Our students enjoy the benefits of an interdisciplinary education that includes design, mechanics, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and electronics. They receive hands-on experience by working on real-world experiments and participating in educationally relevant internships and co-ops. Our students are led by world-class leaders in materials research, many of whom are affiliated with Oak Ridge National Lab.

The department has a large research program that receives nearly $8 million in research funding each year. This expansive research initiative provides opportunities for our students and faculty to work in areas of cutting-edge technology as we solve tomorrow’s challenges through interdisciplinary research.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering is to discover and disseminate knowledge through teaching, research and service that relate to materials and their utilization in engineering practice. Specifically, our mission is:

1. To provide high quality education (undergraduate through doctoral levels) in the fundamental and engineering sciences with special emphasis given to the synthesis, processing, structure, properties, and performance of materials and to an understanding of their applications.
2. To provide high quality general education (undergraduate through doctoral levels) in crucial professional skills such as oral and written communication.
3. To carry out fundamental and applied research in materials science and engineering and to provide graduate students with the ability to conduct research at the forefront of the discipline.
4. To perform public service activities that require special expertise in materials science and engineering; to foster improved understanding of materials utilization and design through active participation in professional societies; and to encourage professionalism in our students.
5. To foster and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with alumni, industry, local, state and federal governments, and the global community so as to enhance the above components of our mission.

Vision Statement

The MSE department strives to be an engaged, supportive, and diverse community of materials scientists and engineers who provide leadership through education, through research excellence, and through the creation of knowledge and technology that makes life and lives better.