2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Dec 05, 2025

2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Materials Science and Engineering, BSMSE (MATSCI-BSMSE)

CIP Code: 141801

Program Description

Materials science and engineering has evolved over the last 25 years from metallurgical engineering, polymer chemistry, and ceramic science. It is increasingly recognized as a key engineering field that opens the door for new developments in other advanced technologies. Over the past several decades, scientists and engineers have successfully developed radically new materials. Examples include lightweight alloys for structural use, composites of high-strength fibers in ductile matrices, semiconductors for electronic devices, and, more recently, high-temperature semiconductors. These advances typify the challenge faced by materials engineers-to select, modify, or develop the right materials for new applications and technologies.

The curriculum includes advanced coursework in engineering mechanics, materials science, ceramics, metallurgy, polymer science, electric circuits, materials testing, processing, and design. This program cover traditional engineering fundamentals and develop the skills for modern engineering analysis and design. Laboratory and computer experience are integrated throughout the curriculum. Most required courses are offered in both day and evening sections at least once a year.

Program Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science program in Materials Science and Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the and the Program Criteria for Materials (1), Metallurgical (2), Ceramics (3) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Program Admission Requirements

Completion of 24 or more semesters hours of college level work
2.25 cumulative GPA in major courses at WSU
C or higher in: ENG 1100 (or any WSU Core First-Year Writing Course)
C or higher in ME 1020 and ME 1040 and CHM 1210/1210L and PHY 2400/2400L and (EGR 1010 or MTH 2300)

Program Learning Objectives

Students enrolled in this program will learn to:

identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
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
communicate effectively with a range of audiences
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
function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of their learning experience, graduates of this program can:

actively engage in the practice of materials science and engineering or in a related field,
address vital engineering needs in local, national, and international arenas,
be recognized for their ethical standards and professional contributions in the workplace and to society at large,
be dedicated to life-long learning, as demonstrated by the attainment of professional licensure, advanced degrees, certificates, or other continuing education activities.

Combined Undergraduate and Graduate Program

This program offers a combined-degree program with a master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering. A combined-degree program provides an opportunity for an undergraduate student to begin working toward a master’s degree in their senior year. This allows students to complete the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less combined time than it would take to complete them sequentially.

Students enrolled in a combined-degree program may “double count” a maximum of nine credit hours of graduate-level courses to satisfy both the bachelor’s and the master’s degree requirements. Students must earn at least 141 unique credit hours (any credits that “double-count” toward both degrees are counted only once toward the total number of unique hours) in the combined-degree program.

To participate in a combined-degree program, students must apply through the College of Graduate Programs and Honors Studies and meet all admission qualifications. Learn more about combined programs in Policy 5330.

For More Information

Program Requirements

I. Wright State Core: 37 Credit Hours

As a part of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree at Wright State University, all students must complete the Wright State Core, a general education curriculum. Most programs require 36 hours in the Core, some programs may require additional hours.

Specific Core classes in some of the Elements may be required by some majors. When this occurs, the specific Core courses required will be listed below. In Elements where a specific course is not required, students can choose any course from the Wright State Core Program Requirements.

First-Year Seminar: 1 Credit Hour

All students must successfully complete a First-Year Seminar during their first year. Transfer students who transfer 24 or more credit hours (post high school graduation) are exempt from this requirement and will need to satisfy one additional credit hour in the Additional Core Courses category.

UVC 1010 - First Year Seminar Credit Hour(s): 1 to 3

Element A - English Composition: 6 Credit Hours

First-Year Writing Course (3 credit hours)

All students must successfully complete ENG 1100.  Based on Writing Placement level, some students may be required to enroll in a corequisite course (DEV 0100). 
ENG 1100 - Academic Writing and Reading Credit Hour(s): 3
Second-Year Writing Course (3 credit hours)

All students must successfully complete one second-year writing course from the choices below:
EGR 3350 - Technical Communications for Engineers and Computer Scientists Credit Hour(s): 3
ENG 2140 - Research, Technical Writing, and Presentation for Scientists and Engineers Credit Hour(s): 3

Element B - Mathematics, Statistics, and Logic: 4 Credit Hours

Based on Math Placement Level, students may need additional prerequisite or corequisite coursework in mathematics prior to enrollment in the required course below.

