Students who aspire to discover new materials that will improve our quality of life, work with chemistry, physics and engineering principles, and learn in a hands-on environment with faculty will thrive in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Students in MS&E are pioneers, making materials better through innovation. In MS&E, students aren’t just hearing about revolutionary materials — They are the ones making them stronger, faster, lighter, smaller and better.
These materials make the world more equitable, reliable and sustainable, improving fuel efficient vehicles, jet engine performance, integrated circuits, green energy, electronics and more. Impacting these areas is possible with advanced tools and technology. Atomic resolution microscopes, analytical instruments, computer-based modeling and data science support MS&E’s laboratory coursework and research.
Course structure and camaraderie are other factors that set MS&E apart. Instead of teaching from large lecture halls, MS&E prioritizes small class sizes and hands-on laboratories. Doing so establishes a culture where students are more than a number, where faculty know each of them by name. This tight-knit feel fuels results.
Earning a Bachelors of Science in Materials Science and Engineering opens doors. MS&E graduates have a 95% job placement rate, taking on a variety of roles. Aerospace engineer, analytical chemist, design engineer, research scientist and quality manager are just a few titles that MS&E graduates hold. Working for companies across the globe, MS&E graduates continue carrying out the Wisconsin Idea far beyond Madison.
The department is happy to welcome students who are interested in MS&E’s principles, coursework, and impact areas. Additional questions about the undergraduate program can be directed toward MS&E’s Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies Mike Arnold.
How to Get in
Admission to the College as a First-Year Student
Students applying to UW–Madison need to indicate an engineering major as their first choice in order to be considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering. Direct admission means that students get to start their college career in the engineering program of their choice and have access to engineering-specific resources and facilities. Students who are directly admitted need to meet progression requirements at the end of the first year to guarantee advancement in that program.
Current UW-Madison Students (Cross-Campus Transfer to Engineering)
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | Application required. Meeting the requirements listed below does not guarantee admission. (https://engineering.wisc.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cross-campus-students/) |
| Application restrictions |
|
| Credits required to get in | 24 graded credits completed at UW-Madison, including at least one full-time (12 credit) semester. English as a Second Language course credits count toward the 24 credit minimum. |
| Courses required to get in | Engr Comm 1 (Comm A) requirement taken on a graded basis at UW-Madison. If the Comm A requirement has been satisfied through placement test, AP/IB, or transfer credit, then a liberal studies course of at least 3 credits (breadth designation of Humanities, Literature, or Social Sciences) must be taken on a graded basis at UW-Madison. Math course sequence through MATH 222. Four foundational courses completed on a graded basis at UW-Madison, as defined in the Foundational Courses List below. |
Foundational courses list
Four Foundational Courses must be completed at UW-Madison as defined in 1. and 2.
1. Math Foundation
A minimum of two math courses numbered 221 or higher; one math course 300 level or higher; or calculus sequence completed through MATH 234. Excludes MATH 228, MATH/HIST SCI 473, special topics, independent study, seminar, pass/fail, and credit/no credit courses.
2. Engineering Foundation
A minimum of two courses as defined below:
Chemical Engineering:
(i) one course must be CHEM 104 or higher
(ii) one course must be PHYSICS 201/E M A 201 or higher
If the above two course requirements are completed with transfer or test credit, select from additional engineering foundation courses in (ii) below.
Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Geological Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering:
(i) one course must be CHEM 104 or higher OR PHYSICS 201/E M A 201 or higher
(ii) one other engineering foundation course from the following subject codes:
- Chemistry
- E M A 201, E M A 202, E M A 303
- PHYSICS 201 or higher
- Statistics, calculus-based
- COMP SCI 200, COMP SCI 220, COMP SCI 300 or higher, excluding COMP SCI 304
- excludes special topics, independent study, seminar, pass/fail, and credit/no credit courses
3. Additional foundational course options, if applicable
If the math and engineering foundational courses for the degree program are complete, then degree program engineering courses 200 level or higher can be taken to complete the Four Foundational Courses requirement. Excludes EPD, InterEGR, special topics, independent study, seminar, pass/fail, and credit/no credit courses.
