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Information for Prospective Undergraduate Students
Materials Science and Engineering—What is it?
Ceramics • Metals • Biomaterials • Polymers • Electronic Materials
If you are still in the process of determining your major, one question you might have is, "What does a materials scientist or engineer study?" Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE) is an interdisciplinary field of study that involves taking courses in chemistry, physics and engineering to build a fundamental understanding of the materials listed above. Advanced materials are instrumental in major industries such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical, chemical, electronics, energy and telecommunications.
MatSE students have the opportunity to specialize in a given material, while learning about the broad spectrum of materials.
COME AND VISIT
MatSE High School Visit Day takes place in October on the University of Illinois campus. High school juniors/seniors and family members are invited to join students and faculty of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering for laboratory tours, demonstrations and dinner. The University will host Illini Day the following day (Columbus Day holiday) where visitors can find out about admissions, financial aid and more.
CURRICULUM
Undergraduates receive their degree in Materials Science and Engineering with an emphasis in one of the following: Ceramics, Metallurgy, Biomaterials, Electronic Materials or Polymers.
PERSONAL ATTENTION
You won't be just another number in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The average size of an undergraduate materials science class is 25 students. U.S. News and World Report ranks our undergraduate program among the top materials programs in the nation.
While you a student, join one of the MatSE student groups to meet fellow students, enjoy social gatherings and review before exams with your peers.
Keramos Fraternity – MatSE honor society
Undergraduate Materials Organization – open to all MatSE undergraduates
Some of the events throughout the year include the Student/Faculty Auction, Engineering Open House, back to school picnic, special alumni seminars, and trips to national society meetings.
Scholarships
Over half of our students receive merit scholarships in the amount of $500–$2,000, which are renewable based on academic performance. Note: Scholarships are only given to students who are admitted into the University of Illinois College of Engineering and who are enrolled in the Materials Science and Engineering curriculum.
Download a scholarship application [pdf]
JOBS
The future looks bright for graduates with a degree in materials science and engineering. We offer a Placement Office that will help you find a job after graduation or a summer job or co-op while you are still in school. Companies and national laboratories hiring MatSE graduates include Intel, Caterpillar, Owens-Corning, Procter & Gamble, 3M, NASA, Motorola, Dow Chemical Company, Battelle, Micron Technologies, Ford Motor Company, FPM Heat Treating, General Electric, Abbott Labs, BP, Candescent Technologies, U.S. Department of Energy, Exxon-Mobil, to name a few...
Average starting salaries for graduates with a bachelor's degree in MatSE are around $60,000. One-third of MatSE graduates will enter graduate school for their M.S. or Ph.D. degrees. Other graduates with their B.S. degree in MatSE will attend medical school or law school for their advanced degree. Another option is to attend business school for an M.B.A. following graduation.
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Students interested in MatSE whose academic qualifications are at or slightly below the admission guidelines below should explain their interest in joining the MatSE Department in the personal statement of the application for admission. For example, in Fall 2006, the middle 50% of admitted engineering freshmen had an ACT score of 30-32, SAT score of 1310-1450 and high school rank of 88 to 97%.
useful Links
University of Illinois Admissions Office
College of Engineering
Women in Engineering
Study Abroad