About Our Department
Preparing students to lead in materials science through hands-on research, interdisciplinary innovation and real-world impact.
What is Materials Science and Engineering?
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is at the heart of innovation, shaping the tools, technologies and everyday products that define our modern life. From lightweight, fuel-efficient car frames and next-generation semiconductors to ultra-thin, damage-resistant glass displays and biologically compatible medical implants, materials science empowers engineers to solve complex challenges and improve human lives.
At its core, MSE is the study of how materials behave, how they can be improved, and how we can design entirely new ones to meet the needs of the future. Many of today’s largest industrial challenges await materials solutions; electrical engineers require superior semiconductor materials, computer scientists demand ultra-high-density data storage media and biomedical engineers rely on smart materials to repair and replace parts of the human body.
At NC State, materials science is more than just atoms and molecules. It’s a collaborative, problem-solving discipline spanning nanotechnology, energy, data science and biomedicine. Known as a friendly, supportive department, NC State MSE provides unique, high-impact opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Excellence by the Numbers
| Distinction | Description |
|---|---|
| Top 25 Graduate Program | Ranked #21 among the top materials science & engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report (2026) |
| Top 20 Undergraduate Program | Ranked #20 among the top materials science & engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report (2026) |
| 4 Holladay Medals | Awarded the university’s highest faculty honor |
| 10 University Faculty Scholars | Recognized as emerging academic leaders at NC State |
| 8 National Academy Members | Includes 5 National Academy of Inventors fellows |
| 1 National Medal of Technology & Innovation | Highest national honor awarded for technological achievement (1995) |
| 1 North Carolina Award Winner | The state’s highest civilian honor awarded (2014) |
| 1 Entrepreneur of the Year | NC State’s top entrepreneurship award (2023) |
| 7 R.J. Reynolds Awards | The College of Engineering’s highest honor for faculty research |
Department Mission and Values
At NC State’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, our mission is to provide students with a sound education in materials science, advance scientific understanding, enhance economic development and improve quality of life through teaching, research and outreach.
- Leadership-Focused: Producing well-rounded scientists and engineers equipped to excel in technical arenas and assume leadership roles in industry, academia and government.
- Hands-On & High-Impact: Combining cutting-edge science with practical application using state-of-the-art instrumentation and technology.
- Team-Oriented Culture: Fostering a supportive environment across our academic enterprise, connecting students with friendly faculty, staff and student ambassadors.
Distinguished Faculty Accomplishments
NC State MSE is home to 27 distinguished faculty members whose achievements are recognized at the university, state, national, and international levels:
- National Recognition: Home to 8 National Academy members, 5 National Academy of Inventors, a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences, and a researcher named five consecutive times as a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate.
- State & Campus Leadership: Faculty honors include 1 North Carolina Award recipient (Prof. Narayan), 1 National Medal of Technology and Innovation winner (Prof. Cuomo), and NC State’s 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year (Prof. So).
Explore Our Department academic Programs
Contact Us
Office Hours and Location
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(Saturday – Sunday: Closed)
Location:
Engineering Building I (EB1)
Centennial Campus, NC State University
Phone
919-515-2377
Materials make the modern world possible