Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Everything is made of materials, so better materials make better products, from bridges to phones to medical devices and everything in between. Metallurgical and Materials Engineers make the stuff that allows other engineers to make their stuff better, so we are needed by every industry, government lab, or research institution, and our graduates have limitless opportunities for fulfilling and impactful careers. We turn raw materials, such as ores or used products in need of recycling, into valuable and sustainable high-performance products that enable the latest technological advancements in energy generation and storage, safer and more efficient cars and trucks, higher speed wireless communication, stronger and lighter aerospace alloys, devices for quantum computing, and many others. Internationally recognized faculty guide our undergraduate and graduate students focused on metals and ceramics. Undergraduates have hands-on opportunities for research experiences using our world-class facilities and wide range of equipment. For example, we can fabricate parts as large as people and grow and measure films one atomic layer at a time; test and shape materials with over 400,000 pounds of force and use supercomputers to predict and understand new materials. We even have a hot shop for learning glassblowing and blacksmithing. If you want to make the world better, it all starts with better materials.

If you are one of our esteemed alumni, I welcome you to connect with us. If you are a student who has not yet decided on a major or career, I encourage you to reach out and see what we’re about! You will find a friendly and knowledgeable staff, a great group of professors, and some fantastic laboratory facilities, all working towards your success.

Please stop by Hill Hall if you are in Golden!

Geoff Brennecka, Department Head