What is Materials Engineering?

The materials engineering program covers all aspects of “making stuff.” Materials Engineers don’t focus on making things, we make the stuff that things are made of. Purdue Material Engineers (MSE’s) are known around the world for being excellent problem solvers and being ready to work to get the job done. Whether it’s designing a new coating to kill bacteria, developing a new metallic casting metal for engines, MSE’s are integral to everything we make.

95% of Our Graduates Have Post-Graduation Plans MSE Exit Surveys

2:1 Lowest Graduating Student to Faculty Ratio in the College MSE Exit Surveys

$74,000 Average Starting Salary of Materials Engineering Graduates Purdue Center for Career Opportunities

Undergraduate Research in Materials Engineering

Over 20% of the current students in the School of Materials Engineering participate in undergraduate research with a faculty member during the semester, with over 70% participating at some point during their time at Purdue. MSE 499 provides the opportunity for laboratory and/or library research beyond the scope of the ordinary undergraduate curriculum, working in a research environment under the direct guidance of a faculty member. MSE 499 may be taken for 1, 2 or 3 credits in a given semester, and up to 6 credits of MSE 499 can count towards fulfilling a student's Technical Elective Program.

Learn more about Undergraduate Research

Top Employers

Aerojet Rocketdyne	American Axle & Manufacturing
ArcelorMittal	Arconic
Caterpillar	Cummins
Electronics Inc	Eli Lilly & Co.
General Motors	Haynes International
Howmet Aerospace	John Deere
Google	Johnson & Johnson
Medtronic	NASA
Praxair Surface Technologies	Rolls-Royce
Sinto America	SpaceX
Toyo-Seiko	U.S. Steel

Exploring Fields in Materials Engineering

Additional information about the undergraduate degree programs and opportunities in Materials Engineering

Purdue engineers have an interest in changing the world, making an impact in their communities, and doing meaningful work. Strong leadership characteristics, ingenuity, adaptability, critical thinking, problem solving skills, and technical proficiency are among the main competencies that our students gain. Purdue engineering is dedicated to helping students attain the skills and attributes needed to succeed in this rapidly-changing global economy.