BS Materials Science and Engineering at University of Nevada, Reno

Programme overview

Materials science engineers are at the forefront of developing and testing new materials that can stand up to extreme environments, such as high heat or high pressure, or that are lighter or stronger than their predecessors. These new materials may be used in diverse industries such as health care, manufacturing or energy.

Duration: 128 credits / four years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Reno, NV, United States

What you will study

Materials science is the study of the relationship between a material's atomic structure and its physical properties. The bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering teaches students to understand and apply advanced science and engineering principles to different materials such as ceramics, glasses or metals in order to develop new or better products.

Career pathways

Materials and metallurgical engineering includes elements from a variety of engineering disciplines, and the demand for professionals in the field is strong. Engineers trained in materials science are at the forefront in the development of materials designed to contain ultra-high temperatures and pressures in aircraft, spacecraft and energy generation systems.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-level freshman admission (not programme-specific): minimum 3.0 weighted academic GPA in core courses; high school coursework of 4 units English, 3 units math (Algebra I or higher), 3 units natural science and 3 units social science; SAT/ACT scores optional. Some majors and colleges set additional direct-entry or progression requirements.

Domestic applicants: USD 9,383 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate base tuition for Nevada residents, 2026-27, based on 30 credits across fall and spring at $312.75 per credit; applies to all undergraduate programmes (university-wide rate band); excludes mandatory student fees ($1,696), differential fees (e Source

First-year entry terms: Spring 2027 and Fall 2027.

First-year applications opened August 1, 2026. Early Action deadline for Fall 2027 is November 15, 2026; final deadline for Fall 2027 is April 7, 2027; final deadline for Spring 2027 is December 15, 2026. Scholarship and financial aid deadline is February 15, 2027. SAT/ACT scores are optional for admission. Domestic first-year applicants pay no application fee; international undergraduate applicants pay $95. Apply through the university admissions portal (admissions.unr.edu) or the Common App.

Apply through the official page: https://www.unr.edu/apply

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