Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering Academic Offerings

Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering Majors

All majors within the department emphasize critical thinking, communication, and the sort of broad-based problem-solving and analytical skills employers are looking for. Undergraduate research opportunities within each program allow you to apply what you are learning in class to new situations — oftentimes with an opportunity to be paid as a research assistant.

The materials science and biomedical engineering department offers the following programs:

Biomedical Engineering, BS Major On Campus Eau Claire Campus

Help address the increasing demand for biomedical solutions, particularly relating to the health care needs of an aging U.S. population, with a degree in biomedical engineering.
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Materials Science, BA or BS Major; Certificate On Campus Eau Claire Campus

Discover how new and existing materials can solve modern-day challenges with our materials science bachelor’s degree.
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Materials Science and Engineering, BS Major On Campus Eau Claire Campus

Dive into the complex and growing field of materials science and engineering. Students graduate with knowledge of the field and the state-of-the-art software and instrumentation used in it.
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View all UWEC academic programs

UWEC professor and student working in materials science lab

MSBME Laptop Requirements

All majors offer:

A four-year plan
Coursework that builds the technical and soft skills employers are looking for in graduates today
The technical expertise of faculty
Cutting-edge curriculum
Small class sizes and one-on-one support
Direct and independent use of state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation through the Materials Science and Engineering Center
Ample access to research opportunities with faculty
Internship opportunities with local industry

I wanted to come to UW-Eau Claire because I wanted to interact with the people who have the most knowledge to share — the professors. Knowing that professors, not TAs, teach every class here was huge for me.

Tayo Sanders II Materials Science

Materials Science answers the why

Why does changing the structure, or the organization of the atoms within the material, change the properties we observe, such as mechanical strength, optical or electronic behavior, or temperature stability? The materials science majors combines the hands-on learning of this applied degree with flexibility to pursue a complementary interest, like chemistry, geology, or entrepreneurship.

Materials Science & Engineering and Biomedical Engineering answer the how

How can we design materials and interfaces with biological systems for new applications? Our engineering majors tackle real-world problems by applying fundamental science concepts to build new applications ranging from better batteries to medical devices.

For more details about each major:

BME curriculum details and documents:

This biomedical engineering degree provides students with broad and rigorous exposure to the engineering curriculum.

Required BME major courses for first year students starting in the 2021 catalog year and later.
Recommended courses and timeline for students majoring in BME and completing pre-med preparation.
Online catalog for full descriptions of requirements and courses

MSE curriculum details and documents:

This ABET-accredited engineering degree provides students with broad and rigorous exposure to the engineering curriculum. This major requires a significant increase over the 62 credits required in the materials science degree.

Required MSE major courses for students in the 2021 catalog year and later.
For questions regarding the flowchart vs. your degree audit, please contact your advisor
Online catalog for full descriptions of requirements and courses
MSE application form to apply to the MSE program

Materials Science curriculum details and documents

This major gives students a broad foundation in all classes of materials, including nanomaterials, metals, polymers, and ceramics. It offers course elective choices within materials science and an emphasis allowing students to specialize in a particular area of interest within the broader scope of materials science.

Required Materials Science major courses for catalog year 2021
For questions regarding the flowchart vs. your degree audit, please contact your advisor
Online course catalog for more detail about the materials science degree

Materials Science Certificate

The details for the Materials Science Certificate can be found in the online course catalog.

Materials Science and Engineering at UW-Eau Claire

Hear from students in the materials science and engineering program about how the major helps them to think critically and communicate effectively — skills that are highly sought after in today's job market.

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UW-Eau Claire students participate in environmental public health lab session — New Major Addresses Market Demand

The UW System Board of Regents has approved UW-Eau Claire's new bachelor's degree program in biomedical engineering. The new major complements UW-Eau Claire's existing programs and meets demonstrated demand by students and the job market.
Learn about biomedical engineering