Boise State University

What you'll study

The Materials Engineering curriculum builds a foundation in mathematics, physics and chemistry before moving into core materials topics and engineering design. Early years focus on calculus, differential equations, general chemistry, physics and introductory engineering courses. Core materials modules typically include:

• Materials Science Fundamentals — atomic structure, bonding, crystallography and defects.
• Thermodynamics and Kinetics — phase diagrams, phase transformations and diffusion.
• Mechanical Behaviour of Materials — elasticity, plasticity, fracture and fatigue.
• Materials Processing — solidification, forming, sintering and surface treatments.
• Electronic, Magnetic and Optical Materials — semiconductors, dielectrics and functional materials.
• Polymeric and Composite Materials — structure–property relations, manufacturing and testing.
• Materials Characterisation and Laboratory Methods — microscopy, spectroscopy, mechanical testing and thermal analysis, delivered through hands-on lab courses.
• Materials Selection and Design — applying materials data to engineering design, life-cycle considerations and failure analysis.

Students undertake project-based courses and a capstone design project that integrate materials selection, processing and testing. Opportunities exist to participate in undergraduate research with faculty, internships with regional manufacturers and multidisciplinary team projects with other engineering departments.

Entry requirements

Applicants should present a completed secondary school qualification with strong preparation in mathematics and science. Typical expectations include:

• High school courses in calculus (or pre-calculus), physics and chemistry; demonstrable competency in algebra and trigonometry.
• A competitive overall academic record in STEM subjects. Specific GPA or point thresholds depend on institutional admission policies and competition.
• For transfer applicants, successful completion of college-level calculus, physics and chemistry courses is normally required.
• International applicants must show an equivalent secondary qualification and meet the university's English proficiency requirements (for example, recognised tests or institutional proof of English).
• Strong applicants often show engagement in hands-on activities (lab courses, engineering clubs, science fairs, relevant work or internships) and submit any required application materials on time.

Career prospects

Graduates in Materials Engineering work across many industries where material performance matters. Typical roles and career paths include:

• Materials engineer or scientist in sectors such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, energy, electronics and biomedical devices.
• Process, quality or manufacturing engineer focused on improving production methods, reliability and yield.
• Product development and R&D positions developing new alloys, polymers, composites or functional materials.
• Failure analysis and materials testing roles in laboratories, consulting firms and national labs.
• Opportunities to continue to graduate study (master's or PhD) in materials science, engineering, nanotechnology or related fields, or to move into cross-disciplinary areas such as corrosion engineering, biomaterials or sustainable materials design.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State offers a hands-on engineering education with accessible laboratory facilities and a focus on applied research. The programme emphasises practical skills in materials characterisation and processing, supported by faculty who work on applied projects with regional industry and national research collaborators. Students benefit from small-to-midsize class experiences, opportunities for undergraduate research, internship pathways with local manufacturers and supportive career services that help translate technical training into industry placements and graduate study preparation.