Materials Science & Engineering

Where Materials Science
Meets Engineering Innovation.

Materials Science & Engineering (MTE) is focused on the ways in which materials are made, used, and recycled; on developing and processing new materials and products; and on the innovative use of traditional materials.

WPI’s Materials Science & Engineering interdisciplinary graduate degree programs engage students in cutting-edge research with world-renowned faculty whose work is as broad and varied as the needs of such diverse industries as medicine, energy, transportation, and manufacturing.

Students in the MTE program develop a fundamental understanding of materials at the nano, micro, and macro scales within focus areas that include structure, processing, properties, performance, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Students learn about the synthesizing of new materials and development of improved processes for making them. The focus of much of the research is on metal processing.

Given that materials science and engineering combines chemistry, physics, biology, and math with mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering principles, graduates find themselves in great demand.

Research and Impact

Materials in the Real World

Metal Processing

Research in casting, powder metallurgy, and heat treatment through WPI’s Metal Processing Institute.

Materials Reliability

Work on preventing material failures and improving product performance and service life.

Materials Characterization

Access to SEM, TEM, and X-ray diffraction through WPI’s Materials Characterization Laboratory.

Education

Graduate Students

Advance your knowledge of materials science and engineering through specialized coursework, collaborative learning, and research opportunities.

Prospective Students Current Students

Advance with the BS/MS Dual Degree Program

Fast-track your education and career with the BS/MS program by earning a dual degree―an accelerated academic pathway to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Saving both time and money while building advanced knowledge and skills could help you stand out in today’s competitive job market. Discover more about the BS/MS program and your options to earn a BS/MS dual degree at the links below.

FAQs about the BS/MS program BS/MS program academic catalog information

Area of Study Filter by:	Minor	Master	PhD
Materials Engineering	minor
Materials Science & Engineering		master	phd
This degree is also offered Online.
This degree is eligible for a dual bachelor + master option. Learn More

Career Outlook

As the market demands new materials and improved products, engineers with a materials science and engineering background may work in diverse fields—from agriculture to transportation.

Career Development Center Profile

Our Faculty

Meet all our Faculty

Jianyu Liang

Professor, Mechanical & Materials Engineering

Professor Liang’s research explores the physics of interfaces between the nanometer and micron scales. Her team responds to the challenging interdisciplinary nature of their research endeavor through successful collaboration with colleagues with expertise in metrology, physics, [...]

Adam Powell

Professor, Mechanical & Materials Engineering

Adam C. Powell, IV is a Professor in the Mechanical & Materials Engineering department who joined the WPI faculty in August 2018. His field is materials processing, and research focuses on greenhouse gas emissions reduction, elimination, and drawdown. Current projects aim to [...]

Brajendra Mishra

Kenneth G. Merriam Distinguished Professor & Director, MPI, Mechanical & Materials Engineering

Brajendra Mishra’s research focuses on sustainable stewardship of earth’s resources by developing technologies to advance commercially viable metals/materials processing. He is involved in the design and development of industry-oriented methods for energy and materials sustaina [...]

Danielle Cote

Associate Professor, Mechanical & Materials Engineering

After graduating from UNH with a chemical engineering degree in 2005, Danielle Cote worked as a researcher at Saint-Gobain in the Northboro Research and Development Center in polymer science and data automation. Cote continued working while she pursued a master’s degree at WPI [...]

Battery Upcycling Research Advances Energy Materials

WPI researchers developed a way to turn used battery materials into high-performance components, with resulting batteries lasting nearly twice as long as those made with commercial materials.

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Expanding Industry Partnerships in Heat Treating

WPI’s Center for Heat Treating Excellence is expanding its collaboration with MPMA, giving students opportunities to engage in industry standards development and connecting research with manufacturing needs.