The Undergraduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Maryland
- What will I learn if I major in materials science and engineering?
- What kinds of projects do MSE majors get to work on?
- Will I be able to get research experience as an undergraduate?
- What kinds of jobs can I get with a B.S. in MSE?
- Learn more about the A. James Clark School of Engineering
- Questions?
What will I learn if I major in materials science and engineering?
Students in our undergraduate program receive a strong engineering education that has a solid emphasis on the fundamental properties and structure of materials, combined with the application and design of advanced materials for a wide range of engineering problems. In their junior and senior years, students specialize in one of six aspects of materials science and engineering:
- Applications of Materials and Manufacturing
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials
- Electrical, Optical and Functional Materials
- Soft Materials
- Nanotechnology
Alternately, a specialization area can be designed to specifically meet an individual student's educational and career goals. The department also coordinates the Clark School's Interdisciplinary Minor in Nanoscale Science and Technology.
For more information about our program's goals, see:
For more information about required and elective coursework, see:
TopWhat kinds of projects do MSE majors get to work on?
 |
 |
Capstone students presenting their design of a microfluidics mixer. Microfluidics is the study, design and building of micro-scale devices and systems that use channels and chambers for the containment and flow of fluids whose volumes are measured on a microliter or nanoliter level. Microfluidic devices are used in many disciplines, including chemical engineering, biology, bioengineering, DNA analysis, and pharmacology. At such tiny scales, fluid behavior changes, making the design and implementation of new devices challenging. |
Materials science and engineering students take a capstone design course in their senior year. In recent years, they have worked
on a wide range of projects including a shape memory alloy (a metal that "remembers" its shape and, using heat, can return to its original form), self-healing polymers, carbon nanotubes for organic solar cells, and zinc oxide tetrapods for microelectronic sensors.
These projects have interesting potential real-world applications. Dropping your MP3 player and cracking the case or scratching the finish is frustrating. If the case were made out of a self-healing polymer, it could repair itself automatically. Imagine a miniaturized "lab on a chip," only a fraction of an inch on a side, that can test for dangerous pathogens, perform routine lab analyses for doctors, or signal the presence of toxic chemicals in the water or air. Materials science students have worked on the microfluidic technologies that will make the miniaturization of many biomedical laboratory processes possible.
To learn more about the Capstone design course, review the syllabus and see presentations and reports from former students, visit the ENMA 490: Materials Design homepage »
You can also visit our news coverage of our seniors' Capstone presentations:
- MSE Capstone 2011: Improving Targeted Alpha Therapy »
- MSE Capstone 2010: Dynamic MEMS Microphone »
Watch a video the Class of 2010 made about their Capstone experience » - MSE Capstone 2009: Particle Reinforced Shape Memory Polymer Stent »
- MSE Capstone 2008: Microfluidics Mixer »
Will I be able to get research experience as an undergraduate?
 |
|
This undergraduate is working in Assistant Professor John Cumings' lab, where he's building a special sample holder for a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The holder will enable the Cumings Group to test and observe the properties and behaviors of nanoscale devices while they are in the TEM. |
Our students find themselves working on materials problems with collaborative teams that might include students in physics, bioengineering, chemistry, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Research opportunities include developing new materials for energy applications (fuel cells, hydrogen storage, advanced batteries), new biomaterials for medically implanted devices, nanocomposites, shape memory metals, materials for thermoelectric devices, and nanomaterials.
Students work in a wide range of experimental and research
facilities, including a number of labs in the Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building, which is home to the Modern Engineering Materials Instructional Lab; the Nanoscale Imaging Spectroscopy and Properties Lab, and the NanoCenter Teaching Clean Room (located in the FabLab), among others.
What kinds of jobs can I get with a B.S. in MSE?
 |
|
Erin Flanagan (B.S. '06, left) and Chandler McCann (B.S. '05, right) speak to prospective students about their careers at the Women In Engineering DREAM Conference. Both currently work for Micron Technology, Inc., which manufactures memory and other components for a variety of electronic devices. |
Careers in MSE are diverse and cross-disciplinary, with MSE majors being in demand in almost every industry. Our graduates have many options and opportunities, and have pursued careers with companies such as Intel, Northrup Grumman, DuPont, Ford, Toyota, Sikorsky, IBM, Lexmark, Micron, and Motorola.
Industries with a regular need for MSE graduates include automotive, computer, electronics, chemical, nanotechnology, medical devices, defense, consumer products, and aviation.
MSE graduates can be found in positions throughout the Federal Government with organizations including the Department of Energy, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the armed forces, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Highway Administration, NASA, and even the the Smithsonian museums.
Research and academia are also popular choices for our students—about half of our undergraduates go on to graduate school, and not just for MSE! A degree in MSE can also serve as a launching point for medical, law, or business school.
Our students also benefit from the Clark School's office of Engineering Co-op & Career Services, which gives students 24-hour access to engineering co-op, internship, summer, post-graduation, and part-time job listings. It also runs free resume clinics, career fairs, and other workshops for job seekers! Visit them online at www.coop.eng.umd.edu to learn more.
Learn more about the A. James Clark School of Engineering
- An introduction to the Clark School for prospective undergraduates »
- Friday Engineering Information Sessions for undergraduates »
- The Clark School's Engineering Preview Program for Prospective Students »
- Clark School academic programs, honors programs, and services »
The Clark school offers a wide variety of multi-year research, living/learning, professional development, entrepreneurial, honors, and internship programs; as well as career services, study abroad, and academic support. - Clark School Research Opportunities »
- Clark School Facilities »
- Visit the Clark School homepage »
Questions about the undergraduate program in materials science and engineering may be sent to mseundergrad@umd.edu.
