Materials Science and Engineering, Comprehensive Major

(Code 251-001)

University Requirements

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
Credit Requirements
Minimum total for graduation 1120
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher)39
Liberal Education Core36
Academic Concentrations
Grade Point Requirements 2
Total2.00 average
Resident2.00 average
Major2.00 average
Minor2.00 average
Certificate2.00 average
University Residency Requirements
Minimum total30
Senior year23
Major, Standard, upper division in residence12
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence21
Certificate25 percent of credits
Procedures Required for Graduation
Obtain admission to the degree program and/or the College offering it.
Apply for graduation on CampS.
1

Certain programs exceed this minimum.

2

See special requirements in each College.

Applicability of Credits Toward Graduation

Junior College or Two-Year College Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in a junior college or two-year college will be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire.

Extension Credits. Credits earned in credit outreach courses offered by UW-Eau Claire are treated as resident credits. Credits earned in extension courses offered by other units of the University of Wisconsin System are treated as transfer credits. All other (non-UW) extension and correspondence credits are normally limited to one-fourth of the total required for graduation from any curriculum.

WTCS Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in college parallel programs at Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Nicolet Area Technical College, or Chippewa Valley Technical College may be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire. A set number of general education courses will be accepted from other technical schools. Occupational and technical courses may also be considered for transfer if the quality and content of the course work from the technical college is judged to be comparable to course work at UW-Eau Claire. Refer to the Transfer Credit Wizard or contact the UW-Eau Claire Admissions Office for information about the current transfer policy.

USAFI Credit. UW-Eau Claire will accept up to 32 semester credits for work done through the United States Armed Forces Institute, under the provision for non-UW correspondence credit (see Extension Credits above).

Activity Credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184 courses) Students may count toward graduation no more than one credit of KINS 110-184 courses. Students may count toward graduation no more than four credits earned in any single activity course and no more than 12 credits resulting from any combination of activity courses (excluding KINS 110-184 courses). 

Other Restricted Credits. For other University restrictions, see the following: Cooperative Education; Credit by Examination; Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Registration; Transfer of Credits. College or departmental restrictions may also be placed on Independent Study (399-499 courses), Directed Study (395-495), and other types of credits.

APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATIONCredit Restrictions
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Total degree creditmaximum 12
Major, Standardmaximum 1 course
Major, Comprehensivemaximum 2 courses
Minormaximum 1 course
Credit by Examination
Total degree creditmaximum ¼ of total
Major or minormaximum ½ of total
Two-Year College Credits
Total degree creditmaximum 72 credits
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184)
Total KINS 100-184maximum 1 credit
Total Band, chorus, dramamaximum 12 credits
Single course band, chorus, dramamaximum 4 credits
Extension credits
UW-Systemno maximum
Other extension/correspondencemaximum ¼ of total
USAFI
USAFImaximum 32 credits

Liberal Education Core

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire measures learning outcomes to ensure that its graduates have achieved a liberal education and prepared themselves to contribute to a complex society. Upon graduation, each undergraduate will have met the five learning goals of our liberal education core and the 12 learning outcomes they comprise. 

LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTSa minimum of 36 credits
Knowledge Goal
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): HumanitiesTwo (2) learning experiences
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine ArtsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Goal
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral CommunicationTwo (2) learning experiences
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): MathematicsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): CreativityOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Goal
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and InclusivityTwo (2) learning experiences
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global PerspectivesOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental IssuesOne (1) learning experience
Integration Goal
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): IntegrationTwo (2) learning experiences
Service-Learning Goal
Service-Learning30 hours

College Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)

University Graduation Requirements. All candidates for degrees must fulfill the requirements for credits, curriculum, GPA, and University residency as specified in the section of this catalog titled University Graduation Requirements.

College Graduation Requirements: Grade Point Averages. All candidates for degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences must earn minimum resident and total GPAs of 2.00 in the major, the minor, and the certificate. The resident and total GPAs for the major are computed using all attempted credits applicable to the major including those offered by departments other than the major department. The resident and total GPAs for the minor and the certificate are computed similarly.

Major-Minor and Major-Certificate Requirements. A standard major (a minimum of 36 credits) must be supplemented by a minor (a minimum of 24 credits) or by a certificate (12 to 18 credits) to meet graduation requirements for completing a first and second degree program. No minor or certificate is required with a Comprehensive Major (60 or more credits) or with two majors of 36 or more credits each.

Certain degree programs which include Comprehensive Majors may require more than the minimum of 120 credits for graduation.

Acceptable academic program combinations are determined at the college level. A major and a minor or a major and certificate or two majors (if available) may not be elected in the same department or program, except in the approved combinations listed here.

