Skip to main content
NC State Home
Students stroll past a wolfpack banner on main campus on a warm fall day. Photo by Becky Kirkland.

Academics

Explore materials science and engineering programs at NC State

Our students work hard. In turn, our department works hard for them. The undergraduate and graduate degrees we offer focus on seven different research areas in materials science and engineering. As leaders in research and teaching, we prepare our graduates to excel in their careers and make a difference in the world.

Undergraduate Programs

Our ABET-accredited B.S. degrees certify engineering professionals. Scroll to learn more about our undergraduate programs and various student and career opportunities.

  • Major in the core curriculum, with an option to specialize in Nanomaterials or Biomaterials

  • The MSE minor is available to students from any major, including any engineering discipline, chemistry, physics or textiles

  • Earn an MSE bachelor’s and a thesis-based or non-thesis-based master’s degree in 5 years

Graduate Programs

Our graduate programs prepare students for advanced careers in research, industry and academia. Scroll to explore our master’s and doctoral degrees, interdisciplinary opportunities and resources for graduate student success.

  • Expand your career in academia, industry or national laboratories

  • Ideal for students interested in expanding expertise in materials science for industry-focused careers

  • Broaden research experience and prepare for technical careers or doctoral study

  • Best for working professionals and engineers seeking advanced technical coursework without a thesis

  • Targeted research without a thesis in semiconductor materials and devices for next-generation power electronics and microelectronics

  • For graduate students or professionals seeking focused training in core materials science concepts

  • For graduate students and professionals interested in applying data science and AI tools to materials research and development

  • Graduate students in other disciplines who want formal training in materials science and engineering

Distance Education

Can’t make it to campus? Through Engineering Online, we offer three non-thesis master’s degrees and two certificates.

  • Designed for those with an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline. 30 credit hours. No thesis required.

  • Designed for those with an undergraduate degree in a science or engineering discipline who wish to pursue a graduate degree in nanoengineering. 30 credit hours. No thesis required.

  • Designed for students with a background in engineering or physical sciences and an interest in clean energy, transportation, or semiconductor applications.

  • Designed for working professionals without formal training in materials science but wish to acquire a basic understanding of the discipline

  • Designed for interdisciplinary graduate education at the intersection of materials science, engineering and data science

Go Beyond The Degree

grain boundary

Join an Organization

Get involved in student groups to network outside the classroom. The College of Engineering has many student organizations to choose from.

Become a Global Engineer

Engineer without borders! Consider study abroad and international degree programs. Learning other work cultures can expand your career possibilities.

Plan Your Career

Co-op and internships give you work experience while pursuing your degree. Our nationally recognized Engineering Career Fair gets you hired!

Carnegie Classification

View NC State’s Carnegie Classification profile to learn more about the university’s research activity, institutional characteristics and student outcomes.

Materials Engineer salary information

Explore national salary data for materials engineers, including average pay, salary ranges, and factors that influence earnings, from Salary.com.

Professional Engineering Licensure

Learn about the path to professional engineering licensure, including the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam, licensure requirements, and resources for NC State engineering students.

Explore Raleigh, North Carolina

NC State University is the cornerstone of Raleigh, North Carolina: a bustling metropolitan area with a thriving tech economy, ample lush greenery, world-renowned eateries and headlining arts and culture.