Prospective Student FAQ

What careers are available for students who graduate with a MSE degree?

After graduating, many of our students find positions as professional engineers in manufacturing, technology, energy, and a variety of other technical fields. Some students apply their knowledge of materials innovation and entrepreneurship to pursue work in business, finance, public policy, and health care. DMSE's emphasis on project-based learning to address real world issues is a strong foundation for leading start-ups, bringing inventions to the market, and founding companies in surprising new areas.

What career training will I receive as a MSE student?

Course 3 students can choose to enroll in 3.930 & 3.931 Internship Program, which provides academic credit for approved internship experiences usually conducted over the summer term. In this program, students apply their internship experiences towards their degrees by writing field reports and, in their senior year, delivering a presentation to the department on their industry research. Faculty and students work together to produce the “Industry Seminar Series”, in which representatives from companies, usually DMSE alumni, visit campus and meet with our undergraduates to discuss their experiences in different fields. Additionally, our laboratory classes introduce students to technical skills that are highly desirable for a variety of professional science and engineering careers. 

What graduate programs do MSE undergraduates pursue? 

Our undergraduates pursue graduate degrees in materials science and engineering, bioengineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, and civil engineering, among many other STEM graduate fields. With the appropriate electives in our undergraduate program (usually in the more flexible 3A degree), our students are also prepared for graduate studies in law, medicine, finance, and business.

Can I study abroad within this major?

DMSE offers several departmental exchanges that allow for direct study of materials subjects at foreign universities. Additionally, MISTI offers many study abroad and research programs that can be integrated into your academic path with careful planning. Many of our internship program students pursue research opportunities abroad during the summer term.

Do I have to take 3.091 Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry in my first year?

While 3.091 is highly recommended to expose you to concepts of solid-state and applied chemistry, it is not required to enter the major. Elective subjects that are designed specifically for first-year students include 3.001 and 3.003.