The program offered by . They are interested in improving the performance of existing materials and in designing and fabricating new, higher performance materials that don?t exist in nature. An important part of designing new materials is to understand the structure of materials from the atomic level upwards.

Strengths of the program

• Apply science to real and important problems in engineering and technology, pursue an interdisciplinary approach, and broaden understandings beyond a single traditional science subject. Above all, MSE is a practical subject.
• The MSE senior research thesis can lead to publication in internationally recognized journals and presentations at national meetings.
• Benefit from relatively small classes that allow students to pursue unique lab experiences and receive personal attention from faculty. Average MSE junior and senior courses have just 10-20 students.
• Companies like to hire our graduates because they have a broad educational background in all classes of materials; excellent experimental, design, and research experience; and useful and applicable skills.
• Join other science, math, and engineering students in WSU Pullman's Stephenson residence hall?share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall?s computer lab.
• Develop personal and professional skills in engineering-related activities. The WSU student chapter of Material Advantage, the national umbrella for professional materials societies, has won many national awards in recent years.

Career

Students who graduate with a degree in MSE are in great demand in all areas of the economy.?WSU graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of small, medium, and large companies. Most recently, they have been employed by such companies as Micron Technology, Hewlett-Packard, REC Silicon, Boeing, Intel, and Sikorsky Helicopter, among many others.

Starting salaries typically range from $45,000 to $60,000 per year.Materials scientists and engineers can work in a wide variety of areas. A degree in MSE can lead to careers in technical sales and marketing, consulting, patent law, business, and teaching. Many graduates go on to do research at leading schools in the U.S. or work in national laboratories.