Materials Science Engineering Technology
Materials Science Engineering Technology professionals combine cutting-edge theory and hands-on applications to drive industries forward.
Our Materials Science Engineering Technology major is designed to equip students with practical skills for working with materials in various industries. Whether it’s designing better batteries for electric vehicles, creating stronger and lighter materials for the automotive industry, or enhancing the durability of a smartphone – materials science engineering technologists are the ones who take an idea and make it reality.
The Materials Science Engineering Technology program at UNI focuses on the application of materials science principles to real-world scenarios. Students learn to analyze, test, and optimize materials for specific functions, with a focus on hands-on laboratory work and technical skills development. The curriculum includes aspects of materials testing, quality control, and manufacturing processes, while leaning on UNI’s expertise in metalcasting, additive manufacturing and nanofabrication.
Greatest Value
UNI offers the least expensive four-year engineering-related programs in Iowa.
Growing Field
Materials Science & Engineering jobs will increase at a higher rate (6%) than mechanical engineering (2%) and electrical & electronic engineering (3%) over the next 10 years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Integrative Expertise
This major takes advantage of existing faculty expertise in materials science from three departments: Chemistry & Biochemistry, Physics, and Applied Engineering and Technical Management.
Engineering vs Engineering Technology
Which One is Right For Me?
Materials Science & Engineering B.S.
The Materials Science & Engineering major is a more science-focused degree, preparing students for careers in research, design, prototyping, and analysis that require a high level of mathematics and computation. This is a 90-credit hour major, with a 47 credit hour materials science and engineering core. The remaining 43 credit hours will be comprised of math, chemistry and physics foundational courses.
Materials Science Engineering Technology B.S.
The Materials Science Engineering Technology major takes a more applied, industry-based manufacturing approach, preparing students for careers in design implementation, testing, and manufacturing, which require extensive practical experience from applied engineering laboratory work. This is a 74-credit hour major, and shares many of the materials science and engineering core courses with the Materials Science & Engineering program.
What sort of career can I get with this degree?
A materials science engineering technology degree can lead to a variety of careers spanning fields such as electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace, defense, biotechnology and more.
Common job titles include:
- Materials engineer
- Metallurgist
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Quality Engineer
Find out More About Materials Science Engineering Technology
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Contact us directly at:
Department of Applied Engineering & Technical Management
University of Northern Iowa
1025 Applied Engineering Building
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0392
Phone: 319-273-2561
Email: appliedengineering@uni.edu
Hands-on Learning
What sets our program apart is UNI’s long standing expertise in metals technology and research. Our Metal Casting Center and Foundry 4.0 Center are nationally known centers of excellence in metal casting and additive manufacturing. Our Materials Science Engineering program integrates with these centers through coursework, internships and projects – a unique edge that only UNI brings to the table.
Career Outlook
There’s an unmet need for materials science and engineering professionals in Iowa. A survey of these industry leading companies indicate a need for workers with skills in: alloy design, materials development, and materials selection. The skills required for high-tech manufacturing and analysis jobs require a 4-year degree, and with their hands-on experiences and skilled training, our students are highly sought after. With the continued growth of materials science
Transfer to UNI
Well prepared community college transfer students can complete the Materials Science Engineering Technology degree in two years and the Materials Science & Engineering degree in 2.5 years.
Hands-On Learning
Some of the most impactful learning experiences happen beyond the textbook. As a Materials Science Engineering Technology major at UNI, you'll learn by doing. You’ll have the chance to work in our outstanding facilities, including: a full production lab, our internationally recognized Metal Casting Center, and the Foundry 4.0 Center, which is a recognized world leader in research and development in the foundry industry. We’ll also connect you with paid internships at industry-leading companies like John Deere, Collins Aerospace, Garmin, and more. These internships often lead to full-time job offers after graduation.