Introduction
The Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) program at Western prepares the next generation of innovators to design, develop, and deploy advanced materials that power sustainable technologies, smarter manufacturing, and a circular economy. You’ll explore how molecular and micro-scale structure translates into macro-scale function - whether in plastics, composites, bio-derived, or next-gen materials - and gain the tools to mvoe ideas from design to prototype to production.
Students begin with a strong foundation in physics, chemistry, mathematics and engineering fundamentals, and then move into hands-on labs, design projects, and capstone experiences working with local, national, and international partners.
Graduates emerge ready to work in teams with engineers, scientists, manufacturers and business leaders to solve complex challenges in materials processing, characterization, manufacturing systems, and life-cycle design.
Why Consider a Materials Science & Engineering Major?
- Hands-on labs and project-based learning: From molding polymers and composite panels to advanced characterization and tooling design, you?ll apply what you learn in real lab settings.
- Link to industry & sustainability: Bellingham is near a thriving region of advanced manufacturing, composites, and circular-economy innovation. You’ll have access to internships and research on real-world materials challenges!
- Versatility in careers: Whether your interest lies in sustainable biomaterials, consumer electronics, aerospace composites, additive manufacturing, or testing and analysis, this major positions you for roles in virtually any inudstry!
- Small cohort, supportive mentoring: With a high student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll have access to personalized advising, undergraduate research opportunities, and industry and academic connections and pathways into major companies or graduate school.
- Future-oriented and sustainable: The curriculum integrates circular-design thinking and manufacturing-systems awareness so you can contribute to the shift toward sustainable materials solutions and US-based manufacturing.
Student Resources
Department website: Engineering and Design
Department advising:
- Program Director: John Misasi, Engineering Technology 115, 360-650-4254, misasij@wwu.edu
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center:
Sample Careers: Materials & Process Engineer, Composite Design Engineer, Plastics Engineer, Tooling Engineer, Quality Engineer, Project Engineer
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Category of Major : Capacity-constrained major
Pre-Major Declaration
Admission to the Materials Science & Engineering major is a two-phase process. When students initially declare, they are designated as pre-majors. Then, after completion of 14 required courses, students apply for the MSE Major.
To declare as a pre-major, please contact Robin Mills (robin.mills@wwu.edu).
Admission to full major status is determined by academic performance as a pre-major and other factors. Admission to the major is competitive. Neither completion of the prerequisites nor attainment of any specific GPA guarantees admission.
Major Prerequisite Courses for MSE
Of the following 14 courses, you must complete or have a maximum of three in-progress courses during the time of application:
- CHEM 161, CHEM 162
- CSCI 141
- ENGR 101, ENGR 114, ENGR 115, ENGR 170, ENGR 214, ENGR 225
- MATH 124, MATH 125
- PHYS 161, PHYS 162, PHYS 163
Students must obtain at least a C- in the above courses and have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher to be considered.
AP scores are converted to GPA as follows: 5 = A; 4 = B; 3 = C.
Application
While the cumulative GPA in the above prerequisite courses is a primary consideration, the application review also factors in the successful completion of other required Major courses, GPA within the Major, overall GPA, and the student’s rationale for choosing Materials Science & Engineering. Students should include their motivation in short-answer responses submitted as part of the application.
Applications are due on the first Friday of Spring Quarter. Applications include a form with short essay questions, your transcript, and grade point average. Only complete, on-time applications will be considered. Applicants will be notified of their application status and acceptance within two weeks.
Students who are accepted must register for MSE 371, MFGE 231 and CHEM 251 Fall Quarter before the end of Phase II registration unless they are given explicit permission from an MSE advisor not to do so. Students who do not register by the end of Phase II registration may lose their major status.
If additional spaces become available, all pre-Majors will be notified by email that applications are being accepted, including the next application deadline and the requirements to apply.
Transfer Students
Transfer students entering Western Washington University will be admitted as pre-majors and must apply to the Material Science & Engineering (MSE) major during the standard application period. Students who plan to apply to the MSE major are strongly encouraged to connect with the pre-major advisor/program coordinator for advising in the quarter prior to their first term at Western. This helps ensure they are on track with prerequisite coursework and prepared for the application process. The pre-major advisor/program coordinator for the department is located in ET 206, 360-650-7964.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.
