Skip to main content

What is Materials Science and Engineering?

Starting with the Stone Age, Iron Age and Bronze Age, the ability to create and use materials has driven human innovation. After all, everything is made of something!

Materials Scientists and Engineers pull together basic sciences such as chemistry, physics and mathematics and use them to create and characterize materials for use in a wide range of engineering applications.

Black and White Image Illustrating the Materials Science Tetrahedron - Structure, Properties, Performance and Processing
Materials Science and Engineering Tetrahedron. Image courtesy of ACS Publications.

Traditionally, in materials, scientists and engineers look at the structure, properties, performance, and processing of a material – a concept known as the materials science tetrahedron. Today, that effort has been expanded to include looking at the origin and lifecycle of materials.

Materials at Boise State

At Boise State, we have faculty and research experts in several areas of materials science and engineering including sustainability, semi-conductor materials, materials for extreme environments and materials for human health. Follow the links to learn more.

Materials and Sustainability

Better Materials for a more Sustainable Future

Semiconductor Materials

Learn how MSE is part of the 2022 CHIPs Act

Materials for Extreme Environments

Learn about ongoing research in the Advanced Materials Laboratory

Materials for Human Health

Learn more about the Biomedical Engineering PhD program