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Everything is Made of Something!

B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering

Bachelors of Science in Materials Science and Engineering

A Bachelors of Science in Materials Engineering prepares you for a wide range of careers and graduate school. Our program is designed to support student flexibility and help you prepare for the future you want!

Do more with materials!

Since everything is made of something, materials scientists are needed in every field – from textiles to semiconductors to nanotechnology. Learn how our flexible curriculum can support you customizing your degree to prepare for the career YOU want!

Check out the advising guide!

Did you know?

30%

MSE graduates have found careers in the semiconductor industry?

1/3

of graduates have pursued advanced degrees at institutions around the globe

$100K

the salary 50% of alumni are making within 5 years of graduation!
Bachelors of Science Degree Requirements
View Finish in Four Plan

Content on this page is provided as a quick reference for planning. All official course descriptions, degree requirements, admission standards, and program learning outcomes are published on the Undergraduate Catalog site. See prior university catalogs for curriculum requirements from previous years. Contact Jessica Economy, Academic Programs Manager, jessicaeconomy@boisestate.edu or your academic advisor with any curriculum questions. Updated 10/28/2024

2024-25 Catalog Requirements

Course Number and TitleCredits
UF100 Foundations of Intellectual Life3
UF200 Foundations of Ethics and Diversity3
FW ENGL 101 Writing and Rhetoric I3
FW ENGL 102 Writing and Rhetoric II3
FC Foundations of Oral Communication3
FM MATH 170 Calculus I4
FN CHEM 111, 111L General Chemistry I & Lab4
FN PHYS 211, 211L Physics I with Calculus & Lab5
FA Foundations of Arts course3
FH Foundations of Humanities course3-4
FS Foundations of Social Sciences course 3
FS Foundations of Social Sciences course in a second field3
MATH 175 Calculus II: Concepts and Applications4
MATH 275 Multivariable and Vector Calculus4
MATH 333 Differential Equations with Matrix Theory4
MSE 101 Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering3
MSE 201 Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering3
MSE 280 Intro to Materials Characterization Lab2
MSE 308 Thermodynamics of Materials3
MSE 311 Electrical Properties of Materials3
MSE 312 Mechanical Behavior of Materials3
MSE 315 Materials Processing3
MSE 318 Phase Transformations and Kinetics3
MSE 380 Materials Properties Laboratory3
MSE 480 Senior Capstone Project I3
FF MSE 482 Senior Capstone Project II3
MSE 498 Materials Science Seminar1
PHYS 212, 212L Physics II with Calculus & Lab5
Computing Elective (1)
Choose from the following list or other course(s) as approved by the undergraduate coordinator: CE 284, CS 111, CS 117, CS 121, CS 133, GEOS 357, MSE 150		3
Engineering Fundamentals Elective (2)
Chose from the following list or other course(s) as approved by the undergraduate coordinator: ECE 210, ECE 212, ENGR 210, ENGR 220, ENGR 240, ME 201. ME 203		6
Project-based Engineering Elective (1)
Choose from the following list or other course(s) as approved by the undergraduate coordinator: ENGR 380, MSE 479, MSE 493		3
Science Elective (1)
Complete one course or set of courses (lecture/lab) from the following subject areas, or other courses as approved by the program: BIOL, CHEM, PHYS, GEOL, ENVSCI, GEOS, or GEOPH		3-5
Statistics Elective
Choose from the following list or other course(s) as approved by the undergraduate coordinator. MATH 254, MATH 360, MATH 361.		3
In addition, complete the following coursework to graduate with a BS in Materials Science and Engineering
Upper division electives to total 40 credits0-8
Electives to total 120 credits5-11
Total 120
Accreditation
ABET logo large

The Bachelors of Science (B.S.) in Materials Science and Engineering is an ABET accredited program. Learn more about ABET Accreditation at the following links:

Accelerated Masters Program

The Accelerated Masters degree options give outstanding bachelor’s degree students in Materials Science & Engineering a “fast-track” option to pursue their graduate degree (Master of Science or Master of Engineering) in Materials Science & Engineering. Interested students need to meet eligibility requirements and should apply after the second semester of their Junior year. Students in the accelerated master’s program can enroll in up to 9 credits of 500-level courses during the last two semesters of their undergraduate career. These 500-level courses can be used to satisfy degree requirements for both the bachelor’s and master’s degree. The remaining requirements for the master’s degree are satisfied by the student in the semesters subsequent to the award of the bachelor’s degree.

Eligibility:

  • Must have overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Must have GPA in MSE courses of 3.3 or higher.
  • For MS, must have research advisor with funding available.

If interested, discuss with your academic advisor by the end of your junior year to determine if this is the path for you!

Secondary Education Emphasis

Did you know you can earn a 6-12 Teaching Certificate alongside your degree in Materials Science and Engineering?

Boise State’s Secondary Education program offers a series of courses taken alongside your degree program to earn a grades 6-12 teaching certification in the state of Idaho with an endorsement in Engineering.

Learn more on the Secondary Education Program Website.