Materials Engineering and Society – Faculty of Engineering

Materials Engineering and Society

Explore and specialize in material sciences, leading innovations in technology and manufacturing, while assessing the societal ramifications of engineering decisions and the synergy between materials technology and societal needs.

Length
5 years
Degree
Bachelor of Engineering & Society (Co-op Available)
Program
Engineering
Options

Co-op

Program highlights

Materials Engineering students study the conversion of natural substances into products for structural, microelectronics, optical, and biomedical use by using chemical and physical methods.

Unique program offerings

The one-of-a-kind program offers small class sizes and strong contact with local industry and excellent employment opportunities.

State-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities

Students access some of the world’s most advanced facilities including the Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy and partake in annual industrial tours to some of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in Canada.

Specializations

There are four specialization streams: Biomaterials, Data Analytics & Computational Materials, Materials for Manufacturing & Infastructure and Smart Materials & Devices.

Program structure

The Materials Engineering programs are accredited with the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board, permitting subsequent admission to “P.Eng.” status following graduation and the completion of other requirements of the profession.

Materials offers a different perspective on solving almost any engineering challenge. Every other discipline needs materials to do their job, so I get to learn about a variety of applications and innovations by studying the materials innovation behind them.

Erik Korber, Materials Science and Engineering

Engineering and Society advantage

Core courses include:

  • The Culture of Technology
  • Case Studies in the History of Technology
  • Preventive Engineering: Environmental Perspectives
  • Social Control of Technology

In addition, three courses called Inquiry in an Engineering Context, develop skill at formulating questions, carrying out research and communicating findings. These courses help to examine the complex nature of issues like sustainable development and systems failure.

Learn more about Engineering and Society

Admission requirements

Academic Prerequisites

This is an above level 1 specialization that requires successful completion of the Engineering 1 general first year.

Use the Future Students admissions tool for entry requirements.

How to Apply Materials Engineering and Society degree requirements (Opens in new window)
Students examining solar cell material

Your first year

All students in McMaster’s undergraduate engineering program share a common first-year, Engineering 1.

Engineering 1 provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of engineering disciplines. Students take real problems in society and learn the technical and teamwork skills to solve them.

Explore all of our degree path options before choosing a focus discipline for second year and beyond.
Engineering 1
Student working on machine. Hands-on experience.

Co-op and experiential learning

Experiential learning provides students with hands-on opportunities beyond the traditional lecture-style format to gain valuable experience.

The Engineering Co-op Program is an optional program which provides you with the opportunity to work in real engineering positions before you graduate. The Centre for Career Growth and Experience (the Centre) administers the undergraduate co-op program.

Example employers:

  • Acuren
  • TransCanada
  • GE
  • Xerox
  • Boeing
  • Bombardier
  • Magna
  • Huskey Energy
  • UTC Aerospace Systems

Learn more about co-op.

McMaster Engineering has many engineering clubs, teams and societies you can join to enhance your practical knowledge and soft skills, provide support, or give you the chance to explore new activities. Clubs are an enjoyable way to enrich your student life and contribute to your social development and academic success.

  • Materials Science and Engineering Club
  • Baja Racing
  • Engineers without Borders
  • Women in Engineering Society

Browse opportunities to get involved and gain experience.

Engineering programs have been enriched with interdisciplinary design courses, enabling students to work in teams on real-world problems. This practical experience builds their portfolios and hones skills vital for managing complex projects and utilizing emerging technologies. It prepares them for co-ops and future careers, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and an understanding of societal issues.

Four project-based design courses that all students take include:

  • ENGINEER 1P13: Integrated Cornerstone Design Projects in Engineering
  • ENGINEER 2PX3: Engineering Design 2: Communications and Societal Impact
  • ENGINEER 3PX3: Engineering Design 2: Engineering Economics
  • CAPSTONE

Find out more

Explore the experiences catalogue

Careersand research

Example career opportunities:

  • Design Engineer
  • Quality Control Engineer
  • Process Control Engineer
  • Failure Analyst
  • Research Engineer

Research areas:

  • Organic/polymer electronics
  • Polymer fuel cells and systems
  • Lightweight automotive materials
  • Development of sustainable steelmaking processes and products
  • Nano-engineering and thin-films

Need moreinformation?

How to apply

Understand every step, from applying, to accepting your offer and joining us on campus!

How to apply

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

We use innovation, design and problem solving to develop novel materials, characterizing the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of materials to create reliable, sustainable and efficient alternatives.

Learn more
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