Beginning with the 1999 catalog, Iowa State will be moving from two degrees (Metallurgical Engineering and Ceramic Engineering) to a single degree in Materials Engineering (1). Under the new program graduates will be more well-rounded materials engineers, a desired outcome based on input from our Industrial Advisory Council and others. While building this new program from the ground up, desired outcomes (in particular, ABET 2000) were the driving force. Each course, as it was being developed, was looked at in terms of how it helped to meet these outcomes and each course has its own course-specific outcomes. We have developed a matrix mapping desired program learning outcomes to these courses and are deciding how to assess the achievement of these outcomes.

The new program includes four specialization areas, from which each student must choose two. These areas are Ceramic, Electronic, Metallic, and Polymeric Materials. In addition to a core materials curriculum taken by all majors, each specialty area is a series of four courses which add depth in a particular area. This unique program will allow students to have both the breadth and depth needed to function in the current materials workplace.