Future Students FAQ

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What is Materials Science and Engineering?

Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is a lesser-known but vital field within engineering. It focuses on understanding and improving the materials that make up everything around us. Materials engineers ask questions like:

What is this made of, and why?
How do its composition and structure affect its properties?
Can we alter those properties for better performance?
What’s the best method to manufacture this material?
Which materials are best suited for a specific application?

By investigating these questions, materials engineers analyze a material’s characteristics, such as its composition, microstructure, manufacturing process, and performance, to innovate and enhance its use.

How does MSE at NC State compare to other departments?

The NC State Department of Materials Science and Engineering is dedicated to providing a comprehensive education, advancing scientific knowledge, and promoting economic development through cutting-edge research and outreach.

NC State’s MSE department is consistently ranked among the top 25 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Despite its high ranking, it remains a small, close-knit department where students, professors, and staff build strong relationships. This fosters a supportive environment for personalized learning, professional development, and social engagement.

What is the difference between Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering?

While both disciplines require a strong background in chemistry, the focus areas differ:

Chemical Engineering centers on processes such as chemical reaction design, thermodynamics, and large-scale production, often including industries like pharmaceuticals and energy.
Materials Science and Engineering takes a more micro-scale approach, focusing on the properties, composition, structure, and performance of materials, with the goal of enhancing or developing new materials for various applications.

How do I apply for an MSE degree?

Application for admission to NC State is handled at the university level.

All entering engineering freshmen are classified as “Engineering First-Year” (EFY) students with no direct acceptance into degree-granting programs. However, students can list their intended engineering degree and will be assigned an advisor in the intended program.
After completing the standard first-year engineering courses, you can apply to join MSE as a degree-seeking student through the Change of Degree Application (CODA) process.
Students transferring from another institution apply directly to Undergraduate Admissions for admission to the MSE Department. For additional information and deadlines, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions website for transfer students here.

Can I start my MSE degree in the spring?

Yes! There are three CODA cycles per year. MSE admits students during all three cycles.

I am already at NC State. How do I apply to join MSE?

Students begin the Change of Degree Application (CODA) process after they have successfully completed the CODA Success courses with a grade of C or better and have maintained a GPA greater than or equal to 2.0.

The CODA Success courses are:

MA 141 – Calculus I
MA 241 – Calculus II
PY 205 – Physics for Engineers and Scientists I
PY 206 – Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory
CH 101 – Chemistry – A Molecular Science
CH 102 – General Chemistry Laboratory

In addition to the Success courses listed above, students will be required to complete the following courses, with a C minus or better.

ENG 101 – Academic Writing and Research
E 101 – Introduction to Engineering and Problem Solving
1. Note: Students who did not start as freshmen in the College of Engineering are not required nor permitted to enroll in E 101.
E 115 – Introduction to Computing Environments

Learn More about CODA

Are there any concentration options?

Yes! In addition to the general MSE B.S. degree, MSE offers two concentration options:

Nanomaterials: This concentration emphasizes the study of materials at the atomic and molecular level. It explores how materials behave in ultra-thin films, nanowires, and nanoparticles, where properties can differ from those seen in larger, bulk materials. Engineering materials at the nanoscale can significantly influence their structural and functional properties.
Biomaterials: This concentration combines materials science with biology, focusing on how materials interact with biological systems. Students learn how these materials can be designed to improve medical devices, implants, and overall quality of life.

What courses will an MSE student take?

At NC State, MSE students study a broad spectrum of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and electronic materials. Coursework is grounded in chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Key courses include:

Two laboratory courses introducing analytical methods to examine material structures and properties at various scales.
Junior and senior-level classes covering advanced topics such as nanotechnology, biomaterials, computer modeling, and forensic analysis of material failures.
Five technical electives that allow students to tailor their education to specific interests or career goals.
A two-semester senior design project where students collaborate with local industry partners to solve real-world materials challenges

View the curriculum for each of our three degree options:

Can I pursue a minor with an MSE B.S. degree?

