Program at a glance
How much does it cost?
Learn more about how to afford a degree from the University of Nevada, Reno.
How long does it take?
This 128 credit program is designed to be completed in four years.
What will I learn in a materials science and engineering degree program?
Materials science is the study of the relationship between a material's atomic structure and its physical properties.
The bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering teaches students to understand and apply advanced science and engineering principles to different materials such as ceramics, glasses or metals in order to develop new or better products.
Our program equips students for careers in materials processing and manufacturing, design and development of new materials, or materials selection. Students may also choose to pursue graduate study.
To be successful in a materials science and engineering degree program, you should arrive at the University with a strong background in math and science. We recommend you have taken physics and chemistry courses in high school and be prepared to take calculus as a freshman.
Senior capstone project
In the College of Engineering, hands-on learning starts on day one. The first engineering class, Engineering 100, will challenge you to work in teams to design a hovercraft capable of traversing across a pre-set course. And in your final class before you graduate, you will work in a team to develop a product that’s ready for the marketplace. Your senior capstone project will be presented to potential employers at the annual Innovation Day, In between, you’ll gain hands-on experience in classrooms and research laboratories, putting your science and mathematical knowledge to work solving engineering problems.
Learn more about the chemical and materials science engineering department
Our undergraduate programs offer you the opportunity to work closely with our research-active faculty. Small class sizes and undergraduate research opportunities help you get to know your professors and provide opportunities to get hands-on research experience. We offer Nevada's only undergraduate degree program in chemical engineering and materials science and engineering.
Specializations in the materials science and engineering program
Students may choose extractive metallurgy as an emphasis.
Students may choose nuclear materials as an emphasis.
Students majoring in other engineering disciplines or related fields may also pursue a minor in materials science and engineering.
This minor is open to all students in an engineering degree program except students in the extractive metallurgy emphasis of the B.S. in materials science and engineering. Courses may be used to satisfy the major and minor requirements simultaneously. For specific course requirements, please visit the course catalog.
The accelerated B.S./M.S. program encourages outstanding students in the College of Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno to obtain a M.S. degree in a shorter amount of time.
The College of Engineering, in partnership with the College of Business, offers a five-year program to earn both the Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Master of Business Administration degrees.
Materials science and engineering can continue their studies by pursuing an M.S. or a Ph.D. in environmental engineering.
Take the next step
About the College of Engineering
Our students and faculty collaborate on new research to make a world of difference.
View videos about the College of Engineering's research and academic programs
Careers with a degree in materials science and engineering
Median starting salaries of $68,078
Materials and metallurgical engineering includes elements from a variety of engineering disciplines, and the demand for professionals in the field is strong. Engineers trained in materials science are at the forefront in the development of materials designed to contain ultra-high temperatures and pressures in aircraft, spacecraft and energy generation systems. In the materials field, engineers also develop electronic, photovoltaic and superconductor devices, as well as other high-technology innovations.
Materials scientists and engineers can find employment in a range of areas, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals or electronics. Their work often focuses on developing or refining materials to make products cheaper, safer or better. Materials scientists in our department are working on developing more environmentally friendly materials for aerospace, lighter-weight materials to make cars more efficient and new materials for solar energy conversion.
Additionally, many materials science and engineering careers offer competitive salaries. According to a 2022 report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, materials engineering majors had a median starting salary of $68,078.
You can afford the University of Nevada, Reno
76% of students receive financial aid
Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.
54% of all students graduate with no debt
That's right. More than half of our students leave the University of Nevada, Reno with no student debt.
Related programs
Life's a journey. Honors makes it meaningful.
At the University of Nevada, Reno Honors College, our students maximize their unique gifts and passions through a series of personalized experiences that deepen their capacity for transformative societal impact.
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