Additional considerations
Cross-campus admission is selective. The admissions committee considers applicants’ grades/grade trends, academic rigor, and personal statement. The College of Engineering offers an online information tutorial and advising for students to learn about the cross-campus transfer process.
| Semester | Deadline to apply | Decision notification timeline |
|---|---|---|
| To apply for a fall start | Mid May | Late June |
| To apply for a spring start | Late December/Early January | Late January |
| To apply for a summer start | This program does not accept applications to start in the summer. |
Off-Campus Transfer to Engineering
With careful planning, students at other accredited institutions can transfer coursework that will apply toward engineering degree requirements at UW–Madison. Off-campus transfer applicants are considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering by applying to the Office of Admissions with an engineering major listed as their first choice. Those who are admitted to their intended engineering program must meet progression requirements at the point of transfer or within their first two semesters at UW–Madison to guarantee advancement in that program. Transfer admission to the College of Engineering is selective. A minimum of 30 credits in residence in the College of Engineering is required after transferring, and all students must meet all requirements for their engineering major.
The College of Engineering has dual degree transfer agreements with select four-year UW System campuses and a transfer agreement with Madison College. Eligible students in COE's transfer agreements automatically meet progression at the point of transfer.
Off-campus transfer students are encouraged to discuss their interests, academic background, and admission options with the Transfer & Academic Program Manager in the College of Engineering: ugtransfer@engr.wisc.edu.
Second Bachelor's Degree
The College of Engineering does not accept second undergraduate degree applications. Second degree students might explore the Biological Systems Engineering program at UW–Madison, an undergraduate engineering degree elsewhere, or a graduate program in the College of Engineering.
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
|
| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
|
| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
College of Engineering Degree Granting Programs’ Common Requirements
The College of Engineering departments collaborated and adopted a common set of guidelines in their degree granting program (major) requirements. Engineering departments incorporate specific coursework within their curricula to meet these guidelines. Students should refer to specific coursework detailed below the Summary of Requirements.
College of Engineering Degree Granting Programs’ Common Requirements
| Communication | All College of Engineering majors require two levels of communication coursework:
|
| Quantitative Reasoning | All College of Engineering majors require a math sequence that incorporates two levels of quantitative reasoning. |
| Humanities or Literature | All College of Engineering majors require a minimum of 6 credits with the Humanities or Literature breadth designations. See major Liberal Studies Electives Requirement below. |
| Social Sciences | All College of Engineering majors require a minimum of 3 credits with the Social Sciences breadth designation. See major Liberal Studies Electives Requirement below. |
| Natural Sciences | All College of Engineering majors require specific coursework that incorporates a minimum of 6 credits with the Biological, Natural, or Physical Science breadth designations. |
| Ethnic Studies | All College of Engineering majors require at least one course of at least 3 credits with the Ethnic Studies designation. This course may also be used to satisfy the Social Sciences or Humanities or Literature requirement. |
Materials Science and Engineering, BS Curriculum
This curriculum applies to students admitted to the degree program this Guide academic year. Curricular requirements for students admitted in previous semesters are available in the Archive section of Guide.
