Why Choose Materials Science and Engineering at UNT?

As a student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of North Texas, you will explore the technological challenges of creating, applying and characterizing new materials for the 21st century. Your top-notch education will enable you to develop specialized skills through classroom instruction from accomplished faculty, research with modern equipment and facilities, and connections with industry leaders.

The department occupies approximately 25,000 square feet in UNT’s Discovery Park, with about 40,000 square feet of unfinished space in which to expand. Having one of the most advanced analytical characterization facilities in the country allows students to receive training on state-of-the-art equipment.

What will I learn here?

Materials science and engineering bridges the disciplines of applied physics, chemistry and engineering. Our program helps students understand both the science and engineering aspects of materials – how the nano and microscopic structures in materials relate to the macroscopic properties and how to use these relationships to process materials and to determine the properties of a finished product.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is committed to training students at the undergraduate and graduate levels in all aspects of modern materials including metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic and optical materials and materials characterization.  Our high-tech facility allows student to train on cutting-edge equipment.

The department will also help you build relationships with businesses and professionals in the Dallas–Fort Worth region and with universities both locally and throughout the world. With these connections, we can help you find co-ops and internships that offer real-world training with industry leaders to build upon your classroom knowledge and prepare you for your future career.

What jobs will I be eligible for?

Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in materials science and engineering can expect a very healthy job market and relatively high starting salaries in a variety of industries. Materials science and engineering graduates are heavily sought after by industries of all types, including automotive, chemical, aerospace, microelectronics, magnetic storage, transportation, sports, defense, forensics, and manufacturing.

A BS degree with a major in materials science and engineering also prepares students for continuing their educations with a master’s or a doctoral degree in materials science and engineering or in a related field.

Degree requirements

  • Hours Required and General/College Requirements:  A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 45 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree as specified in the General University Requirements in the Academics section of the Undergraduate catalog and the College of Engineering requirements.
  • Major Requirements:  A minimum of 53 semester hours, including MTSE 1100, 3010, 3020, 3030, 3040, 3050, 3060, 3070, 3080, 3090, 3100, 4010, 4030, 4050, 4060, 4090, and 4100; two elective MTSE courses. Find descriptions of undergraduate courses.
  • Other Required Courses
    1. MATH 1710, 1720, 2700, and 3410
    2. PHYS 1710/1730, 2220/2240, and 3010
    3. CHEM 1410/1430 and 1420
    4. ENGR 2301
    5. MTSE 3000 and MTSE 3001
  • Electives:  Hours required for electives may vary based on course selection and the University Core Curriculum requirements. Electives may be required to satisfy the advanced hour requirement (45) and/or the minimum total hours required for the degree. For specific information see an academic advisor in the College of Engineering.
  • Other Requirements:  A grade point average of at least 2.5 is required for all materials science and engineering courses.
  • Minor:  The materials science and engineering minor at UNT requires a total of 18 semester credit hours. Visit our undergraduate minor page to learn more.

For more information, please visit our admissions page.

What other opportunities will I have?

The department’s alumni base is strong, and many serve as mentors to undergraduate students throughout the student’s academic career.

Interested in Materials Science and Engineering for graduate school? Check out UNT MTSE's 4+1 Grad Track program. Application and information can be found here.

You can also join active Material Science student chapters, listed here. All groups host alumni and engineers in the industry. Issues such as communication, leadership, preparing to work in the industry, and life in academia are addressed in these informal meetings.

In addition, most laboratories and faculty have positions available for undergraduate students to work while pursuing their degree.