College Prep for Material Engineering Major

Material Engineering emphasized the study of the structure of materials and of processing, structure, property relations in materials. Materials engineering focuses on hand-on training of the most current issues and applications in the field to prepare students for practical design and production work instead of scientific or theoretical work. Whilst there are good opportunities for materials engineers, it can still be a highly competitive field.

College Preparation for Materials Engineering:

• Mathematical and Scientific Ability: All applicants are expected to have completed a minimal core of mathematics, science and engineering courses. The core background includes math algebra, trigonometry, calculus, Differential Equations/Engineering math, Probability and Statistics. Additional materials engineering classes may include physical science and language courses.
  
  
• Hold a baccalaureate degree in industrial engineering or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.
  
  
• Academic Standing: Have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0. Strive for high grades, they make a difference.
  
  
• Test Scores: GRE and TOEFL play a vital role in evaluating your academic readiness.
  
  - GRE score:  Applicants are required to take the GRE aptitude test (verbal, quantitative, and analytical). Provide official GRE scores from an examination taken within the last 5 years.
  
  - TOEFL/IELTS score High proficiency in the English language is essential for admission to our graduate program. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL exam. Applicants must meet or exceed the minimum on the Internet-based test. TOEFL results must be from an examination taken within the last eighteen months.
  
  
• Letters of recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required. At least two letters must be from an academic source.
  
  
• Statement of Purpose: Your statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the Materials engineering. It would be helpful to include what you have done to prepare for this degree program. Also, describe your research interests, future career plans, and other details of your background and interests that will serve as evaluation pointers to thrive in the program.
  
  
• Practical Experiences: Applicants who receive real world/practical experience often are viewed as a graduate school material. These experiences combined with classroom instruction can prepare students to diagnose problems and develop different solutions.
  
  
• Skill Development: Students should also possess extensive knowledge of analytical, mathematical and problem-solving skills. Advanced computer skills are also vital to the Materials Engineering education. Important Qualities:
  
  - Analytical skills: Materials engineers often work on projects related to other fields of engineering. They must be able to determine how materials will be used in a wide variety of conditions and how the materials must be structured to withstand the requirements of those conditions.
  
  - Math skills:  Materials engineers use the principals of calculus and other advanced topics in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
  
  - Problem-solving skills: Materials engineers must understand the relationship between the structure of materials and their properties and means of processing, and how these factors affect the product. They must also figure out why a product might have failed, design a solution, and then conduct tests to make sure the product does not fail again. This involves being able to identify root causes when many factors could be at fault.
  
  - Speaking skills: In supervising technicians, technologists, and other engineers, materials engineers must be able to state concepts and directions clearly. When speaking with managers at high-level meetings, these engineers must also be able to communicate engineering concepts to people who do not have an engineering background.
  
  - Writing skills: Materials engineers must write plans and reports clearly so that people without a materials engineering background can understand the concepts.
  
  
• Official Academic Transcripts: Transcripts that include the courses undertaken at the undergrad level, and grades or scores along with the application for initial departmental review are required. You can also attach a brief, one-page note describing any inconsistencies in your transcripts such as bad semester or medical problems.
  
  
• Course work: Apart from a degree in materials engineering, technology or science, a number of other engineering and science-based subjects are acceptable for entry to this profession, including:
  - applied chemistry;
  - applied physics;
  - ceramics and glass;
  - chemical engineering;
  - chemistry;
  - mechanical engineering;
  - metallurgy;
  - minerals/mining engineering;
  - geology;
  - physics;
  - polymer science/technology;
  - Structural engineering.
  - Electrical, Magnetic, and Optical Properties of Materials
  - Electronic Circuits
  - Engineering Physics
  - Strength of Materials
  - Thermodynamics of Materials