North Carolina State University

What you'll study

The Materials Engineering curriculum combines foundational mathematics, physics and chemistry with specialised materials science and engineering courses. Core topics typically include crystallography and structure of materials, thermodynamics and kinetics of materials, mechanical behaviour and failure, phase equilibria, corrosion, materials processing and manufacturing, and materials characterization techniques.

• Introductory engineering mathematics and calculus
• Foundations in physics and chemistry relevant to materials
• Core materials courses: structure and properties, phase transformations, and mechanical behaviour
• Materials processing and manufacturing: casting, forming, additive manufacturing and heat treatment
• Specialist tracks or electives in polymers, ceramics, metals, electronic/optical materials and biomaterials
• Laboratory courses featuring microscopy, X‑ray diffraction, thermal analysis and mechanical testing
• Computational methods and modelling for materials design and performance prediction
• Senior capstone design or research project emphasizing team-based problem solving

Students also take general education and professional development courses. Hands-on experience is emphasised through laboratory classes, undergraduate research opportunities and industry internships or co-op placements, often facilitated through the university's research centres and campus partnerships.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering is through North Carolina State University's undergraduate admissions process. Typical preparation includes strong achievement in high school mathematics (including precalculus or calculus), physics and chemistry. Applicants should demonstrate competence in quantitative problem solving and science.

• Recommended high-school subjects: calculus, physics, chemistry and additional laboratory science
• Competitive academic record in maths and sciences; admissions consider the full academic profile
• International applicants should present equivalent secondary credentials and proof of English proficiency where required
• Transfer applicants are considered; prior college coursework in calculus, physics and chemistry strengthens an application

Students typically progress through a common first-year engineering curriculum before moving into discipline-specific Materials Engineering courses. Contact the university admissions or the Materials Science and Engineering department for detailed guidance on prerequisites and advising.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Materials Engineering are prepared for technical and engineering roles across many sectors. Typical career paths include materials and process engineering, product development, quality and failure analysis, materials characterization and testing, manufacturing engineering, and research and development.

• Industries: aerospace and defence, automotive, electronics and semiconductors, energy and renewables, biomedical and medical devices, consumer products and advanced manufacturing
• Job titles: materials engineer, process engineer, metallurgist, materials scientist, failure analysis engineer, quality engineer, applications engineer, research technician
• Further study: graduates often pursue master's or doctoral degrees in materials science and engineering, or related fields such as mechanical, chemical or biomedical engineering

Hands-on experience through internships, co-op and undergraduate research increases employability and can lead directly to industry roles or research positions.

Why study at North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University offers Materials Engineering within a comprehensive engineering college that emphasises experiential learning, industry collaboration and research. Students benefit from access to well-equipped laboratories and shared research facilities, opportunities for undergraduate research, and connections to regional and national employers.

• Strong links with industry and government laboratories facilitate internships, cooperative education and career placement
• Campus research facilities and centres provide training in advanced characterisation and processing techniques
• Opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration across engineering, chemistry, physics and biology
• Advising and student organisations specific to materials and engineering help students develop professional skills and networks

Students who want to design new materials, improve manufacturing processes or solve materials-related challenges across sectors will find a broad technical foundation and practical experience at North Carolina State.