Required:

MTH 2300 - Calculus I Credit Hour(s): 4

Element C - Arts and Humanities: 6 Credit Hours

Students will select two Arts and Humanities courses, with different course prefixes from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements. One course must fulfill the History requirement.

History Requirement (3 credit hours)

Choose 1 course from the list below:
HST 1100 - Western Civilizations to 1500 Credit Hour(s): 3
HST 1200 - The West and the World since 1500 Credit Hour(s): 3
HST 1500 - Introduction to Greek and Roman Culture Credit Hour(s): 3
Arts and Humanities Course (3 credit hours)

Choose an additional Arts and Humanities course (a different prefix from what is chosen above) from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements.

Element D - Social and Behavioral Sciences: 6 Credit Hours

Students will select two Social and Behavioral Sciences courses, with different course prefixes from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements.

Element E - Natural Sciences: 10 Credit Hours

Students will select two Natural Science courses, from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements. At least one course must contain a laboratory.

Required:

PHY 2400 - General Physics I Credit Hour(s): 4
PHY 2400L - General Physics I Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 1
PHY 2400R - General Physics I Recitation Credit Hour(s): 0
PHY 2410 - General Physics II Credit Hour(s): 4
PHY 2410L - General Physics II Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 1
PHY 2410R - General Physics II Recitation Credit Hour(s): 0

Additional Core Courses: 4 Credit Hours

Students will select up to 4 additional credit hours from Elements A-E from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements to reach the 36 minimum hours required in the Core. Unless specified by the student’s major, these are selected by the student. When a major has required courses in this area, the specific Core course(s) required will be listed below.

MTH 2310 - Calculus II Credit Hour(s): 4

Additional Core Requirements

Within the 36 credit hours of the Wright State Core students must successfully complete the following:

One Global Inquiry (GI) course

Two Inclusive Excellence (IE) courses

One to two Integrated Writing (IW) courses. To meet degree requirements all students must complete a minimum of 3 IW courses by choosing either (a) 1 in the Core and 2 in the major or (b) 2 in the Core and 1 in the major. Students should check their major program requirements for courses that fulfill Integrated Writing.

Students who do not make choices within the 36 required hours of the Core to fulfill the GI, IE, and IW requirements will take additional Core hours beyond the minimum of 36.

II. Major Requirements: 54 Credit Hours

EGR 1010 - Introductory Mathematics for Engineering Applications Credit Hour(s): 4
ME 1020 - Engineering Programming with Matlab Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 1040 - Engineering Design and Solid Modeling Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 2120 - Statics Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 2600 - Metallography Credit Hour(s): 1
ME 2700 - Structure and Properties of Materials I Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 3120 - Mechanics of Materials Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 3600 - Experimental Measurements and Instrumentation Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 3600L - Experimental Measurements and Instrumentation Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 0
ME 3750 - Thermodynamics of Materials Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 3760 - Diffusion and Kinetics Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4620 - Mechanics and Materials Testing Lab Credit Hour(s): 2
ME 4700 - Structure and Properties of Materials II Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4720 - Engineering Polymers Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4730 - Engineering Ceramics Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4740 - Materials Selection and Failure Analysis Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4750 - Materials Characterization Credit Hour(s): 2
ME 4750L - Materials Characterization Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 0
ME 4770 - Mechanical Behavior of Metals Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4910 - Capstone Design I Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4920 - Capstone Design II Credit Hour(s): 3

III. Major Concentration Requirements: 9 Credit Hours

Students will select one of the concentrations below.

