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.
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.
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.
The Materials Engineering major has the following learning outcomes:
Complete 15 courses as follows:
Complete the following three courses:
Select one course from:
Complete the following two courses:
Complete six courses as follows:
Select one course from:
Complete the following three courses.
Complete 25 courses as follows:
Complete 14 courses as follows. Students may apply Civil and Environmental Engineering 91 or Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering 101.
Select one course from:
Select two laboratory courses (4 units) from the following. Up to two units of Materials Science and Engineering 199 may be applied.
Complete three technical breadth courses (12 units) selected from approved lists available on the technical breadth web page.
Complete the following two courses:
Select two major field elective courses (8 units) from:
Select at least one elective course (4 units) from:
Complete 15 courses as follows:
Complete the following three courses:
Select one course from:
Complete the following two courses:
Complete six courses as follows:
Select one course from:
Complete the following three courses:
Complete 25 courses as follows:
Complete the following 15 courses:
Select one upper-division mathematics course from:
Select one course from:
Select one course (4 units) from:
Select one course (4 units) from the following list. Up to 2 units of Material Science and Engineering 199 may be applied
Complete three technical breadth courses (12 units) selected from approved lists available on the technical breadth web page.
Complete the following two courses:
Select one major field elective course (4 units) from:
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 on page 24 or the GE Requirement web page.