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Materials Science and Engineering

Degree: BS

Campus: Columbus

College: Engineering

To be considered for this major, freshmen applying to the Columbus campus are strongly encouraged to submit their complete admission application by November 1. 

The materials science and engineering (MSE) program at Ohio State is designed to train engineers to design, process, characterize and manufacture all of the materials used today as well as those yet to be developed. Materials scientists and engineers are experts in the performance, specification and manufacture of metals, ceramics, semiconductors, plastics and composites. They must have broad knowledge of a variety of scientific and engineering fields to be competitive. 

The MSE program enjoys an international reputation and places its graduates in every facet of industry and academia. Students in MSE may focus on ceramics, metallurgy, biomaterials, polymers, electronic materials and manufacturing.

Prospective students interested in pursuing engineering at Ohio State must indicate their engineering major of interest on their application. Applicants are reviewed holistically by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Some engineering majors have available capacity and can direct enroll students into the major without an additional application process. Other engineering majors have a pre-major component and require an additional application process.

To learn about admission to specific engineering majors, visit: https://engineering.osu.edu/undergraduate/future-students/admissions

All engineering students have a similar first-year plan of study, the college core, that provides fundamental courses in math, science and engineering.

All engineering students also take additional select core courses, major courses and general education courses.

Materials science students select a focus area in biomaterials, ceramics, electronic materials, metallurgy or polymers for their upper-level study.

 

Engineering students have several opportunities for global education, including service learningsemester abroad, international internships, engineering-specific study abroad programs or the Global Option in Engineering program

Whether it be installing solar panels on Haitian schools, researching biomedical optics in China, devising solutions for sustainable food production in Honduras, or setting speed records on the Isle of Man, Ohio State engineering students venture beyond classrooms and labs to find success in every corner of the globe. 

Students work with Engineering Career Services to find both paid internships and co-op jobs across the United States and around the world. About 75% of engineering students participate in a co-op or internship before they graduate. 

Honors and Scholars offer students an opportunity to pursue academic rigor (Honors) or foster passion through community (Scholars). Engineering students can enhance their experience by getting involved with one of the following engineering-based programs.

Engineering Honors

The Fundamentals of Engineering for Honors (FEH) Program is an optional course sequence that is offered to University Honors-designated engineering students. This accelerated program is designed to challenge students and provide them with a foundation in engineering principles that are necessary for success throughout their academic careers.

Engineering Scholars

Engineering Scholars contemplate the adoption of socially responsible practices within engineering as a means to minimize health risks and environmental impact and maximize efficiency, feasibility and sustainability.

Humanitarian Engineering Scholars learn about and engage in engineering activities that impact underserved areas by addressing pressing problems. 

At Ohio State, engineering students conduct research alongside top faculty from across the university—doctors, physicists, designers, artists and experts in many other fields—to advance our knowledge and improve the world around us. Students enjoy multiple outlets to share their work, including Ohio State's annual Denman Undergraduate Research Forum each spring. Learn more about engineering research.

 

Research within the Department of Materials Science and Engineering:

  • biomaterials
  • computational modeling
  • corrosion
  • electronic, optical and magnetic materials
  • materials performance
  • materials processing and manufacturing
  • mechanical properties
  • microstructure and property relationships
  • superconductors
  • welding engineering

Materials science and engineering students choose from more than 80 engineering student organizations, including Alpha Sigma Mu (Materials), American Ceramic Society, Electronics Club and MSE Club (Materials Advantage).

The career opportunities for materials scientists and engineering graduates are outstanding. Recent statistics have shown that graduates are heavily recruited by both small and large companies for positions all over the United States and the world. These jobs include research, development, design of materials and structures, manufacturing, marketing, and many others. In addition, the average starting salaries have consistently been as high as or higher than those in most other engineering professions. Materials scientists and engineers can find employment in many of the following industries: aerospace, appliances, automotive, communication, computers, construction, electronics, equipment, government laboratories, nuclear, oil and gas, power generation, shipbuilding, universities and others.

Some employers of materials science and engineering graduates include ArcelorMittal, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Honda, Lincoln Electric Co., Lockheed Martin, Owens Corning, Swagelok Co., and TimkenSteel Corp.

Many graduates work with Engineering Career Services to find their first job.

Beginning annual salaries for recent materials science and engineering graduates average $67,559.