Introduction to the Major
Materials Science and Engineering(link is external) (MSE) encompasses all natural and synthetic materials – their extraction, synthesis, processing, properties, characterization, and development for technological applications. Materials Engineers are involved in every aspect of technology, ranging from the design of materials for use in consumer electronics, medical and healthcare applications, energy generation and storage, transportation (from vehicles to bridges), and beyond.
MSE teaches core fundamentals while preparing students to solve modern-day materials challenges. Students can also become involved in cutting-edge research in one of the many faculty-led research groups. The MSE program is ABET accredited.
Without Materials, There is No Engineering
The curriculum provides a strong foundation in the science and engineering of materials, leveraging both classroom and hands-on laboratory experiences, while offering you freedom to explore areas of your choice. Students can also pursue joint majors(link is external), hybrids of MSE and other majors for a single degree, offered with many other departments.
Students may also opt for a combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science(link is external) with a fifth year of research and classroom intensive graduate study that prepares students for careers in engineering, engineering management, government, and/or industrial sectors.
Amplify Your Major
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Engage in undergraduate research with world-leading faculty or scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory(link is external)
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Get involved with the Materials Science Engineering Association(link is external).
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Learn about technology innovation abroad with GLOBE Ambassadors(link is external).
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Consider a MSE joint major(link is external) or 5th year BS/MS degree(link is external).
Upon graduation, MSE students are prepared for a number of different career paths. Many go on to graduate studies at prestigious universities. Others head directly into the workforce hired as engineers in Silicon Valley, the biotechnology sector, the aerospace field, and beyond.
Employers
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Amazon
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Apple
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Applied Materials
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Bayer Healthcare
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Baxter
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BP
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Chevron
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Dow
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Dupont
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Exponent
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Exxon
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First Solar
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FormFactor Inc.
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Google
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Hewlett Packard
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Intel
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Imerys
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Imprint Energy
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Johnson & Johnson
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Lam Research
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Lockheed Martin
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Micron Technology
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SpaceX
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Tesla
Graduate Programs
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Chemical Engineering, PhD
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Electrical Engineering, PhD
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Finance, PhD
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Law, JD
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Materials Science & Engineering, PhD
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Nuclear Engineering, PhD
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Solid State Physics, PhD
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey(link is external) of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House(link is external) in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, demonstrations, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation(link is external) program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit mse.berkeley.edu(link is external) for news and updates.
Advising
For department-specific advising, including course equivalencies, exceptions, and enrollments, contact the MSE undergraduate adviser at medinakohzad@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail). Students are also encouraged to meet with an MSE faculty advisor and discuss their program progress, research opportunities, and career plans. See mse.berkeley.edu/advising/(link is external)
Visit Engineering Student Services in 230 Bechtel for advising on degree requirements and completion, academic progress, petitions and exceptions, academic difficulty, change of major/joint majors/simultaneous degrees, cancellations/withdrawals/readmission, and education abroad. See engineering.berkeley.edu/students/ess-advising/(link is external).
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
