Materials Science and Engineering

• Develop new ways to fight cancer.
• Create faster computer chips.
• Design safer air bags for cars.

Prepare to make discoveries that improve lives with a graduate degree in materials science and engineering. The program equips you with the high-level technical knowledge and quality research experiences you need to address today’s most complicated industry problems. You’ll graduate prepared to make scientific contributions in the fields of electronic and magnetic materials, ceramics, aerospace materials and the newly emerging nanomaterials and biomaterials.

The University of Idaho is the only school in the state of Idaho that offers a full gamut of degrees in materials science and engineering.

Available graduate degrees include master of science (M.S.) in materials science and engineering and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in materials science and engineering.

The program includes a carefully crafted mix of theoretical and practical study, with flexibility to tailor the program to your interests.

Here, you work alongside internationally recognized faculty members who are engaged in leading research in such areas as biotechnology, nanotechnology, semiconductor processing, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), alternative and renewable energy resources, and more. You have access to modern laboratory facilities, including our small-scale clean room for semiconductor processing. We also have a full selection of state-of-the-art equipment, such as atomic-force scanning, tunneling microscopes and an X-ray diffractometer.

Prepare for Success

Most students who enter the graduate program in chemical engineering hold an undergraduate degree in materials sciences and engineering or a closely related field. To be successful, you must have a solid background in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics and the fundamentals of engineering.

Your First Year

The master’s program generally requires 12 to 18 months beyond the baccalaureate degree. The doctoral program typically takes at least three years beyond the baccalaureate degree.

Early in the program, you work with your major professor/mentor to develop a study plan. Many study plans include mathematical, statistical and computer applications to specific processes or investigations. Or, you might focus on projects that address specific problems presented by our industry partners, generally with funding from outside sources.

What You Can Do

An advanced degree in materials science and engineering prepares you for success in a broad range of opportunities in:

• Metal manufacturing
• Polymer engineering
• Nuclear and energy related fields 
• Biotechnology
• Biomedical engineering
• Semiconductor processing
• Petroleum and fuel processing
• Aerospace engineering

The master’s program is an excellent first step toward the Ph.D. program, which positions you for a career in academia as a professor or researcher.

Opportunities

The demand for materials scientists and engineers is high and is expected to remain strong, especially in the growing field of nonmaterial and biomaterials.

Companies that frequently hire our graduates include:

• Alcoa
• Allegheny
• Newmont
• Boeing
• Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory
• Argone
• USS-POSCO
• Hewlett-Packard Company
• Idaho National Laboratory
• Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
• Intel
• Micron
• Seagate

Current Research

Graduate students work alongside faculty members who are engaged in leading research in the following areas:

• Semiconductor processing
• Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology
• Alternative and renewable energies
• Material hydroprocessing
• Environmental issues of materials
• Corrosion
• Nuclear materials
• High-temperature, mechanical behaviors
• Advanced processing techniques

Hands-On Experience

The graduate program involves both class work and hands-on research so that you have ample opportunity to become familiar with the variety of research methods and investigative procedures used in the field.

The department also offers research assistantships and summer employment in the laboratories.

Facilities

Both undergraduate and graduate students have access to the modern laboratory facilities and equipment:

• Class 1000 clean room facilities for semiconductor processing
• Atomic-force scanning, tunneling microscopes (AFM/STM)
• Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM)
• Focused ion beam (FIB)
• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
• Multi-channel potentiostat/galvanostat
• Sputtering system for thin film deposition
• Reactive ion etcher
• Environmental chamber
• X-ray diffractometer
• Simultaneous thermal analyzer (DSC-DTA-TGA instrument)
• SPEX mixer/mill (high-energy, ball-milling equipment)
• Ultraviolet laser
• Ion/ball miller