College Credits. Earn at least 90 credits in courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Bachelor of Science Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.S.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); mathematics competency at the MATH 111MATH 112 or MATH 113 level.  Mathematics competency can be met in one of three ways:  (1) Achieve a score on the mathematics placement test that qualifies the student to enter MATH 114.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in MATH 111MATH 112, or MATH 113.  (3) Achieve a satisfactory score on the MATH 112 competency test.  This test may be attempted no more than two times.

Major Requirements

(Code 251-001)

The Bachelor’s of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (MS&E) is a traditional engineering major, rigorously structured and grounded in science and math.  Students in this major develop a strong foundation in mathematics, and the major emphasizes science themes more strongly than other engineering disciplines.  As with all engineering degrees, the application of fundamental ideas through design is central to the major.

Students, who typically begin their study as Pre-MSE majors, must apply to be admitted to the MS&E major (application materials available at the Materials Science office).  A minimum average GPA of 2.5 in “foundation” courses (CHEM 115 or CHEM 105 & CHEM 106 & CHEM 109, MATH 114 & MATH 215, MSE 120 & MSE 221, PHYS 231, and WRIT 114, WRIT 116, or WRIT 118) is required for admittance to the major; students should apply during registration in the spring semester of their sophomore year. 

A minimum of 92 credits is required for the major and a minimum of 128 credits for the degree. In addition to core courses, students must complete 3 credits of engineering electives and 6 credits of technical electives from the courses listed below.

Core courses:
MATERIALS SCIENCE
MSE 120Introduction to Engineering2
MSE 221Living in a Materials World3
MSE 256Introduction to Computer Aided Design1
MSE 286Engineering Sophomore Seminar1
MSE 307Engineering Statistics4
MSE 315Materials Characterization4
MSE 334Soft Materials4
MSE 350Thermodynamics of Materials4
MSE 357Phase Transformation & Kinetics3
MSE 362Microelectronic Materials Processing2
MSE 367Macroprocessing of Materials3
MSE 368Macroprocessing Materials Lab2
MSE 372Transport Phenomena3
MSE 374Electrical, Optical and Magnetic Properties of Materials4
MSE 386Engineering Junior Seminar 11
MSE 451Computational Materials Science3
MSE 475Nanomaterials3
MSE 486MS&E Capstone I 12
MSE 487MS&E Capstone II 12
CHEMISTRY
CHEM 115Chemical Principles6
or
General Chemistry I Lecture
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
and General Chemistry II with Lab 2
CHEM 325Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory4
MATHEMATICS
MATH 114Calculus I4
MATH 215Calculus II4
MATH 312Differential Equations and Linear Algebra4
PHYSICS
PHYS 231University Physics I5
PHYS 232University Physics II5
Engineering Elective Courses3
Any BME course 200 or above 3
Computational Physics 3
Statics 3
Electric and Electronic Circuits 3
Electronics 3
Technical Elective Courses, Choose from:6
Any BME course 200 or above 3
Quantitative Analysis
Organic Chemistry II with Laboratory
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Programming for New Programmers
Programming for Experienced Programmers
Introduction to Programming in C++
Computing for the Sciences and Mathematics
Advanced Programming and Data Structures
Computer Systems
Programming Languages
Calculus III
Digital Signal Processing
Discrete Mathematics
Advanced Calculus I
Introduction to Real Analysis
Introduction to Real Analysis II
Introduction to Complex Variables
Linear Algebra
Numerical Analysis I
Introduction to Mathematical Modeling
Digital Image Processing
Linear Regression Analysis, with Time Series
Experimental Design and Analysis
Directed Studies
Independent Study - Juniors
Independent Study - Seniors
Microelectronic Materials Processing Lab
Collaborative Internship
Off-campus Materials Science Internship
Computational Physics 3
Statics 3
Optics
Electric and Electronic Circuits 3
Dynamics
Electronics 3
LabVIEW Basics
LabVIEW Applications
A maximum of three credits from MSCI 395, MSCI 399, MSCI 499, MSE 493, and MSE 494 may count toward the technical electives.
1

Students must be admitted to the MS&E major to take these courses.

2

Only six credits apply to the major.

3

Course used to satisfy the engineering elective may not also be used as a technical elective.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:

  • Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  • Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  • Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  • Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  • Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  • Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  • Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Sample Degree Plan

Materials Science and Engineering, Comprehensive Major, B.S.

