Nearly all technological progress requires the ability to engineer materials to meet specific needs. Materials engineers study the relationships between the underlying structure, processing, properties and performance of materials and employ this insight to formulate new or improved materials for use across a variety of industries. The modern materials engineering discipline encompasses metals, ceramics, polymers and composites, electronic materials and biomaterials. Materials characterization – the use of state-of-the-art instruments to determine material composition and structure – plays a key role in materials engineering practice.

The Materials Engineering is a Bachelor degree offered by University of Kentucky at its main campus in Lexington, United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 4 years to complete. Students study at the university's main campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from August 21, 2027.
About Bachelor of Materials Engineering
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Materials Engineering at University of Kentucky
Entry Requirements
- Freshman Admission: Applicants who have not attended a college or university upon completion of secondary school AND who have met all requirements including English proficiency as noted below.
- Transfer Admission : Applicants who have attended a college or university upon completion of secondary school AND met all requirements including English proficiency as noted below.
- Non-degree Admission: Applicants who are exchange or visiting students.
- Conditional Admission: Applicants who meet UK’s academic requirements for admission but do not meet the minimum language proficiency requirement or the departmental specific requirements (such as certain SAT/ACT math scores for Engineering and Nursing).
- Students who are offered conditional admission because of English may either resubmit a higher TOEFL/IELTS score or enroll in UK's Center for English as a Second Language program. The duration of these courses will depend on placement test results and individual student progress. Upon successful completion of the English language course(s), the student will move seamlessly into a degree program at UK. This means no TOEFL/IELTS scores will be required if students complete CESL.
- Students who require a higher math score for Engineering may submit a higher score or switch their intended major to a program that does not have specific requirements.
- No additional application is required for Conditional Admission.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6
- TOEFLMin 71
Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Materials Engineering
Shape Your Future
Materials Engineering students at UK experience an environment where faculty are readily accessible both inside and outside the classroom, and have the chance to grow personally and professionally through hands-on research projects, industrial
cooperative education and service opportunities. You'll study a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, chemistry and physics, as well as core engineering topics related to the central classes of materials (metals, ceramics, polymers and electronic materials), their characterization, processing and implementation in engineering design. Electives address specialized topics in materials engineering and include courses on biomaterials, composites, corrosion, energy storage, materials manufacturing and nanomaterials technology. Materials engineering majors can elect to pursue a minor in biomedical engineering focused on biomaterials, as well as certificates in nanoengineering and power and energy.
Industries Looking for You
- Metals processing and ceramics
- Electronic materials and plastics
- Biomaterials, implants and prosthetics
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Construction
- Manufacturing
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Materials Engineering at University of Kentucky
How to Apply for Bachelor of Materials Engineering at University of Kentucky
1. Complete UK International Application for Undergraduate Admission or Common Application
2. $60 Application processing fee (non-refundable)
3. Official transcripts in English
4. English proficiency directly from testing center:
- TOEFL: 71 iBT, 543 IPT (UK administered)
- TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
- IELTS: 6.0
- Duolingo: 105
5. Optional tests: ACT / SAT (M+CR) Scores
- ACT school code: 1554 | SAT school code - 1837
- Required for engineering programs and scholarships
Priority Deadline:
- December 1 for Fall semester (August start)
- October 15 for Spring semester (January start)
*Scholarship deadline for freshmen international undergraduate students is December 1.

United States of America, Lexington