Yes, with careful planning. Popular minors for MSE students include mathematics and physics, as some required courses can count towards both the major and the minor.

Minors outside of STEM, such as business administration, may require additional time since the courses typically don’t overlap. However, a business minor can be useful for students considering an MBA in the future.

For more details, visit the NC State Minors website.

Does MSE have an Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program?

Yes! The ABM program allows top-performing undergraduate MSE students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in a shorter time frame—typically one extra year. Up to four graduate courses (12 credit hours) taken during the undergraduate program can count toward both degrees.

Students can apply after completing 75 credit hours (usually in the fall of their junior year).

For more information, visit the MSE ABM Program website page.

Can I choose between the thesis and non-thesis master’s programs?

Yes! Both options are available as a part of the ABM program.

Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (M.S.) – thesis
- Students must select a faculty mentor for their thesis research BEFORE applying to the ABM program.
- This faculty member will become the chair of the student’s MS thesis committee and will serve as the student’s academic advisor. The faculty should be aware of the master’s thesis requirements and timeline.
Master of Materials Science and Engineering (M.M.S.E.) – non-thesis
- Course-only masters program. No research or thesis required.
- When you are applying, you should choose the MR-MSE track

When should I apply? When is it “too late” for me to apply?

You must have completed 75 credit hours in order to apply. It is recommended you apply during the fall semester of your junior year. The latest you can apply is during January of the spring semester of your junior year.

Can I count a 400-level course if it is also offered at the 500-level (example: MSE 440/540)?

No, you must take 500-level (or 700-level) courses for them to count towards the ABM program.

Can I take graduate courses outside of MSE?

A minimum of 18 credit hours must be from MSE 500-level and 700-level courses. The remaining hours may come from graduate-level courses in other technical disciplines.

Do the regular graduate school application deadlines apply to the ABM program?

You can apply anytime but applications will only be considered around the deadline dates (March 1 for Summer/Fall and October 1 for Spring).

How many graduate courses should I take each semester during my undergraduate studies?

The standard advice given is that the ABM applicant should not underestimate the difficulty of graduate coursework. It is common to expect a standard graduate course to take 50% more time (or even greater) than a standard undergraduate course. The following combination of undergraduate/graduate courses may be regarded as a full-time load for an undergraduate student:
- One graduate course and three undergraduate courses
- Two graduate courses and two undergraduate courses
- Two graduate courses and the senior design course

Are there scholarship and funding opportunities for when I am a graduate student?

No, master’s students are self-funded. This is why the ABM program is a great opportunity, you will only be paying for one year out-of-pocket instead of two!

Learn More

What internship and research opportunities are there for MSE students?

NC State MSE prides itself on providing high-impact opportunities for our undergraduate students. About 70% of our students participate in an internship opportunity at companies such as ATI, BASF, Cree, Exxon, Intel, and Nav-air.
Over 65% of students participate in undergraduate research with a professor in the fields of energy materials, computational materials science, materials characterization, soft materials and biomaterials, electronic optical and magnetic materials, and structural materials.

What other ways can I get involved with MSE?

The NC State student chapter of the national organization Material Advantage (MA) creates connections with materials professional societies and introduces students to the world of materials science after graduation.
MSE Ambassadors are in charge of creating community-building events for students and sometimes staff to engage with each other out of a classroom setting. Current students can learn more and apply on the MSE Current Student website.

Can I study abroad?

Yes! However, you must start planning early. There are short-term (summer) and semester program options available. Learn more about study abroad at NC State and discuss your options with your academic advisor.

What is a co-op?

