The MSE Bachelor of Science degree has elective coursework spanning a broad range of materials science and engineering specializations. By following the course suggestions in a concentration area, you can be confident that you have chosen the optimal set of courses to support your interests in that area, further preparing you to pursue it after graduation.
Explore Concentration Areas in MSE
Planning your degree electives for a concentration area
In any concentration area, you will build on the engineering design content and materials science and engineering knowledge from the MSE Core Courses to develop an understanding of materials and processes applicable to a wide variety of industrial-relevant applications and curiosity-driven research. A concentration area may also provide knowledge to benefit your undergraduate research activities. The knowledge you gain can also serve as a foundation for graduate education and a career in research and development.
How do I implement a concentration area?
Concentration areas recommended by MSE faculty are intended to help guide your learning experience and support your interests. You are not required to follow or complete a concentration area. You can take all courses or select specific courses in a concentration area. You can also take courses from several concentration areas.
Although the concentration areas are informal, they represent a specialization, which you may refer to on your resume, LinkedIn profile or in conversation. Importantly, the suggested courses do count towards your MSE degree requirements within different categories of courses listed in the graduation requirements for the B.S. degree.
What is the difference between a concentration area and the MSE Degree Option?
MSE has a Degree Option in Nanoscience and Molecular Engineering (NME). The degree option is an area or a field of concentration, but it is different from the MSE concentration areas. A degree option does not appear on your diploma, but it does appear after your degree is awarded on your transcript as a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering: Option in Nanoscience and Molecular Engineering.
The NME Option must be declared on a Change of Major Form in collaboration with your academic advisor. If you decide not to complete the requirements for the NME Option, you must change your major back to the standard MSE degree.