2024-2025 Materials Science and Engineering Undergraduate Study

PhD graduate with electronic skin project

Yun-Chiao Huang, PhD graduate from professor Yu Huang’s research group, shows the Electronic Skin project.

Materials Engineering BS

The materials engineering program is designed for students who wish to pursue a professional career in the materials field and desire a broad understanding of the relationship between microstructure and properties of materials. Metals, ceramics, and polymers, as well as the design, fabrication, and testing of metallic and other materials such as oxides, glasses, and fiber-reinforced composites, are included in the course contents.

The materials engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Capstone Major

The Materials Engineering major is a designated capstone major. Students undertake two individual projects involving materials selection, treatment, and serviceability. Successful completion requires working knowledge of physical properties of materials and strategies and methodologies of using materials properties in the materials selection process. Students learn and work independently and practice leadership and teamwork in and across disciplines. They are also expected to communicate effectively in oral, graphic, and written forms.

Educational Objectives

The Materials Engineering major at UCLA prepares undergraduate students for employment and/or advanced studies within industry, the national laboratories, state and federal agencies, and academia. To meet the needs of these constituencies, the objectives of the undergraduate program are to produce graduates who (1) possess a solid foundation in materials science and engineering, with emphasis on the fundamental scientific and engineering principles that govern the microstructure, properties, processing, and performance of all classes of engineering materials; (2) understand materials processes and the application of general natural science and engineering principles to the analysis and design of materials systems of current and/or future importance to society; (3) have strong skills in independent learning, analysis, and problem solving, with special emphasis on design of engineering materials and processes, communication, and an ability to work in teams; and (4) understand and are aware of the broad issues relevant to materials, including professional and ethical responsibilities, impact of materials engineering on society and environment, contemporary issues, and need for lifelong learning.

Learning Outcomes

The Materials Engineering major has the following learning outcomes:

Materials Engineering Option

Preparation for the Major

Complete 15 courses as follows:

Chemistry

Complete the following three courses:

Civil Engineering or Computer Science

Select one course from:

Materials Science and Engineering

Complete the following two courses:

Mathematics

Complete six courses as follows:

Mathematics 33B or Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering 82

Select one course from:

Physics

Complete the following three courses.

The Major

Complete 25 courses as follows:

Required Courses

Complete 14 courses as follows. Students may apply Civil and Environmental Engineering 91 or Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering 101.

Upper-Division Mathematics Course

Select one course from:

Laboratory

Select two laboratory courses (4 units) from the following. Up to two units of Materials Science and Engineering 199 may be applied.

Technical Breadth

Complete three technical breadth courses (12 units) selected from approved lists available on the technical breadth web page.

Capstone Design

Complete the following two courses:

Major Field Electives

Select two major field elective courses (8 units) from:

Elective

Select at least one elective course (4 units) from:

Electronic Materials Option

Preparation for the Major

Complete 15 courses as follows:

Chemistry

Complete the following three courses:

Civil Engineering or Computer Science

Select one course from:

Materials Science

Complete the following two courses:

Mathematics

Complete six courses as follows:

Mathematics 33B or Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering 82

Select one course from:

Physics

Complete the following three courses:

The Major

Complete 25 courses as follows:

Required Courses

Complete the following 15 courses:

Upper-Division Mathematics Course

Select one upper-division mathematics course from:

Materials Science

Select one course from:

Additional Electrical and Computer Engineering or Materials Science Course

Select one course (4 units) from:

Laboratory

Select one course (4 units) from the following list. Up to 2 units of Material Science and Engineering 199 may be applied.

Technical Breadth

Complete three technical breadth courses (12 units) selected from approved lists available on the technical breadth web page.

Capstone Design

Complete the following two courses:

Major Field Elective

Select one major field elective course (4 units) from:

Policies

The Major Policies

Approved lists of technical breadth courses are available on the technical breadth web page.

For information on UC, school, and general education requirements, see Requirements for BS Degrees or the GE Requirement web page.