Ojectives and Student Outcomes
The Undergraduate Program
The goal of the BS in Material Science and Engineering is to prepare students for careers in research, development, manufacturing, and other technical positions that demand interdisciplinary training in the context of all materials used by society in their entirety from electronics, cell phone materials, car tires, engines, plastics, metals, aerospace materials to dental fillings, stents, and implants. The program provides students with a strong foundation in the physical sciences, coupled to engineering practice in order to solve technical problems relevant to nearly every aspect of modern society from cleaner energy production and manufacture of lighter materials, faster microelectronics, and telecommunications devices, all the way to improved healthcare, sustainability, and biotechnology. Students apply fundamental science and engineering concepts to materials science and engineering problems, and learn to effectively communicate solutions to challenges within an interdisciplinary environment. Graduates will be prepared to work in a range of engineering sectors and will be capable of working within diverse environments and adapt problem solving skills based on the on the shifting client / employer needs.
The UVA Bachelor’s program in Materials Science and Engineering will produce alumni who will:
1. Apply their understanding of the materials science paradigm to advance the research/ design/selection/sustainability of materials.
2. Use their analytical and problem-solving skills as the foundation for productive and fulfilling careers.
3. Employ versatile and interdisciplinary approaches, and a solid ethical grounding, to contribute to society.
4. Combine technical competence, excellent communication skills and a propensity for lifelong learning to lead organizations, drive change and foster success.
General Student Outcomes:
1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
ABET Accreditation Information and Graduation Data:
The Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) at the University of Virginia (UVA) is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, HTTPS://WWW.ABET.ORG.
Graduation data for the Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) degree program is included on the UVA ENGINEERING UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT AND GRADUATES webpage.