News

The State Board of Higher Education today approved a new Master of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering at Portland State University. The program is effective immediately.

The new M.S. is the only one of its kind in Oregon to combine materials science and engineering, and was developed as a direct response to demand from industry and potential students. The program will prepare students for a variety of professions, particularly in the semiconductor and metals industries, and has already attracted students seeking retraining or advanced education.

"Materials science and engineering has been and remains a driver for Oregon's economy, and will continue to be important to Oregon and regional business in not only the advancement of established industries, but to new industries like nanotechnology and bioscience," said Matthew Carter, president of the Oregon Metals Initiative's Board of Directors. "PSU's new program provides a local source of this important discipline for those new to engineering as well as practicing engineers seeking continuing education."

Oregon has a need for graduate education and research in materials science and engineering to support the region's metal and semiconductor production industries, which includes companies such as Boeing, Oregon Steel, Oremet-Wah Chang, Intel, LSI Logic and Tektronix. While many of these are situated in the Portland metro area, no other materials science and engineering program is located close enough to serve the day-to-day graduate educational needs of working professionals and technical laboratory support.

PSU's Materials Science and Engineering program is a broad-based engineering program that studies the fundamental science and application of materials. Areas of study include metals (casting, forming, machining), semiconductors (manufacture, processing, failure analysis), plastics (adhesives, composites) and other materials. Students will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, providing an excellent framework for education, training and research at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

The program will be housed in Portland State's Department of Mechanical Engineering. For more information, contact Graig Spolek, department chair, at 503-725-4290 or visit www.cecs.pdx.edu.

Oregon's manufacturing base is critically dependent on advanced materials and materials processing in order to remain nationally and internationally competitive. In addition, materials-oriented engineers are essential to nearly all of Oregon's basic industries, including metals, semiconductors and electronics, fabrication, transportation and maritime. Competitive manufacturing technology demands state-of-the-art materials and knowledge of advanced materials processing. Nearly 80 percent of all manufactured products require joining of one type or another. Higher strengths, lighter weights, corrosion resistant, tougher and more durable materials, together with reduced manufacturing costs, dictate that materials engineering personnel are keys to remaining competitive.

Sources:

Graig Spolek (503-725-4290)
PSU Mechanical Engineering

Release Number: 03-166