Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for innovative careers in the development, processing, and application of materials. This program blends fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, and engineering to provide students with a strong foundation in the structure-property relationships of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. Students gain hands-on laboratory experience and engage in cutting-edge research projects that address real-world challenges, from creating stronger and lighter materials for aerospace applications to developing sustainable materials for environmental solutions. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills essential for careers in research, development, manufacturing, and academia. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and work alongside active researchers and industry partners, ensuring they are well-prepared for professional success or advanced study. The program also offers opportunities for internships, co-ops, and international exchanges, enabling students to gain practical experience and global perspectives. Graduates of the Materials Science and Engineering program at Maryland are highly sought after by leading companies and research institutions, equipped with the technical expertise and innovative mindset needed to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Whether interested in developing new materials for electronics, medical devices, energy storage, or structural components, students are encouraged to pursue their passions through specialized coursework, research opportunities, and participation in professional organizations. The program aims to cultivate the next generation of materials scientists and engineers who will drive technological advancements and contribute to sustainable and innovative solutions across various industries.

• ENMA 150: Materials of Civilization (3)
• ENMA 181: Introduction to Nanomaterials Seminar (1)
• ENMA 300: Introduction to Materials and Their Applications (3)
• ENMA 301: Materials for Emerging Technologies (3)
• ENMA 312: Experimental Methods in Materials Science (3)
• ENMA 362: Mechanical Properties (3)
• ENMA 410: Materials for Energy I (3)
• ENMA 411: Materials for Energy II (3)
• ENMA 412: Fundamentals of Solar Cells (3)
• ENMA 420: Intermediate Ceramics (3)
• ENMA 421: Design of Composites (3)
• ENMA 422: Radiation Effects (3)
• ENMA 423: Manufacturing with Polymers (3)
• ENMA 424: Manufacturing Ceramics (3)
• ENMA 425: Introduction to Biomaterials (3)
• ENMA 426: Reliability of Materials (3)
• ENMA 430: Nanosized Materials (3)
• ENMA 431: Nanomechanics of Biomaterials (3)
• ENMA 440: Plasma Processing of Materials (3)
• ENMA 441: Nanotechnology Characterization (3)
• ENMA 442: Nanomaterials (3)
• ENMA 443: Introduction to Photonic Materials, Devices and Reliability (3)
• ENMA 445: Liquid Crystals and Other Monomeric Soft Matter Materials (3)
• ENMA 460: Physics of Solid Materials (3)
• ENMA 461: Thermodynamics of Materials (3)
• ENMA 462: Smart Materials (3)
• ENMA 463: Macroprocessing (3)
• ENMA 464: Environmental Effects on Engineering Materials (3)
• ENMA 465: Microprocessing (3)
• ENMA 466: Advanced Materials Fabrication Laboratory (3)
• ENMA 470 (formerly ENMA 489O): Materials Selection in Engineering Design (3)
• ENMA 471: Kinetics, Diffusion and Phase Transformations (3)
• ENMA 472: Technology and Design of Engineering Materials (3)
• ENMA 475: Diffraction Techniques in Materials Science (3)
• ENMA 481: Introduction to Electronic and Optical Materials (3)
• ENMA 482: Introduction to Electron Microscopy (3)
• ENMA 484: Finite Element Modeling
• ENMA 489A: Introduction to Computational Materials Science
• ENMA 489C: Electrochemical Energy Engineering
• ENMA 490: Materials Design—Capstone Design Course (3)
• ENMA 495: Polymeric Engineering Materials (3)
• ENMA 499: Laboratory Project (3)

Requirements

• Nonrefundable application fee of $75
• Two letters of recommendation are required for a completed application: one from your school counselor and one from a teacher. Recommendations must be sent to us directly from the recommender.
• Official copy of your high school transcripts
• Where appropriate, include official results and certificates of completion from national secondary school examinations such as GCSE/GCE, CBSE national and regional, CXC/CSEC and WAEC. Transcripts must be sent in the native language with a certified English translation.
• The SAT or the ACT is required.
• If neither the SAT nor the ACT is available in your country, submit a written request for a waiver of this requirement with your application. Applicants who don’t submit some form of official standardized testing may be at a competitive disadvantage.
• Activities and awards list or resume
• If English is not your native language—regardless of your citizenship—you must have an official report of your scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the address below by the appropriate application deadline. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will consider all materials submitted in the application package to determine your level of English proficiency.

The Materials Science and Engineering program at the University of Maryland, College Park offers a variety of financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Undergraduate students enrolled in the program can benefit from federal and state financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study, and federal loans such as Stafford and PLUS loans. Eligibility for these aids depends on financial need and academic requirements, and students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine their eligibility. Additionally, the university provides institutional scholarships tailored specifically for engineering students, which are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and potential contributions to the university community.

Graduate students pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering have access to research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships that often include tuition waivers and stipends to cover living expenses. These assistantships are typically awarded through faculty research projects or departmental funding, and competitive applicants are encouraged to demonstrate strong academic records and research interests aligned with ongoing departmental projects. External funding sources, such as national science foundations, industrial partners, and private foundations, also provide fellowships and grants that can be instrumental in financing graduate studies.

The university’s Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides detailed guidance, application assistance, and up-to-date information on available financial resources. Students are advised to explore multiple options early and apply for all relevant financial aid opportunities to reduce the burden of education costs. The university also offers installment payment plans and resources for budgeting and financial planning, helping students manage their expenses effectively. By combining federal, state, institutional, and external funding sources, students in the Materials Science and Engineering program can find comprehensive financial support tailored to their academic level and individual circumstances, making quality education accessible and affordable.

Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, offers a comprehensive educational experience designed to prepare students for careers in research, industry, and academia. The program focuses on understanding the properties, structure, and performance of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Students gain multidisciplinary knowledge that encompasses physics, chemistry, and engineering principles, enabling them to innovate and develop new materials for a wide range of applications, such as aerospace, electronics, biomaterials, and energy storage. The curriculum includes core courses in materials characterization, thermodynamics, mechanics, and processing techniques, along with opportunities for specialized electives in areas like nanomaterials, biomaterials, and sustainable materials. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, research projects, and collaboration with industry partners to enhance practical skills. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced microscopy and spectroscopy labs, to support experimental work and characterization of materials. The university encourages interdisciplinary research, often involving collaborations across departments such as chemistry, physics, and engineering, fostering a broad perspective on materials challenges. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in industry, academia, or government research laboratories, or to continue their studies at the graduate level. The program benefits from a faculty of experienced researchers and professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in materials science. Overall, the program aims to develop not only technical expertise but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, ensuring students are prepared to meet the evolving demands of the materials industry and scientific community.