Summary of Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics and Statistics | 19 | |
| General Science and Engineering Foundations | 26-27 | |
| MS&E Required Courses | 45 | |
| Materials Emphasis Elective Requirements | 12 | |
| Communication Skills | 6 | |
| Liberal Studies Electives | 16 | |
| Free Electives | 3-4 | |
| Total Credits | 128 | |
Mathematics and Statistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 221 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | 5 |
| MATH 222 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2 | 4 |
| MATH 234 | Calculus--Functions of Several Variables | 4 |
| MATH 319 | Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| or MATH 320 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | |
| STAT 324 | Introduction to Statistics for Science and Engineering | 3 |
| or I SY E 210 | Introduction to Industrial Statistics | |
| Total Credits | 19 | |
General Science and Engineering Foundations
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Science | ||
| Physics | ||
| PHYSICS 201 | General Physics | 5 |
| or PHYSICS 207 | General Physics | |
| or PHYSICS 247 | A Modern Introduction to Physics | |
| PHYSICS 202 | General Physics | 5 |
| or PHYSICS 208 | General Physics | |
| or PHYSICS 248 | A Modern Introduction to Physics | |
| Chemistry | ||
| CHEM 103 & CHEM 104 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | 5 |
| or CHEM 109 | Advanced General Chemistry | |
| CHEM 343 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| or CHEM 341 | Elementary Organic Chemistry | |
| Science Elective | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Chemistry Across the Periodic Table | ||
| Fundamentals of Analytical Science | ||
| Fundamentals of Analytical Science | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Modern Physics for Engineers | ||
| Introduction to Solid State Electronics | ||
| Introduction to Modern Physics | ||
| Animal Biology | ||
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Engineering Foundation | ||
| Introduction to Engineering | ||
| M S & E 260 | Materials Experience (or another CoE Intro to Engineering course) | 2 |
| Computer Sciences | ||
| Select one of the following (COMP SCI 220 preferred): | 3-4 | |
| Data Science Programming I | ||
| Programming I | ||
| Programming II | ||
| Data Science Programming II | ||
| Programming III | ||
| Total Credits | 26-27 | |
Materials Science and Engineering Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| M S & E 330 | Thermodynamics of Materials | 4 |
| M S & E 331 | Transport Phenomena in Materials | 3 |
| M S & E 332 | Macroprocessing of Materials | 3 |
| M S & E 333 | Microprocessing of Materials | 3 |
| M S & E 351 | Materials Science-Structure and Property Relations in Solids | 3 |
| M S & E 352 | Materials Science-Transformation of Solids | 3 |
| M S & E 360 | Structures & Phases Lab | 2 |
| M S & E 361 | Kinetics & Thermodynamics Lab | 2 |
| M S & E 362 | Synthesis & Characterization Lab | 3 |
| M S & E/CHEM 421 | Polymeric Materials | 3 |
| M S & E 441 | Deformation of Solids | 3 |
| M S & E 451 | Introduction to Ceramic Materials | 3 |
| M S & E 456 | Electronic, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Materials | 3 |
| M S & E 460 | Introduction to Computational Materials Science and Engineering | 3 |
| M S & E 470 | Capstone Project I | 1 |
| M S & E 471 | Capstone Project II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
Materials Science and Engineering Emphasis Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credits of materials emphasis electives: M S & E courses numbered 400 or above, B M E 430, M E 417, M E 418, or M E 419 1 | 6 | |
| Select 6 credits of technical emphasis electives: select engineering, science and math/statistics coursework in consultation with an M S & E faculty advisor 2 | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
M S & E 699 Independent Study cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.
- 2
Select 6 credits of coursework from M S & E courses numbered 400 or above, other engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Math, Physics, Statistics (except STAT 301 Introduction to Statistical Methods), or Zoology courses numbered 300 or above, or up to 3 credits of combined M S & E 1 Cooperative Education Program and/or M S & E 699 Independent Study research credit (or from another engineering department). M S & E advisor approval of the set of selections is required. Course sets may be broad-based or concentrated in a subfield of materials science and engineering.
Communication Skills
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Engr Comm 1 | ||
| INTEREGR 156 | Introduction to Writing, Speaking, and Ethics for Engineers | 3 |
| or ENGL 100 | Introduction to College Composition | |
| or COM ARTS 100 | Introduction to Speech Composition | |
| or LSC 100 | Science and Storytelling | |
| or ESL 118 | Academic Writing II | |
| Engr Comm 2 | ||
| INTEREGR 397 | Engineering Communication | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Liberal Studies Electives
Complete 16 credits of Liberal Studies Electives according to CoE requirements.
Free Electives
Select 3-4 elective credits.