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the 2023-2024 catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Liberal Education (LE) Core.  LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work.  Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements.  Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
CHEM 105General Chemistry I Lecture3
CHEM 106General Chemistry I Laboratory (LE-K1)2
WRIT 114Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)5
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)
MATH 114Calculus I (LE-S2)4
MSE 120Introduction to Engineering (LE-S3)2
TOTAL16
SECOND SEMESTER
CHEM 109General Chemistry II with Lab4
MSE 221Living in a Materials World3
MATH 215Calculus II4
PHYS 231University Physics I (LE-K1)5
TOTAL16
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PHYS 232University Physics II (LE-K1)5
MSE 286Engineering Sophomore Seminar1
MSE 315Materials Characterization (LE-S3)4
LE Option: Skills 1 (LE-S1) Written and Oral Communication3
SOC 101Introduction to Sociology (LE-K2, LE-R1) a3
TOTAL16
SECOND SEMESTER
CHEM 325Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory4
MSE 307Engineering Statistics4
MATH 312Differential Equations and Linear Algebra4
MSE 256Introduction to Computer Aided Design1
LE Option: Responsibility 2 (LE-R2) Global Perspectives3
TOTAL16
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER - Apply for Admission to Major
MSE 386Engineering Junior Seminar b1
MSE 350Thermodynamics of Materials4
MSE 357Phase Transformation & Kinetics3
MSE 334Soft Materials4
PHIL 120Ethical Reasoning (LE-K3, LE-R3) a3
TOTAL15
SECOND SEMESTER
MSE 367Macroprocessing of Materials3
MSE 368Macroprocessing Materials Lab2
Engineering Elective c3
MSE 372Transport Phenomena3
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences3
LE Option: Integration (LE-I1)3
TOTAL17
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MSE 362Microelectronic Materials Processing2
MSE 486MS&E Capstone I2
MSE 374Electrical, Optical and Magnetic Properties of Materials4
Technical Elective d3
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity3
LE Option: Knowledge 4 (LE-K4) Fine Arts3
TOTAL17
SECOND SEMESTER
MSE 487MS&E Capstone II (LE-I1)2
MSE 475Nanomaterials3
MSE 451Computational Materials Science3
Technical Elective d3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
Elective1-3
TOTAL15-17

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 128 credits

a

Or other course that satisfies 2 Liberal Education outcomes.

b

Students must be admitted to the MS&E major to take these courses.

c

Engineering Elective – Courses used to satisfy the engineering elective may not also be used as a technical elective.  3 credits are required from the following courses: Any BME course 200 or above, PHYS 240, PHYS 255PHYS 350, PHYS 360. 

d

Technical Elective – 6 credits are required from the following courses: Any BME 200 or above, CHEM 213, CHEM 326, CHEM 352, CS 145, CS 163, CS 170, CS 245, CS 252, CS 330, MATH 216, MATH 313, MATH 314, MATH 315, MATH 316, MATH 317, MATH 318, MATH 324, MATH 351, MATH 354, MATH 440, MATH 441, MATH 443, MSCI 395, MSCI 399, MSCI 499, MSE 363, MSE 493, MSE 494, PHYS 240, PHYS 255, PHYS 340, PHYS 350, PHYS 356, PHYS 360, PHYS 361, PHYS 362A maximum of three credits from MSCI 395, MSCI 399, MSCI 499, MSE 493, and MSE 494 toward the technical electives.

Note:  All students must complete the 30-hour Service-Learning Requirement via a non-credit or credit option (see Undergraduate Graduation Requirements).

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs) 
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices.  The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs.  There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study Abroad, Intercultural Immersion, Internship, and/or  Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire.
Students are especially encouraged to explore immersion experiences including faculty/student collaborative research, off-campus summer research, off-campus internship, Study Abroad, Domestic Intercultural Immersion, or other HIP experience.

Liberal Education (LE) Core Guidance

Liberal Education Core (LE Core) 

The LE Core comprises 17 learning experiences across 11 learning outcomes. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in courses approved for the LE Core. 

  • K1 – Natural Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K2 – Social Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K3 – Humanities; two experiences. 

  • K4 – Fine Arts; one experience. 

  • S1 – Written and Oral Communication; two experiences (one experience must satisfy the University writing requirement). 

  • S2 – Mathematics; one experience (must satisfy the University math competency requirement). 

  • S3 – Creativity; one experience (can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • R1 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity; two experiences (one experience must meet the UW System Design for Diversity (DD) requirement). 

  • R2 – Global Perspectives; one experience. 

  • R3 – Civic and Environmental Issues; one experience. 

  • I1 – Integration; two experiences (one experience can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • SL—Service Learning; 30 hours 

Additional LE Core Information 

  • Most LE Core learning experiences are course based, and many courses meet more than one learning outcome (e.g., K3 and R2 or K1 and R3). 

  • Some learning experiences can also be met outside of a traditional course (e.g., undergraduate research (S3), study abroad (I1)). 

  • S1 – An English placement score that fulfills the University writing requirement fulfills one S1 experience. 

  • S1 – A foreign Language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 102 level satisfies one S1 experience. 

  • S1, R2 – A foreign language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 202 level satisfies one experience in S1 and the R2 experience. 

  • S2 – A math placement score that qualifies the student to enter Math 111, 112, 113 or 114 fulfills the S2 experience. 

  • S3 – Completion of two credits from any approved music ensemble fulfills the S3 experience. 

  • I1 – Any semester long study abroad program can fulfill one I1 experience.