Department of Materials Science & Engineering

Department of Materials Science & Engineering
University of Utah
122 South Central Campus Drive, Room 304
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0560

Phone: (801) 581-6863
Fax: (801) 581-4816

Department Chair: Dr. Anil Virkar
Undergraduate Advisor: Dr. Dinesh K. Shetty
Academic Program Specialist: Ashley Christensen
Graduate Advisor: Dr. Grant D. Smith

Visit the Department of Materials Science and Engineering website.

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About the Department

Although many of the electronic devices we use today are fabricated in silicon — a material that has been around for more than fifty years—devices with even higher performance require more advanced compound semiconductor materials, which allow for higher speed integrated circuits and components for fiber optic systems so important for high-speed data communications. Semiconductor materials can also be used for light-emitting diodes, which are expected to make light bulbs obsolete in the not-so-distant future. High-tech polymer materials are used in biomedical applications, such as artificial joints and organs. Metal oxides are used to fabricate new ceramic engines that are able to function with extremely high efficiencies (used in spacecraft since they can withstand extremely high temperatures).

These are some of the focus areas within the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The department offers graduate and undergraduate training that combines the study of chemistry and physics with engineering and uses advanced modeling and computational techniques to solve industrial, environmental, and clinical problems. Opportunities exist in the research and design of new biomaterials, ceramics, composites, nanomaterials, polymers, and electronic materials (semiconductors).

Major Research Initiatives:

• Biomaterials
• Ceramics
• Composites
• Computational
• Nanomaterials
• Polymers
• Electronic materials (semiconductors)

Associated Institutes and Research Centers:

• Center of Excellence for Nanosized Powders
• Utah Nano Science and Engineering Laboratories

Faculty:

• 16 faculty
• Faculty by research area

Degree Programs:

• Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Master of Science (MS) (Thesis)
• Master of Engineering (ME) (Non-Thesis)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Doctoral Dissertation)

Student Placement:

• Undergraduate Placement: 50% Industry, 50% Graduate School/Medical-Dental School/Law School

Average Starting Salary:¹

Bachelor's: $56,233

¹Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers

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