Material behavior and performance
Certificate, undergraduate
Overview
Related Topics
How materials perform under pressure
Engineering decisions depend on understanding how materials perform in real-world environments. The undergraduate certificate in material behavior and performance provides specialized training in materials engineering, material properties and material performance, with a focus on how materials respond to stress, fatigue, fracture, deformation, corrosion and other environmental conditions across engineering applications.
Through coursework in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering and nuclear engineering, you'll develop the skills to analyze material behavior, evaluate material performance and apply core engineering principles to the design, testing and optimization of products, components and structural systems. You'll gain practical knowledge of materials selection, failure analysis and performance-based engineering to solve complex engineering challenges.
This certificate prepares students for careers in manufacturing, aerospace, advanced materials, energy, automotive, defense and other technology-driven industries. It also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering and related STEM fields.
This degree could be a good fit if you:
- Are interested in how materials behave under mechanical, thermal or environmental stress.
- Want to apply material performance data to engineering design decisions.
- Are pursuing an engineering major and want deeper expertise in materials-focused analysis.
- Plan to work in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace or advanced technology.
Applying material science to engineering performance
Curriculum
The material behavior and performance undergraduate certificate is a 12-credit program that helps build specialized expertise, complement your degree and develop skills in emerging fields to enhance your career opportunities.
Explore program courses in the University Catalog
Learning outcome
Upon completing this certificate, you will be prepared to advance your career in material behavior and performance engineering and related fields. You will be able to evaluate the performance of engineering materials and apply fundamental engineering principles to support product and component design while considering real-world constraints. You will also develop the communication skills needed to effectively convey technical information about material behavior and performance to clients, engineers and diverse audiences.
Program format
The undergraduate certificate in material behavior and performance requires 12 credit hours selected from approved courses in materials selection, aerospace materials, nuclear materials, fatigue and fracture mechanics, compliant mechanism design and design for manufacturing. Flexible curriculum allows you to tailor the certificate to your interests while developing specialized knowledge applicable to careers in manufacturing, aerospace, advanced materials and related engineering fields. You must earn a grade of C or better in all required coursework.
Faculty expertise
Students work alongside faculty with expertise in:
- Material behavior, performance and failure analysis under real-world operating conditions
- Materials science, advanced manufacturing and innovative processing techniques
- Materials selection and engineering design for mechanical and aerospace applications
- Modeling, simulation and optimization of material and structural performance
- Aerospace materials, systems and engineering applications
- Energy systems and nuclear materials for demanding operating environments
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,271 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Architectural and Engineering Managers • Biofuel Technology and Product Development Managers
$177,591 - Cost Estimators
$83,077 - Aerospace Engineers
$152,256 - Mechanical Engineers • Fuel Cell Engineers • Automotive Engineers
$106,247 - Postsecondary Engineering Teachers
$87,482
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarships
U of I’s certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid or scholarships on their own. However, students enrolled in a bachelor's or associate degree program may apply their financial aid and scholarships toward a certificate if they are pursuing both simultaneously.
For more information or to explore funding options, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-6312.
Idaho LAUNCH
This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.
Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Application information
Admission criteria for undergraduate certificates are the same as those for U of I undergraduate degree programs. View our admission requirements to learn more.
Undergraduate certificate application process
Students interested in adding a certificate to their bachelor’s or associate degree program should speak with their academic advisor.
Students interested in earning an undergraduate certificate as a standalone program should contact the Admissions Office at 208-885-6326 for information on how to apply.
Have questions?
Not sure if this program is the right fit? Connect with your admissions counselor or request more information to get personalized guidance on program details, requirements and next steps.
Find your admissions counselor
Request more information
Connect with program faculty
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