Bachelor's Degree (BS) in Materials Engineering
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The bachelor's degree program in Materials Engineering is ideal for students fascinated by developing and improving materials that enhance technology and manufacturing, from metals and ceramics to polymers and composites. Graduates gain expertise in materials science, properties analysis, and fabrication processes, preparing them for careers as materials scientists, product development engineers, or quality control specialists in industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics.
Program Overview
From smartphones to spacecrafts, nearly all modern innovations depend on materials that are engineered to perform. In Materials Engineering, you’ll learn how to design and improve the materials that improve lives and power our technologies, such as metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, biomaterials, and more! Materials students explore the connections between structure, processing, properties, and performance to create smarter, stronger, lighter, and more sustainable materials. In completing our program, you’ll gain extensive hands-on experience in labs, working with cutting-edge tools that will prepare you for a career in industries such as aerospace, energy, electronics, and manufacturing.
The First Year Engineering Experience
All first-year Engineering majors participate in the First Year Experience Program offered by the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. The First-Year Engineering (FYE) Program is designed to orient students to the wide range of engineering disciplines and allows students to take engineering classes on day one. FYE classes present foundational knowledge from all our undergraduate majors and equip students with the confidence to pursue any degree program they are interested in.
Our Accreditation
This program is accredited by ABET, the recognized global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. This accreditation ensures that our programs meet the highest standards of quality and prepare students to enter the global workforce as well-qualified engineering professionals. Read more about this accreditation.
Related Careers
- Metals Processing
- Ceramics and Glasses
- Electronics and semiconductors
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Biomaterials, Implants, and Prosthetics
- Manufacturing
- Product Development
- Failure Analysis
- Construction Manufacturing
- Materials Testing and Characterization
- Quality Assurance
- Welding/Joining
- Energy Materials
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Program Specific Requirements
Students apply and enter this program as "Pre-Materials Engineering" majors. Students are fully admitted to the program when they complete the pre-major requirements. View specifics in the Academic Catalog.
The minimum entry requirements for admission into the Pigman College of Engineering as a first-time freshmen student are both:
- ACT math score of 25 or higher, or the SAT equivalent of 590 or higher, and an
- Unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Students electing to apply without test scores can view alternative entry criteria in the Undergraduate Academic Catalog under the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering entry.
Transfer Students
Engineering has established transfer pathways with nearly two dozen partner institutions enabling students to seamlessly transfer into any of our degree programs.
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2026 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2026
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2026
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
In our Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering program, you’ll explore how metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and electronic materials behave and how to engineer them for everything from smartphones to spacecrafts. You’ll learn why materials break, how they’re processed and tested, and how to design materials for real-world applications. Our curriculum combines cutting-edge science with hands-on experience in labs, giving you the tools to solve problems that matter in technology, energy, healthcare, and more. You'll build skills in materials characterization, processing, and design while learning to think like an engineer.
Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway
This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
View Pathways
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a master's degree, AMP can save you time and money with dual credit hours by signing-up when you have earned between 60-105 credit hours as an undergraduate student at UK.
Attend an Upcoming Event for this Program
These events are designed to answer your questions and give you a glimpse into what it’s like to be a part of our program.
Register Now“Materials engineering is a lot about integrating fundamental science and engineering, and I absolutely fell in love with it.”
Mujan Seif
Materials Engineering Graduate, Materials Engineering Ph.D. Student
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Tuition Rate
For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Marketplace.
Delaware
West Virginia
Expand Your Learning
Industry-focused Senior Design (required) - taken in the 4th year of the program
Students are enrolled in a two-semester sequence in which they work in small groups to tackle a real-world engineering problem brought to our department by local industry.
Materials Advantage
Membership is open to all students wishing to join the Material Advantage Student Chapter, which includes membership in four professional societies: The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS), the American Society for Metals (ASM International), the American Ceramic Society (ACerS) and the Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST). Student members achieve professional networking by linking with other members worldwide to obtain information and contacts, as well as by going on field trips to local industries to gain practical knowledge that complements course material. At least two meetings per semester are held jointly with the ASM Bluegrass Chapter, offering students the opportunity to interact with professional engineers from industry, academia and government. Many of our students win scholarships and book awards from ASM and have opportunities to win other society-sponsored awards and scholarships. The department sponsors Alpha Sigma Mu, a national materials engineering honor society that recognizes outstanding scholarship and professional accomplishment by its undergraduate students.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Join the Engineering Living Learning Program
The ELLP provides a welcoming community for engineering and computer science students to be supported academically and establish meaningful connections with other students.
This residential experience complements classroom expectations by integrating students into the engineering community with programs centered on professional development and academic support. In addition, the ELLP provides students with opportunities to interact with College of Engineering faculty, alumni, industry partners, academic advisors, engineering student organizations, and Peer Mentors. Peer Mentors are hand-selected to support new students during their transition to the University of Kentucky.
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