General Concentration

Students will select 9 credit hours from the following:

ME 4570 - Energy Materials Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4580 - Fuel Cell Science and Technology Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4680 - Experimental Nanomaterials and Nanoscience Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4820 - Corrosion Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4830 - Computational Materials Science Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4840 - Materials Selection for Mechanical Design Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4850 - Nano-scale Science and Engineering Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4880 - Powder Processing Materials Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4990 - Independent Study in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering Credit Hour(s): 1 to 3

Manufacturing Concentration

Students will select 9 credit hours from the following:

ISE 2211 - Statistics for Engineers Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4121 - Industrial Controls and Automation Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4121L - Industrial Controls and Automation Lab Credit Hour(s): 1
ME 4180 - Additive Manufacturing Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4860 - Metal Forming Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4870 - Machining Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4870L - Machining Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 0
ME 4880 - Powder Processing Materials Credit Hour(s): 3

IV. Technical Elective: 3 Credit Hours

Students will select 3 credit hours from the following:

EE 3030 - Circuit Analysis II Credit Hour(s): 3
EE 3030L - Circuit Analysis II Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 1
EE 3310 - Electronic Devices and Circuits Credit Hour(s): 3
EE 3310L - Electronic Devices and Circuits Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 1
EE 4130 - Continuous Control Systems Credit Hour(s): 3
EE 4130L - Continuous Control Systems Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 1
ISE 2211 - Statistics for Engineers Credit Hour(s): 3
ISE 4400 - Engineering Economy Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4010 - Computational Methods for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4020 - Data Science in Mechanical and Materials Engineering Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4080 - Design Optimization Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4120 - Finite Element Analysis Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4120L - Finite Element Analysis Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 0
ME 4121 - Industrial Controls and Automation Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4121L - Industrial Controls and Automation Lab Credit Hour(s): 1
ME 4150 - Mechanical Design II Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4160 - Advanced CAD/CAM Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4180 - Additive Manufacturing Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4190 - Introduction to Engineering Lubrication Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4210 - Mechanical Vibration Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4210L - Mechanical Vibration Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 0
ME 4220 - Mechanical Systems Modeling and Design Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4240 - Vehicle Engineering Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4250 - Kinematics and Design-Mechanism Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4260 - Introduction to Robotics Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4260L - Introduction to Robotics Lab Credit Hour(s): 1
ME 4330 - Compressible Fluid Flow Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4340 - Simulation of Thermal-Fluids Problems with Advanced Engineering Software Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4350 - Mechanics of Viscous Fluids Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4360 - Principles of Internal Combustion Engines Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4430 - Aeronautics Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4440 - Aerospace Propulsion Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4490 - Aerospace Structures Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4520 - Hydropower Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4530 - Energy Conversion Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4540 - Solar Thermal Engineering Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4550 - Geothermal Energy Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4560 - Wind Power Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4570 - Energy Materials Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4580 - Fuel Cell Science and Technology Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4590 - Advances in Clean Coal Technology Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4680 - Experimental Nanomaterials and Nanoscience Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4700 - Structure and Properties of Materials II Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4720 - Engineering Polymers Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4730 - Engineering Ceramics Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4740 - Materials Selection and Failure Analysis Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4750 - Materials Characterization Credit Hour(s): 2
ME 4750L - Materials Characterization Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 0
ME 4770 - Mechanical Behavior of Metals Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4820 - Corrosion Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4830 - Computational Materials Science Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4850 - Nano-scale Science and Engineering Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4860 - Metal Forming Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4880 - Powder Processing Materials Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4940 - Mechanical and Materials Engineering Internship Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 4990 - Independent Study in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering Credit Hour(s): 1 to 3

V. CECS Requirements: 4 Credit Hours

EE 2010 - Analog Circuit Theory Credit Hour(s): 3
EE 2010L - Analog Circuit Theory Lab Credit Hour(s): 1

VI. Other Requirements: 13 Credit Hours

CHM 1210 - General Chemistry I Credit Hour(s): 3
CHM 1210L - General Chemistry Lab I Credit Hour(s): 2
CHM 1210R - General Chemistry Lab I Recitation Credit Hour(s): 0
MTH 2320 - Calculus III Credit Hour(s): 4
MTH 2350 - Differential Equations with Matrix Algebra Credit Hour(s): 4

Total: 120 Credit Hours

Graduation Planning Strategy

A Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS), also known as a four-year guide, is an academic tool showing one example of how a program can be completed in a certain amount of time. All Wright State undergraduate majors can be completed in four years with careful planning. Some programs may require summer coursework. Time to degree is dependent on many factors including student placement in mathematics and writing courses, CCP and AP coursework, transfer coursework, and other variables.

These guides are valid for this year’s Academic Catalog only and are subject to change. These guides are a recommendation only and your actual program may vary. Students should consult with their academic advisor on a regular basis and create a personalized plan to degree completion.