The Department of Materials Science and Engineering

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  • 1992
    Particulate Materials Center Established

    The Particulate Materials Center at the Pennsylvania State University was  established in 1992 to address the needs of particulate related industries for education, research, and technology transfer. 

  • 1992
    Materials Research Institute Formed

    Materials Research Institute (MRI: https://www.mri.psu.edu/) was formed in 1992. The institute was housed in Building 230 at Innovation Park in State College. MRI provides leadership both at Penn State and in the materials community worldwide, coordinating a multitude of materials-related activities, encouraging researchers to share equipment and facilities, and fostering collegial exchange of knowledge and expertise.

  • 1992
    Undergraduate Degree Option in Electronic and Photonic Materials Launched

    The MatSE Department created an undergraduate degree option in Electronic and Photonic Materials (EPM). The option prepared students for careers in the design, synthesis, and characterization of materials used in electronics, telecommunications, and optical systems.

  • 1996
    First ABET Review

    The MatSE department’s first ABET review took place in 1996. The department was certified as four separate programs with four separate curricula.

  • 1998
    Department Consolidates Programs Into One Major

    The department consolidated four programs into one major, Materials Science and Engineering, with four options. All degrees from this date are in MatSE, as opposed to ceramic science and engineering, metals science and engineering, or polymer science and engineering.