Metallurgical Engineering, BS

It is the objective of the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering undergraduate program to provide an educational experience that develops the fundamental scientific and technical engineering principles to prepare the student for the 21st century. Students receive an integrated learning experience, which includes classroom and laboratory courses that enhance their analytical, experimental, synthesis, and design skills for problem solving, that address their responsibilities to society and the environment. These experiences emphasize the growth of their teamwork, communicative, and leadership skills.

Program Objectives

The University of Alabama Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering has adopted the following objectives to ensure that our graduates are equipped to meet known and anticipated technical challenges in our profession. Graduates of the metallurgical and materials engineering program are expected within a few years of graduation to: 

1. Be successful in applying fundamental principles of metallurgical engineering to solve contemporary engineering problems. 
2. Communicate effectively in a wide variety of situations.  
3. Succeed in the global engineering professional community.

Student Educational Outcomes

The Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at The University of Alabama will demonstrate that its graduates have: 

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration for public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, economic factors
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, meet objectives
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

• The undergraduate international admissions office will review the applicant’s transcripts within the context of the school, curriculum and country.
• GPA will be calculated on all coursework, not just core subjects. UA considers applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for admission.
• UA will accept unofficial transcripts for admission purposes. These can be emailed or uploaded by the student. 
  • If a student applies with unofficial documents, we MUST receive the official documents directly from the school or testing authority by July 1 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission. 
  • Any student who does not provide official copies will not be able to enroll for courses. 
  • If a student’s official documents are not available by that time, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting an exception must email [email protected] before the deadline to be considered.
• For academic admission, students must meet the English proficiency requirement. For more information see UA’s English Language Proficiency page. 
• Students who meet the academic and financial qualifications, but do not meet the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score requirement may apply for conditional admission.
  • Conditionally admitted students will begin their studies in the English Language Institute and then enter directly into their academic coursework once they have satisfied English proficiency. 
  • For more information see UA’s conditional admission page.
• Students requiring F-1 and J-1 visas must also send documentation in order to secure an I-20 or DS-2010.
• Successful candidates for UA will have completed a college preparatory curriculum.

• The undergraduate international admissions office will review the applicant’s transcripts within the context of the school, curriculum and country.
• GPA will be calculated on all coursework, not just core subjects. UA considers applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for admission.
• UA will accept unofficial transcripts for admission purposes. These can be emailed or uploaded by the student. 
  • If a student applies with unofficial documents, we MUST receive the official documents directly from the school or testing authority by July 1 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission. 
  • Any student who does not provide official copies will not be able to enroll for courses. 
  • If a student’s official documents are not available by that time, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting an exception must email [email protected] before the deadline to be considered.
• For academic admission, students must meet the English proficiency requirement. For more information see UA’s English Language Proficiency page. 
• Students who meet the academic and financial qualifications, but do not meet the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score requirement may apply for conditional admission.
  • Conditionally admitted students will begin their studies in the English Language Institute and then enter directly into their academic coursework once they have satisfied English proficiency. 
  • For more information see UA’s conditional admission page.
• Students requiring F-1 and J-1 visas must also send documentation in order to secure an I-20 or DS-2010.
• Successful candidates for UA will have completed a college preparatory curriculum.

Our graduates are employed in almost every engineering-related industry. Our recent graduates are employed in the aerospace, semiconductor chip, oil and petroleum, automotive, power, and metal casting industries. Our graduates are also employed in government labs.

Types of Jobs Accepted

Our graduates have distinguished themselves in many careers, holding a wide range of managerial, scientific, and engineering positions in industry, government, and education. Our recent graduates have accepted positions at the following: NASA, Intel, Lockheed Martin, Exxon Mobil, Honda Manufacturing, US Steel, Nucor Steel, TVA, Motorola, ThyssenKrupp, Oak Ridge National Lab, and National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Jobs of Experienced Alumni

Our alumni are leaders in the field of metallurgical and materials engineering. The positions they hold at metallurgical/materials engineering companies include president and owner, president and CEO, president and general manager, vice president, COO, senior engineer, technology director, systems engineer manager, senior process engineer, and site manager.

Learn more about opportunities in this field at the Career Center

• Copy of your passport
• Relevant visa and immigration documents (This includes PR card, current visa, or F-1/ J-1 visa request and supporting documents)
• Unofficial transcript copies from every secondary school you have attended. This includes academic transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, diplomas or certificates, national standardized examination results, or other academic course work.
  • Include an English translation for all documents not written in English. If you need assistance translating your documents into English, we recommend using the American Translators Association to find a certified translator.
  • Students graduating high school in Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, The Gambia or Sierra Leone must submit a copy of their WASSCE results and scratch card information (serial number and PIN) in order to complete their application.
• Students that graduated 6 or more months ago should also provide a brief statement listing any academic activities since graduation (including any post-secondary coursework at institutions inside or outside of the US, English language programs, study abroad programs, etc.) List name(s) of the institutions and dates of attendance. If you have no additional academic activities, please write a short statement that speaks to your activities during the gap period. In the statement, please include the following and send to International Admissions at [email protected]:
  • Full Name
  • Address
  • High School/Secondary School
  • Graduation Date