engineering?

Related links

Hear from three students in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS) at the University of Minnesota.

"My research experience has allowed me to mature both as an engineer and as a scientist."—Samuel Swartzendruber, materials science and physics majors

Read our full Q&A with Samuel on our CSE news site.

“This department has faculty who are doing some very interesting research. I also like that my major is quite broad. I’m learning things that will allow me to make a difference in the world.”—Sarvagya Saluja, graduated materials science and engineering major.