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Materials Science and Engineering


Your Future In Materials Science and Engineering

Do you want to invent or experiment with new materials? Are you interested in contributing to the innovation and application of nanotechnology, biotechnology or microelectronics?

A Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of North Texas will prepare you to enter fast-emerging fields with relatively high starting salaries. UNT is one of only two universities in Texas that offers a bachelor's degree in this field.

Graduates enjoy being part of a close-knit professional community that bridges disciplines — such as applied physics and chemistry — in order to solve complex engineering problems.

While the community is traditionally small, the discipline has a significant impact on the nation's economic health, defense and human welfare needs. Graduates are employed in many fields ranging from aerospace to forensics to transportation.

Your skills will be sought by top-tier technology companies and Fortune 500 companies in the region, the U.S. Department of Energy's National Laboratories and academia. In addition, you can work in:

  • Research
  • Development
  • Manufacturing
  • Marketing
  • Materials design for small and large companies
  • Your own business

What we offer

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering has a collegial, open-door environment where your development is our primary focus.

We'll train you in all aspects of modern materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic and optical materials. You'll learn about the fundamental principles of:

  • How materials are made
  • How they behave during application
  • How their structure and properties are measured and quantified
  • How to improve a material's performance

Our professors and researchers have expertise in metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic materials and computational materials science. Many are internationally and nationally known for their work and pursue research along with our students in:

  • Advanced manufacturing methods using plasmas, lasers and electron beams
  • Developing materials for energy applications
  • Designing lightweight, high-strength aerospace materials
  • Engineering materials for biomedical implants
  • Fabricating materials for next generation microelectronics
  • Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME)

Outstanding research opportunities and student support

Most labs and faculty members have research positions available to students. These positions give you hands-on training and real-world learning opportunities. The program also has strong relationships with companies that fund research grants and provide internships and jobs.

In addition to numerous research labs, the department supports the Center for Advanced Non-Ferrous Structural Alloys and the Center for Friction Stir Processing. The Institute for Science and Engineering Simulation conducts jet engine research that aids the Air Force in developing next generation aircraft.

You can interact with other students who share your interest by joining our student chapters of the Materials Research Society, the Society of Plastics Engineers and Materials Advantage.

A Living-Learning Community brings together engineering students who live on campus to enhance academic and social experiences.

Located 4.5 miles north of the main campus and serviced by a free shuttle, Discovery Park houses the College of Engineering and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. This 300-acre research facility pulls together academic laboratories, offices and classrooms to maximize the potential for creativity, collaboration and technology innovation.

What to expect

You'll receive an academically challenging, personalized and "hands-on" education using the latest technology.

Our small classes average 20 students, allowing you to receive personal attention from faculty members and have meaningful interactions with your peers. Our lab classes average 12 students, which are further segmented into smaller lab groups.

In addition to the university's core curriculum and other math, physics and chemistry courses, you'll take classes focusing on:

  • Microstructure and Characterization of Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Phase Transformation in Materials
  • Physical Metallurgy Principles
  • Materials Selection and Performance

A senior project will be completed with a faculty member who specializes in your interest in your last year.

The Career Center, Learning Center and professional academic advisors are among the many valuable resources available to you at UNT. The Career Center can provide advice about internships, future employment opportunities and getting hands-on experience in your major. The Learning Center offers workshops on speed reading, study skills and time management. Academic advisors will help you plan your class schedule each semester.

How to enroll at UNT

High school students

We encourage you to fulfill the graduation requirements for the distinguished level of achievement under the Texas Foundation, Recommended or Distinguished Achievement high school program or the equivalent.

In your junior year, take the SAT or ACT and have your scores sent to UNT.

In your senior year, apply for admission at ApplyTexas.org by March 1 and request that your high school transcript be sent to the UNT admissions office.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses can count toward college credit at UNT.

Transfer students

If you're attending a Texas community college, you should consult our online transfer guides, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor or advisor to review your degree plan. Proper planning will allow you to receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Our Transfer Center will help you make a successful transition to college life at UNT by connecting you with a peer mentor and other campus resources. Each year, 3,900 students transfer to UNT.