Materials Science and Engineering, BSE

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE)
Major: Materials Science and Engineering

Program Overview

The curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree with a major in Materials Science and Engineering includes the “Engineering Core” – basic courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering along with breadth electives – and the CWRU General Education requirements. To these are added courses in engineering materials, which also allow students to choose one of several areas of concentration within the major. A total of 129 credit hours (units) is required.  

Throughout the undergraduate curriculum in Materials Science and Engineering, scientific fundamentals are integrated with coverage of current manufacturing, design, and applications of engineering materials.

The goal of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering is to prepare students for rewarding careers that provide creative, effective solutions to societal needs, through coursework and associated activities that emphasize:

  • The interrelationships among the processing, structure, properties, and performance of engineering materials
  • The mutual reinforcement of education and professional development throughout one’s career

The undergraduate experience in Materials Science and Engineering at Case Western Reserve is marked by a high degree of hands-on experience and many opportunities for professional development before graduation. Lab courses, senior projects, and plant tours ensure that every student sees the field first-hand in current research and industrial settings.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree program with a major in Materials Science and Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org/.

Program Educational Objectives

  1. Graduates will take an active part in professional organizations.
  2. Graduates will assume leadership positions in materials science related industries.
  3. Graduates will be effectively involved in solving technical problems.
  4. Graduates may successfully enter and complete graduate and professional degree programs.

Learning Outcomes

As preparation for achieving the above educational objectives, the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree program with a major in Materials Science and Engineering is designed so that students attain:

  • an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  • an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  • an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  • an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  • an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  • an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  • an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

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Co-op and Internship Programs

Opportunities are available for students to alternate studies with work in industry or government as a co-op student, which involves paid full-time employment over seven months (one semester and one summer). Students may work in one or two co-ops, beginning in the third year of study. Co-ops provide students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in their field by completing a significant engineering project while receiving professional mentoring. During a co-op placement, students do not pay tuition but maintain their full-time student status while earning a salary. Learn more at engineering.case.edu/coop. Alternatively or additionally, students may obtain employment as summer interns.

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Office of Undergraduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.

Accelerated Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Office of Undergraduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.