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Learn more about the materials science and engineering Materials Design Capstone Project to match the opportunity that's right for you.
A polymeric material shows waterproof properties.

Materials scientists work closely with chemical and process engineers to convert chemical precursors into engineering plastics to be used in a wide range of industries (consumer products, aerospace, packaging, biomedical, etc.). 

Polymers synthesis and engineering is a major field in manufacturing spanning the range from fundamental chemistry (designing and discovering synthesis routes for new polymers) to process engineering (developing techniques to modify physical properties of plastics to meet some desired criteria) to manufacturing (developing approaches to make polymers on large scales cost-effectively). 

Polymer scientists and engineers are continuously developing new materials with desired properties, and more efficient manufacturing processes to produce these materials. 

Recommended MSEN Electives:

  • MSEN 420 Polymer Science
  • MSEN 426 Polymer Laboratories
  • MSEN 489 Composites Processing
  • MSEN 440 Materials Electrochemistry and Corrosion 

Recommended Specialty Electives:

  • CHEM 227 Organic Chemistry I
  • CHEM 228 Organic Chemistry II
  • MEEN 455 Engineering with Plastics
  • MEEN 458 Processing and Characterization of Polymers
  • CHEM 466 Polymer Chemistry

Relevant Minors/Certificates:

  • Chemistry Minor
  • Polymer Specialty Certificate