 Materials
Science and Engineering is a field of engineering that encompasses the spectrum
of materials types and how to use them in manufacturing. Materials span
the range: metals, ceramics, polymers (plastics), semiconductors, and
combinations of materials called composites. We live in a world that is
both dependent upon and limited by materials.
 Everything we see and use is
made of materials: cars, airplanes, computers, refrigerators, microwave
ovens, TVs, dishes, silverware, athletic equipment of all types, DVDs, and
biomedical devices such as replacement joints and limbs. All of these
require materials specifically tailored for their application. Specific
properties are required that result from carefully selecting the materials
and from controlling the manufacturing processes used to convert the basic
materials into the final engineered product. Exciting new product
developments frequently are possible only through new materials and/or
processing.
 New
materials technologies developed through engineering and science will
continue to make startling changes in our lives in the future, and
people in materials science and engineering will continue to be key in
these changes and advances. These engineers deal with the science and
technology of producing materials that have properties and shapes suitable
for practical use.
Activities of these engineers range from primary
materials production, including recycling, through the design and
development of new materials to the reliable and economical manufacturing
for the final product. Such activities are found commonly in industries
such as aerospace, transportation, electronics, energy conversion, and
biomedical systems.
 The future will bring ever-increasing challenges and
opportunities for new materials and better processing. Materials are
evolving faster today than at any time in history. New and improved
materials are an "underpinning technology" - one which can stimulate
innovation and product improvement. High quality products result from
improved processing and more emphasis will be placed on reclaiming and
recycling. For these many reasons, most surveys name the materials field
as one of the careers with excellent future opportunities.
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Materials Science and Engineering Resources |
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Online |
Downloads |
Profiles of
Materials Scientists and Engineers:
Video and PDF Profiles |
PDF on each profile
page |
Overview:
Overview of materials science and engineering |
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The Field:
Materials; Processing; Structure; Properties; Performance |
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Preparation:
Pre-College; College Programs; Coursework; Concentrations;
Graduate School; Study Abroad |
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Day in the Life:
Teams and Coworkers, Tasks, the Workplace |
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Earnings:
Employer Options, Salary Ranges, Types of Employers |
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Employment:
Statistics, Industries, Employers |
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Industries:
Sectors; Organizational Size; Stability |
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Professional Development:
Marketability; Registration; Networking; Continuing
Ed |
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Career Path Forecast:
Predictions, Employers |
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Professional Organizations:
Resources, Networking, Support |
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Podcast:
Overview of the field of Materials Engineering |
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Internet Resources:
 ASM
International
American Ceramic Society
Materials Research Society
Strange
Matter
The
Minerals, Metals & Materials Society |
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Note:
Some resources in this section are provided by The Minerals, Metals &
Materials Society
and the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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