Graduation requirements summary
MSE students, in order to graduate with a bachelor's degree, complete:
- 24 credits in mathematics
- 31 credits of natural sciences coursework
- 24 credits of engineering fundamentals
- 51 credits in core MSE courses
- 15 credits of technical elective courses
- 12 credits of written and oral communication
- 24 credits in Arts and Humanities (A&H), Social Sciences (SSc), and Diversity (DIV).
Plans of study for MSE students
PDFs of graduation requirements and a sample 4-year course schedule are available for students:
- Sophomore-Start Plan of Study: For ENGRUD students starting in MSE in Autumn quarter sophomore year.
- Junior-Start Plan of Study: For UW and Transfer students starting in MSE in Autumn quarter junior year, and ENGRUD students starting in the major after Autumn of sophomore year.
Nanoscience and Molecular Engineering (NME) Option
NME Option students complete all MSE degree requirements below, except the 15 credit Technical Elective requirement. In place of the 15 credit Technical Elective require, NME Option students complete a 19 credit NME Core and Elective Requirement, which is detailed at Nanoscience & Molecular Engineering Option Requirements.
Concentration areas
The MSE degree offers a large number of course elective options. For advice on choosing pertinent electives to support your interests, please check out MSE Concentration Areas.
Graduation requirements
24 credits required of mathematics coursework.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 124, 125, 126 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I, II, III | 15 |
| MATH 207 (or MATH 307)‡ | Introduction to Differential Equations (acceptable substitute AMATH 351) | 3 |
| MATH 208 (or MATH 308)‡ | Matrix Algebra with Applications | 3 |
| One (1) Math Elective: | ||
| IND E 315 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers (counts in this category OR in the Engineering Fundamentals elective category, NOT both) | 3 |
| MATH 209 (or MATH 309)‡ | Linear Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 224 (or MATH 324)‡ | Advanced Multivariable Calculus I | 3 |
| MATH 318‡ | Advanced Linear Algebra Tools and Applications | 3 |
| STAT 390 | Probability and Statistics in Engineering &Science | 4 |
| TOTAL | 24 | |
‡ As of autumn 2021, MATH 307, MATH 308, MATH 309, and MATH 324 are renumbered as MATH 207, MATH 208, MATH 209, and MATH 224, respectively. Students can apply either the 200- or 300-level number for each course toward their degree requirements.
31 credits required of Natural Sciences coursework. Note: Elective courses chosen in this category cannot also satisfy course requirements in another degree category.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL | 31 | |
| CHEM 142, 152 (or CHEM 143, 153)(or CHEM 145, 155) | General Chemistry | 10 |
| PHYS 121/141 | Mechanics | 5 |
| PHYS 122/142 | Electromagnetism | 5 |
| PHYS 123/143 | Waves | 5 |
| Two Science Electives: | ||
| BIOL 180 | Introductory Biology | 5 |
| BIOL 200 | Introductory Biology | 5 |
| CHEM 162 or CHEM 153 or CHEM 155 | General Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 165 | Honors General Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 223 | Organic Chemistry – Short Program | 4 |
| CHEM 224 | Organic Chemistry – Short Program | 4 |
| CHEM 237 | Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 238 | Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 312 | Inorganic Chemistry (note: students who have completed CHEM 165 can have this course waived. See Advisor.) | 3 |
| CHEM 317 | Inorganic Chemistry Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 335 | Honors Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 336 | Honors Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 452 | Physical Chemistry for Biochemists I | 3 |
| CHEM 455 | Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 456 | Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| PHYS 224 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 225 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 227 | Elementary Mathematical Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 228 | Elementary Mathematical Physics | 4 |
7 credits in written and oral communication.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL | 12 | |
| English Composition | Approved Composition Course | 5 |
| * | * The University-required 7 additional writing credits will be met by taking MSE core courses. | 4 |
24 credits are required for graduation in these three areas of inquiry.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL | 24 | |
| A&H | Approved UW A&H courses | 10 |
| SSc | Approved UW SSc courses | 10 |
| Additional A&H or SSc | Approved UW A&H or SSc courses | 4 |
| Diversity | 5 credits of Diversity required; meet requirement by choosing an A&H/SSc course that is also a DIV course |
24 credits of engineering fundamentals coursework.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL | 24 | |
| MSE 170 | Fundamentals of Materials Science | 4 |
| AMATH 301 or CSE 142 or CSE 122 | Beginning Scientific Computing or Computer Programming I or Introduction to Computer Programming II | 4 |
| AA 210 | Engineering Statics | 4 |
| CEE 220 | Introduction to Mechanics of Materials | 4 |
| 8 Credits of Engineering Fundamentals Electives selected from the following list: | ||
| AA 260 | Thermodynamics (4 Credits) | |
| BIOEN 215 | Introduction to Bioengineering Problem Solving (3 Credits) | |
| BSE 201 | Introduction to Pulp, Paper, and Bioproducts (3 Credits) | |
| CHEM E 355 | Biological Frameworks for Engineers (3 Credits) | |
| CSE 123 | Computer Programming III (4 Credits) | |
| CSE 143 | Computer Programming II (4 Credits) | |
| CSE 160 | Data Programming (4 Credits) | |
| CSE 164 | Intermediate Data Programming (4 Credits) | |
| CSE 180 | Introduction to Data Science (4 Credits) | |
| EE 215 | Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering (4 Credits) | |
| ENGR 101 | Engineering Exploration (1 Credit)[Open to DTC students only] | |
| ENGR 333 | Advanced Technical Communication in the Engineering Workplace (4 credits) | |
| ENGR 490 | Engineering Leadership (2 credits) | |
| IND E 250 | Engineering Economy (4 credits) | |
| IND E 315 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers (counts in this category OR in the Math elective category, NOT both) (3 credits) | |
| ME 123 | Intro to Visualization & Computer-Aided Design (4 credits) | |
| ME 230 | Kinematics and Dynamics (4 credits) | |
| NME 220 | Introduction to Molecular and Nanoscale Principles (NOT eligible elective for NME option students) (4 credits) | |
51 credits in core MSE courses.
