Materials Engineering
Professionals study and develop materials to improve product performance and durability. They solve problems involving strength, weight, heat resistance, and environmental sustainability of materials. Work occurs in laboratories, manufacturing plants, or R&D facilities.
Common Job Titles: Ceramics Engineer Materials Engineer Materials Scientist Metallurgical Engineer Polymer Engineer
Related Academic Programs
The Biomedical Engineering interdisciplinary minor is designed for students interested in the application of engineering principles to medical and biological problems. The minor is particularly suitable for students pursuing an undergraduate degree in a different engineering major, physics, or other applied science who are seeking careers in health-related professions.
Chemistry is the basis for many fields of engineering, biology, and other sciences. Therefore, it can give you insights into your field at broad and fundamental levels. That can strengthen your abilities to innovate and to see basic connections in your specialization or across disciplines.
Almost anyone can benefit from a minor in Chemistry, but there are some fields where a chemistry minor adds particular strengths. For example, biology-chemistry (major-minor) could prepare you for graduate school or a career in biochemistry or molecular biology. Math-chemistry could be an option for people in applied math. Chemical physics is an important field in physics. Engineering-chemistry could open new possibilities for you (note that this major-minor is not equivalent to chemical engineering).
If you’re naturally curious about the world around you, maybe Chemistry is the major for you. You’ll study why things are the way they are, what they’re made of, and why they react the way they do.
And there’s a reason chemistry is sometimes called “the central science”—it is an incredibly versatile field. That’s why Penn State Behrend’s B.S. in Chemistry gives you options for your future career path. You can tailor your Chemistry degree by selecting from the Biochemistry, Environmental, Pre-Health, or Professional Chemist concentrations.
Penn State Behrend offers the innovative interdisciplinary-based Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ENTI) minor to students in any major.
The minor equips students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset; think critically and “outside the box” to sense opportunities; develop value propositions; and create sustainable value in fast-paced socio-technological environments. The minor at Penn State Behrend currently offers the New Ventures Cluster, although additional clusters will be made available.
Mathematics is one of the oldest and most basic sciences, the foundation on which many other disciplines rely. Mathematical knowledge increases problem-solving skills in many fields.
Mechanical Engineering is the most diverse engineering degree program offered by the college. The problem-solving versatility of mechanical engineers means you’ll enjoy tremendous career flexibility. With a foundation in physics, chemistry, and mathematics and a mastery of mechanical and fluid/thermal systems, you can find a future in research, manufacturing, health care, energy, systems design, the military, and more. A mechanical engineering degree is also an advantage for some careers in business, law, or technical sales!
Plastics devices and materials play a critical role in the growing healthcare industry. A great number of prosthetics, implants, tools, devices, and packaging could not exist without advanced plastics and materials. Furthermore, the use of plastics in medical applications is growing rapidly and the medical plastics market is expected to increase. We offer a Medical Plastics Certificate, taken in conjunction with the Plastics Engineering Technology baccalaureate degree, for students who are interested in careers in medical product development. Topics include advanced materials, new product design, manufacturing, and FDA regulatory issues. All are necessary to have an understanding of how to design and bring new medical products to the market.
The Operations and Supply Chain Management minor is designed primarily for students enrolled in non-business majors, especially those in engineering and engineering technology and in science, who wish to augment their majors with further studies in operations. The objective of the minor is to acquaint these students with the issues and methods associated with managing operations within manufacturing or service industries. Relevant studies include principles of management, operations management, logistics systems, procurement, planning and control, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and project management.
Plastics are everywhere. That means a B.S. in Plastics Engineering Technology will put you in demand in nearly any industry sector that interests you: automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, consumer products, computers—even toys!
This 16-17 credit program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the basics of the materials and processes used to produce plastic parts. Students learn modern processing techniques and testing methods for plastics.
Our unique B.S. in Polymer Engineering and Science prepares you to analyze and design polymers—the fascinating materials that make up our world. You’ll learn to analyze the character and structure of materials, and then use that knowledge to design innovative new products for a variety of fields, including medicine, manufacturing, and sustainability.
The Project and Supply Chain Management minor is designed to introduce students within the School of Business to advanced topics in supply chain and project management. The minor can provide options and opportunities beyond those offered by a major program of study.
This minor is designed to accommodate undergraduates enrolled in engineering and engineering technology and in science who wish to augment their majors with further studies in industrial or technical sales. This minor is designed for non-business majors. The objective of the minor is to acquaint the technical students of these majors with the issues and methods associated with industrial or technical sales. Relevant studies include principles of management, operations management, supply chain management, marketing, logistics systems, procurement, personal selling or business-to-business marketing, and project management. Students who complete the minor will be positioned for career opportunities as direct sales engineers who play a key role in the selection, purchase, installation, and maintenance of technical products by selling technology and engineering solutions, or as manufacturing representatives who independently form contracts in exclusive marketing territories for multiple small manufacturers of compatible but not competing technical products.