Metallurgical engineering is one of two B.S. degrees offered by the materials science and engineering department. Metallurgical engineering is a broad discipline that studies metals production and recycling, the manufacturing of components from metals and alloys, the processing and treatment of metals to achieve improved properties, and the design of metallic materials for specific applications. Missouri S&T has one of the largest and most comprehensive metallurgical engineering programs in the United States. It is the only such program in Missouri or in any of the surrounding states.
The field of metallurgical engineering starts with the production and recycling of metals such as aluminum, steel, copper, magnesium and titanium. Once these metals are made, metallurgical engineers design forming and processing techniques to transform these metals into useful shapes with the properties required for their application. For example, light-weight magnesium is cast to make cell phones, zinc-coated steel is stamped to make corrosion resistant auto bodies, aluminum is formed to make the strong but lightweight wings of jet aircraft, tungsten powder is consolidated and drawn into filaments for incandescent light bulbs, and steel I-beams are hot-rolled for the construction of skyscrapers. Metallurgical engineers control the properties of metallic materials by altering the microscopic structure with alloying additions and special treatments. This approach leads to products such as corrosion-resistant stainless steels, ultra-lightweight alloys for aircraft, wear-resistant alloys for engines, and shape-memory alloys for space structures. In addition, investigating material failures and monitoring service life are tasks that are performed by metallurgists.
Although all metallurgical engineering students take the same basic required courses in metallurgical engineering, students can select several technical electives to emphasize their particular area of interest. Students are also encouraged to undertake summer and cooperative training employment to supplement both their academic studies and incomes.
The department is housed in McNutt Hall and has outstanding facilities for both classroom and laboratory learning. There are several optical and electron microscopes, a well equipped metals casting and joining laboratory, and comprehensive metal testing facilities. The department continuously upgrades its facilities for classroom and laboratory learning. The department has also enhanced its computer applications laboratory with the addition of new software and computers, and improved network access. Additional information is available at http://mse.mst.edu/.
Mission Statement
The mission of the program is to provide a quality, comprehensive undergraduate and graduate education in the traditional areas of metallurgical engineering. The major program goal is to produce a bachelor of science graduate with a sound fundamental knowledge and extensive hands-on technical, communication, and leadership skills, capable of contributing in any technical area associated with metallurgy. The program is also committed to a strong graduate program, which ensures significant research activity, an active and involved faculty, and a robust, healthy environment for education. The provision of service course work for students in other engineering disciplines is also an important goal, as is interaction with professional societies and industry to promote continuing education, research, and technical information transfer. The utilization of the departmental resources to assist the state agencies and industry of Missouri and the mid-west is an integral part of the departmental mission.
The program educational objectives of the metallurgical engineering program:
- Our graduates will be valued contributors in the science, technology, and management of metallurgical engineering
- Our graduates will serve their profession and society
- Our graduates will continually enhance their professional skills and educational background
- Our graduates will promote a diverse and inclusive professional culture that nurtures learning, innovation, and growth

