Materials scientists and engineers are at the forefront of developing, testing, and applying new materials to better perform in their desired applications (lighter, stronger, chemically resistant, more recyclable, less expensive, etc.). These new materials are used in diverse industries such as health care, manufacturing or energy.

Our mission, as it relates to graduate education, is to provide nationally recognized leadership in engineering practice, research, education, and service in materials science and engineering. We are committed to the generation of new knowledge that has a significant impact in the development and application of existing and new materials. Our program strives to educate high quality engineers with the academic experience and knowledge to become leaders among practicing professionals and in education, research, and service to the materials science and engineering community.

The Ph.D. in materials science and engineering is a research-intensive program that prepares students for careers in research and teaching in the field. Students are involved in many aspects of original research, advancing scientific knowledge in specific areas.