Students must complete 128 credits of coursework to earn the BS in materials science and engineering. The above subject requirements can be met with 123 credits of UW courses. The remaining elective credits to meet the required 128 credits may be earned by choosing elective courses that carry more credits than the requirements' minimum credit load or by taking additional coursework of the student's choice.
Learning Outcomes
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to 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
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to 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
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Four-Year Plan
Sample Four-Year Plan
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 221 | 5 | MATH 222 | 4 |
| CHEM 109 | 5 | PHYSICS 201, 207, or 247 | 5 |
| M S & E 260 | 2 | Science Elective | 3 |
| Engr Comm 1 | 3 | Liberal Studies Elective | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | ||
| 18 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 234 | 4 | MATH 319 or 320 | 3 |
| Computer Science Elective | 3 | PHYSICS 202, 208, or 248 | 5 |
| M S & E 330 | 4 | M S & E 352 | 3 |
| M S & E 351 | 3 | M S & E 361 | 2 |
| M S & E 360 | 2 | Liberal Studies Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 341 or 343 | 3 | M S & E 331 | 3 |
| M S & E 332 | 3 | M S & E 333 | 3 |
| M S & E 362 | 3 | STAT 324 or I SY E 210 | 3 |
| M S & E 451 | 3 | Tech Emphasis Elective | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | Liberal Studies Elective | 4 |
| Free Elective | 1 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| M S & E 456 | 3 | M S & E 471 | 3 |
| M S & E 470 | 1 | M S & E 441 | 3 |
| M S & E/CHEM 421 | 3 | M S & E 460 | 3 |
| Tech Emphasis Elective | 3 | Materials Emphasis Elective | 3 |
| Materials Emphasis Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| INTEREGR 397 | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 128 | |||
Advising and Careers
Advising
Every College of Engineering undergraduate has an assigned academic advisor. Academic advisors support and coach students through their transition to college and their academic program all the way through graduation.
Advisors help students navigate the highly structured engineering curricula and course sequencing, working with them to select courses each semester.
When facing a challenge or making a plan toward a goal, students can start with their academic advisor. There are many outstanding resources at UW–Madison, and academic advisors are trained to help students navigate these resources. Advisors not only inform students about the various resources, but they help reduce the barriers between students and campus resources to help students feel empowered to pursue their goals and communicate their needs.
Students can find their assigned advisor in their MyUW Student Center.
Engineering Career Services
Engineering Career Services (ECS) assists students in finding work-based learning experiences such as co-ops and summer internships, exploring and applying to graduate or professional school, and finding full-time professional employment.
ECS offers two large career fairs per year, assists students with resume building and developing interviewing skills, hosts skill-building workshops, and meets one-on-one with students to discuss offer negotiations.
Students are encouraged to engage with the ECS office early in their academic careers. For more information on ECS programs and workshops, visit: https://ecs.wisc.edu.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Materials (1), Metallurgical (2), Ceramics (3), and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
Program Educational Objectives for the Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering
We recognize that our graduates will choose to use the knowledge and skills that they have acquired during their undergraduate years to pursue a wide variety of career and life goals, and we encourage this diversity of paths. Whatever path our graduates may choose, we expect them to be meeting the following objectives at least three to five years after graduation:
- Skills and Tools. Graduates will be applying the tools and skills acquired during their undergraduate experience either in post-graduate educational programs or as employees in materials-related industries.
- Early Career Growth. Graduates will have experienced professional growth in their chosen post-baccalaureate pursuits, for example, through acquisition of advanced degrees or advancement in employment rank.
- Professional Citizenship. Graduates will have demonstrated awareness of contemporary issues in technology and society and ethical responsibility.
- Life-Long Learning: Graduates will have demonstrated a continuing commitment to learning.
Note: Undergraduate Student Outcomes, number of degrees conferred, and enrollment data are made publicly available at the Materials Science and Engineering Undergraduate Program website. (In this Guide, the program's Student Outcomes are available through the "Learning Outcomes" tab.)