Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Scientists and Engineers are involved in every aspect of technology, ranging from the design of materials appropriate for use in integrated circuits and biological applications to those materials needed for energy generation (both conventional energy sources and green sources) and for building bridges, roads, and buildings.

Upon graduation, students are prepared for a number of different careers paths. Many go on to graduate studies at prestigious universities. Others head directly into the workforce as engineers in Silicon Valley (e.g. Agilent and Applied Materials), the biotechnology sector (e.g. Genentech), and engineers in the Aerospace field (e.g. Boeing). 

The objectives of the undergraduate program in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) are to educate graduates who have the following skills:

• Knowledge of the fundamental science and engineering principles relevant to materials design, development and engineering application

• Understanding of the relationship between nano/microstructure, characterization, properties and processing and design of materials

• Have the experimental and computational skills for a professional career or graduate study in materials

• Possess a knowledge of the significance of research, the value of continued learning, and environmental/social issues surrounding materials

• Ability to communicate effectively, to work in teams, and to assume positions as leaders

This major program leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

Admission to the Major

Prospective undergraduates to the College of Engineering will apply for admission to a specific program in the College. For further information, please see the College of Engineering's website.

Admission to Engineering via a Change of College application for current UC Berkeley students is highly unlikely and very competitive as there few, if any, spaces that open in the College each year to students admitted to other colleges at UC Berkeley. For further information regarding a Change of College to Engineering, please see the College's website.

Five-Year BS/MS Program

The five-year combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science program augments the existing four-year undergraduate program with a fifth year of graduate study that provides a professionally oriented component, preparing students for careers in engineering or engineering management within the business, government, and/or industrial sectors. In this program, students earn a bachelor's degree and subsequently, a Master of Science degree under Plan II (without thesis) of the Academic Senate. This five-year program emphasizes interdisciplinary study through an independent project coupled to coursework. The program is open to undergraduate materials science and engineering majors (both single or joint majors) only. For further information regarding this program, please see the department's website.

Visit Department Website