A co-op is a structured, university-approved work program designed to allow students to alternate semesters of school and paid work in their field of study.
Co-ops are preferably a minimum of 3 alternating semesters of work.
During semesters of work, students enroll in a zero-credit co-op class (COP ***) that allows them to maintain continuous enrollment.
Co-op generally requires one extra year in school to complete the program, and the time spent working can be applied toward a professional engineering license.
Students should apply for the co-op program after they have applied for CODA and officially joined the MSE program.
For more information about co-op and to register for an information session, visit the co-op website.

What types of jobs can I get with a B.S. in MSE?

Earning a Bachelor of Science in MSE opens doors to a variety of exciting career opportunities across multiple industries. With an interdisciplinary education, MSE graduates are equipped to work in roles that involve the design, development, and improvement of materials that advance technology and meet societal needs. Here’s what you can expect:

Starting Salary: Graduates in MSE typically earn an average starting salary of $70,000 to $90,000 per year.

Common Industries:

Aerospace: Develop lightweight, durable materials for aircraft and spacecraft.
Energy & Sustainability: Innovate more efficient solar cells, batteries, and energy storage solutions using nanotechnology.
Biomedical: Design biomaterials for prosthetics, medical devices, and tissue engineering.
Electronics: Work on materials for semiconductors, microchips, and display technology.
Automotive: Create more fuel-efficient vehicles with stronger and lighter materials.
Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare: Design and improve materials used in drug delivery systems and medical implants.
Environmental Engineering: Design materials for air and water purification, carbon capture, and environmental cleanup.
Consumer Goods: Improve products like durable coatings, cosmetics, and high-performance clothing with nanomaterials.
Regenerative Medicine: Create materials for applications in stem cell therapy and wound healing.
Diagnostics: Design biosensors and diagnostic devices that utilize biomaterials for medical testing and monitoring.

Example Job Titles:

Materials Engineer, Product Engineer, Metallurgist, Quality Control Engineer, Failure Analysis Engineer, Renewable Energy Materials Engineer, Biomaterials Engineer, Polymer Materials Engineer, Project Manager

Example Job Responsibilities:

Design and develop new materials for innovative applications.
Analyze and test the properties of materials to ensure quality and durability.
Solve technical challenges related to material performance in real-world applications.
Optimize material processing methods to improve product performance and reduce costs.

What can I do with a Nanomaterials Concentration?

By specializing in Nanomaterials, you’ll have the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation, working on solutions that could revolutionize industries from electronics to healthcare. Whether you aim to pursue a career in research, product development, or environmental sustainability, a concentration in Nanomaterials provides a strong foundation for growth.

What can I do with a Biomaterials Concentration?

Focusing on Biomaterials within the field of Materials Science and Engineering opens doors to dynamic career opportunities at the intersection of technology and life sciences. Biomaterials are designed for medical applications, ranging from drug delivery systems to tissue engineering, making this specialization increasingly relevant in today’s healthcare landscape.

Do most MSE students go to graduate school or get a job right after graduation?

Approximately 70-75% of MSE graduates find employment in industry right after graduation while 25-30% of graduates go on to obtain a higher degree. It is more common for students to pursue graduate studies immediately after completing their bachelor’s degree rather than entering the workforce first.

Graduate School Options:

Students who choose to attend graduate school generally pursue either a master’s degree or a Ph.D. program:

Master’s Degree: Many students opt for a master’s program to enhance their expertise and improve their career prospects in specialized fields. This option typically takes 1-2 years to complete.
Ph.D. Program: A smaller percentage of students pursue a Ph.D., which involves more extensive research and can take 3-7 years to complete. Ph.D. candidates often aim for careers in academia, advanced research, or specialized industry positions.

Graduate School Enrollment: More than 25% of all MSE B.S. degree recipients enroll in graduate degree programs, with many choosing prestigious institutions like MIT, UC Berkeley, Penn State, Georgia Tech, Purdue, and NC State.

Overall, the choice between entering the workforce or pursuing further education largely depends on individual career goals, interests, and the specific demands of their desired field within materials science and engineering.

Still have questions?

Ask the MSE Academic Advisor!