University of Virginia

What you'll study

The Materials Engineering degree delivers a broad foundation in mathematics, physics and chemistry followed by progressive specialist work in the structure, properties, processing and performance of metals, ceramics, polymers and electronic materials. Early years focus on core engineering science and laboratory skills; later years emphasise materials thermodynamics, kinetics, microstructure characterisation, mechanical behaviour, electronic and biomaterials, and materials processing.

• Core science and engineering: calculus, differential equations, classical mechanics, electromagnetism and introductory thermodynamics.
• Materials fundamentals: crystallography and microstructure; phase diagrams and phase transformations; diffusion and kinetics.
• Processing and manufacturing: solidification, deformation processing, sintering, thin‑film deposition and polymer processing.
• Properties and performance: mechanical behaviour and fracture mechanics; corrosion and environmental degradation; thermal, electrical and magnetic properties.
• Characterisation and measurement: microscopy and imaging, X‑ray diffraction principles, spectroscopy techniques and materials testing laboratories.
• Special topics and electives: biomaterials, electronic and photonic materials, nanomaterials, composites and materials for energy applications.
• Capstone and hands‑on experience: team design project or senior thesis with experimental, computational or industrially‑oriented focus; laboratory courses emphasise measurement, data analysis and safe practice.

Students also benefit from computational materials modules covering numerical methods and materials modelling, and opportunities to engage in faculty research projects, internships or cooperative placements with industry partners.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science is competitive. Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong academic achievement in secondary‑level mathematics and science. Applicants should have preparation in calculus, physics and chemistry; experience with laboratory work and problem solving is highly recommended.

For applicants presenting national or international qualifications, equivalent preparation in STEM subjects is required. All applicants must meet the University’s general admissions standards; international students must also satisfy the English language proficiency requirements. Admissions selection considers academic record, recommendation(s), personal statements and extracurricular activities that indicate interest and aptitude for engineering.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Materials Engineering pursue careers across many sectors where materials selection, processing and performance are central. Common roles include:

• Materials engineer or analyst in aerospace, automotive, energy, defence and manufacturing industries.
• Process, metallurgical or quality engineer in production and supply‑chain environments.
• Failure analysis, testing and reliability engineer roles within research and development or technical services.
• Product development and design engineer positions in medical devices, electronics and composites.
• Opportunities in semiconductor and thin‑film industries, corrosion control, and materials testing laboratories.

Graduates also often continue to postgraduate study (MEng, MS, PhD) in materials science, solid mechanics, biomedical engineering or related fields, or move into consulting, patent law and technical sales roles that value materials expertise.

Why study at University of Virginia

The University of Virginia offers a Materials Engineering programme embedded within a research‑intensive engineering school that emphasises both rigorous fundamentals and experiential learning. Students benefit from hands‑on laboratory coursework, access to faculty research projects, and interdisciplinary collaboration across departments such as mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and biomedical engineering.

The programme connects students with regional and national industry through internship and partnership opportunities, and supports capstone projects that mirror real engineering challenges. Small class sizes in advanced courses, mentoring by faculty, and an active alumni network help graduates transition into employment or further study. The university also provides resources for entrepreneurship, undergraduate research funding and professional development to prepare students for diverse careers in materials and related industries.