Materials scientists and engineers are concerned with how materials behave at all scales—from electrons to skyscrapers. They are interested in improving the performance of existing materials and in designing and fabricating new, higher performance materials that don’t exist in nature. An important part of designing new materials is to understand the structure of materials from the atomic level upwards.

Students who graduate with a degree in MSE are in great demand in all areas of the economy. WSU graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of small, medium, and large companies. Most recently, they have been employed by such companies as Micron Technology, Hewlett-Packard, REC Silicon, Boeing, Intel, and Sikorsky Helicopter, among many others. Starting salaries typically range from $45,000 to $60,000 per year. Materials scientists and engineers can work in a wide variety of areas. A degree in MSE can lead to careers in technical sales and marketing, consulting, patent law, business, and teaching. Many graduates go on to do research at leading schools in the U.S. or work in national laboratories. MSE graduates may be involved in creating the following: New composite materials for aircraft and space applications Materials for the next generation of integrated circuits Magnetic and optical materials for information storage New alloys with improved high-temperature stability, increased fracture toughness, and better fatigue resistance for power generation Polymer materials for sealants and coatings Ceramics with better fracture toughness for structural applications Biomaterials for use in the body