Note that MSE core courses are only offered once a year and are designed to be taken in sequence.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL | 51 | |
| Sophomore OR Junior Year: | ||
| MSE 311 | Integrated Undergraduate Lab I (W course) | 3 |
| MSE 312 | Integrated Undergraduate Lab II (W course) | 3 |
| MSE 313 | Integrated Undergraduate Lab III (W course) | 3 |
| Junior Year: | ||
| MSE 321 | Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibrium | 4 |
| MSE 331 | Crystallography and Structure | 3 |
| MSE 399 | Undergraduate Research Seminar | 1 |
| MSE 310 | Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering | 3 |
| MSE 322 | Kinetics and Microstructural Evolution | 4 |
| MSE 342 | Materials Processing I | 3 |
| MSE 351 | Electronic Properties of Materials | 3 |
| MSE 333 | Materials Characterization | 3 |
| MSE 352 | Functional Properties of Materials I | 3 |
| MSE 362 | Mechanical Behavior of Materials I | 3 |
| Senior Year: | ||
| MSE 442 | Materials Processing II | 3 |
| MSE 493 | Design in Materials Engineering I | 1 |
| MSE 494 | Design in Materials Engineering II | 2 |
| MSE 431 | Failure Analysis and Durability of Materials | 3 |
| MSE 495 | Design in Materials Engineering III | 3 |
6 credits must come from the MSE 400-level courses listed below; MSE 500-level courses also count. Up to 9 credits from the Other Technical Electives List below may be substituted, though you can also complete the requirement with 15 credits of MSE 400 or 500 level course work.
500-level MSE courses (except MSE 520 and MSE 599 that is an independent study) will also count toward MSE Technical Electives.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSE 450 | Magnetism, Magnetic Materials, and Related Technologies | 3 |
| MSE 452 | Functional Properties of Materials II | 3 |
| MSE 462 | Mechanical Behavior of Materials II | 3 |
| MSE 463 | Corrosion and Wear of Materials | 3 |
| MSE 466 | Energy Materials, Devices, and Systems | 3 |
| MSE 471 | Introduction to Polymer Science and Engineering | 3 |
| MSE 473 | Noncrystalline State | 3 |
| MSE 474 | Nanocomposite Materials | 3 |
| MSE 475 | Intro to Composite Materials | 3 |
| MSE 476 | Introduction to Optoelectronic Materials | 3 |
| MSE 477 | Data Science and Materials Informatics | 3 |
| MSE 478 | Material and Device Modeling | 3 |
| MSE 479 | Big Data for Materials Science | 3 |
| MSE 481 | Science and Technology of Nanostructures | 3 |
| MSE 482 | Biomaterials/Nanomaterials in Tissue Engineering | 3 |
| MSE 483 | Nanomedicine | 3 |
| MSE 484 | Electronic and Optoelectronic Polymers | 3 |
| MSE 486 | Fundamentals of Integrated Circuit Technology | 3 |
| MSE 487 | Composites Engineering, Production, and Maintenance | 3 |
| MSE 488 | Materials In Manufacturing | 3 |
| MSE 489 | Additive Manufacturing: Materials,Processes, and Applications | 3 |
| MSE 490 | Composite Materials in Manufacturing | 3 |
| MSE 498 | MSE Special Topics (Special topic courses only, not independent study) | 3-4 |
The 15 credit Technical Elective requirement total can include 0-9 credits from the following list; though you can fulfill the requirement with all MSE 400/500 level electives instead.
All 400 or 500-level courses in the following departments count towards Other Technical Electives (except seminar courses or independent study):
A A | BIOEN | CHEM E | CEE | CSE | E E | IND E | M E
500 level courses from the Engineering and Allen School departments listed above will require the MSE advisor to update your audit manually; just notify your advisor is this is needed
If you would like to take a technical elective course outside Engineering or the Allen School that is not listed here, you must fill out a Course Substitution Petition Form and turn it in to the undergraduate advisor. The petition will be reviewed by the MSE Undergraduate Committee.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| A MATH 352 | Applied Linear Algebra & Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| A MATH 353 | Partial Differential Equations and Waves | 3 |
| A MATH 383 | Introduction to Continuous Math Modeling | 3 |
| A MATH 401 | Vector Calculus and Complex Variables | 3 |
| A MATH 403 | Methods for Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| BIOC 405, 406 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 3, 3 |
| CHEM 312 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 455, 456, or 457 | Physical Chemistry | 3, 3, 3 |
| CHEM E 341 | Energy and Environment | 3 |
| ENGR 321 | Engineering Internship (can count a maximum of 4 cr. towards degree) | 1-2 |
| ENVIR 480 | Sustainability Studio | 5 |
| PHYS 321 | Electromagnetism | 4 |
| PHYS 324, 325 | Quantum Mechanics | 4, 4 |
| PHYS 334, 335 | Electric Circuits Laboratory | 3, 3 |
| PHYS 434 | Application of Computers to Physical Measurement | 3 |
| PHYS 441 | Quantum Mechanics | 4 |
| * ENTRE 370 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship | 4 |
| * ENTRE 440 | Business Plan Practicum | 2 |