Materials Science and Engineering Degree
Stretch the Bounds of Possibility
Work at atomic and molecular levels to achieve globally significant results. In the University of Arizona materials science and engineering program, students work with glass, ceramics, plastics, polymers, composites, metals and other materials to create the devices and systems essential for solar energy production, information technology and medicine. From integrated circuits and chip carriers to turbine engines and optical waveguides, become an expert in materials properties, failure analysis, manufacturing techniques and quality assurance.
Academic Focus Areas
- Materials properties
- Failure analysis
- Manufacturing techniques
- Quality assurance
In class, UA materials science engineering students don’t just learn about materials -- they handle them, in glassblowing, smelting, casting and composite manufacturing.
Research Opportunities
Research areas include
- Optical materials
- Integrated computational science and engineering
- Materials for energy conversion and heat control
- Materials synthesis, processing and fabrication
- Heritage conservation
Working with renowned faculty in campus labs and research centers, including the Engineering Research Center for Environmentally Benign Semiconductor Manufacturing; BIO5 Institute, Arizona Research Institute for Solar Energy and Arizona Materials Lab, students are
- Studying the origin of water on planets
- Probing DNA at the atomic and subatomic levels
- Developing economic models to study the viability of solar energy technologies
- Developing compressed air energy storage solutions to improve efficiency of renewable energy technologies
- Developing novel advanced water treatment technologies
- Transforming optical fibers and metals to withstand extreme conditions in space
Materials and findings produced by UA researchers are now being used at the Rijks Museum in the Netherlands and the International Space Station.
Outside the Classroom
Students expand their training and hands-on materials experience even further in the College’s design, build and compete clubs, and chapters of professional organizations including the Society for the Advancement of Materials and Process Engineers, Keramos and Material Advantage.
Career Paths
UA material science students and graduates are working in diverse fields for employers including
- Aerospace and defense - Honeywell, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman and Boeing
- Semiconductor manufacturing - Texas Instruments, Samsung and Intel
- Optics - Newport (Spectra-Physics), NP Photonics, and Edmund Optics
- Energy: Sion Power, General Plasma, Tucson Electric Power
- Mining, Minerals and Metallurgy Climax, Phelps Dodge, Steel Dynamics
- Biomedical: W. L. Gore & Associates, CR Bard
- Engineering service firms - Aker Solutions, Kleinfelder
Our graduates also work in all units of the U.S. military and federal research labs including Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories
Undergraduate Admissions
Apply Today!
Join a Diverse Community of Thinkers, Inventors and Entrepreneurs
Welcome, and congratulations on all of your hard work getting here!
If you are looking to join a diverse group of students known for their hard work, academic excellence and dedication to making a difference in people’s lives, you have come to the right place! We look forward to helping you accomplish your academic and career goals.
Students apply to the University of Arizona and the College of Engineering through UA Admissions. And the University and College perform a comprehensive review of all applications.
Apply Today!
Please see the appropriate admissions guidelines.
Incoming Freshmen
High school graduates looking to call UA Engineering home for the next four years
Transfer Students
Students who have earned at least 24 credits from another institution
International Students
Non-U.S. citizens without permanent residence status
Current UA Students
Students who wish to switch to one of the College’s 14 majors
Helping You Achieve Your Educational Goals
In addition to the University’s scholarship package and financial aid options, the College of Engineering provides several merit- and need-based undergraduate scholarships to offset tuition, fees and other student expenses. Thanks largely to the support of alumni and donors, the College awarded over $1 million in scholarships in 2015 to more than 350 undergraduate and graduate students.
Incoming Freshman Scholarships > Continuing Students Scholarships >
Scholarship Universe
The UA Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid administers most College of Engineering scholarships through Scholarship Universe, a free searchable database, which -- based on characteristics such as gender, class standing and enrollment status -- matches student academic and professional interests with potential funding. Scholarships are awarded through federal and state agencies, private corporations, professional membership organizations, alumni and donors.
Jeremy Gin, electrical and computer engineering Class of 2015, was on a winning Design Day team: “I am grateful for the Thomas Brown Foundation’s investment in my education and development. I have been able to devote myself to my studies and to how my engineering skills can be used to best serve humanity.”
Scholarship opportunities are frequently announced in weekly emails from the College’s dean of academic affairs to all UA Engineering undergraduates
Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen
Incoming freshmen who have designated Engineering as their primary college and meet the scholarship criteria can apply for the following:
Thomas R. Brown Distinguished Scholarships
College of Engineering Grants (also available to transfer students)
Students who apply to the UA Honors College may also be eligible for Honors Scholarships.
For scholarship consideration, incoming freshmen are required to have submitted SAT or ACT test scores and official high school transcripts. A Free Application for Student Aid, or FAFSA, must be on file with the UA Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for need-based scholarships.
Scholarships for Continuing Students
College of Engineering scholarships for continuing students match student profiles with donor specifications. The application for these scholarships is on Scholarship Universefrom early February until the week after spring break.
Be sure to read the scholarship guidelines first. Remember to attach 1.) your résumé, including current employment and weekly hours worked or school and community activities, leadership roles and honors and 2.) a 250- to 500-word bio, including educational and professional goals, reason for interest in specific engineering major, and adversity overcome to attend college.
Visit UA Career Services for help with your résumé and UA Writing Skills Improvement Program for help with your bio.
For scholarship consideration, continuing students are required to have a Free Application for Student Aid, or FAFSA, on file with the UA Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for need-based scholarships.
For more information about scholarships for continuing undergraduate students in the College of Engineering, please see Department Scholarship Contacts.