Current Students
Composition
Each student is unique and contributes to the diversity of the Materials Engineering Department. We like to say that our goal is to have every student come to our department as a unique individual, and every graduate to leave our department as a more educated unique individual ready to accomplish their future aspirations. About 250 students make up the MATE student body. MATEs come from all walks of life and represent every demographic: Women, Men, LGBTQIA, LatinX, African American, Asian American, White, International, Differently Abled, Traditional Students, Married Students, Students with children of their own, and on and on. We welcome all, and we believe in all.
Mental Health Resources
https://ceng.calpoly.edu/mental-health-first-aid/
Clubs
Involvement in clubs enhances the learning and social experience of MATE students. MATE clubs provide opportunities to learn from alumni and industry representatives who come share their knowledge, tour companies, volunteer for various outreach events, and sponsor social activities.
Alpha Sigma Mu (ASMu)
The national Materials Engineering Honor Society
At Cal Poly's ASM chapter, students with at least junior standing and within the academic top third of their class are invited to join the society. To become members, students must fulfill community service and outreach requirements. The outreach program is dedicated to encouraging children and teens, particularly from under-served communities, to pursue a career in materials science and engineering. The annual highlight event of Alpha Sigma Mu is the Materials Engineering Department Banquet.
Materials Engineering Student Society (MESS)
Social and professional organization for MATEs
MESS is dedicated to promoting student understanding of materials through alternative learning opportunities, including professional awareness, educational speakers, and projects aimed at learning and applying materials science and engineering concepts. We want everyone to find a place to fit in, so all majors are welcome!
For more info, visit the MESS website.
Microsystems Technology Group (MST)
Maintains and operates the Cleanroom
MST represents a collection of dedicated students and faculty at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo who have identified a need for a multidisciplinary technical collaboration to explore the design and fabrication of micro/nano-scale devices. MST oversees the Cal Poly Microfabrication Laboratory, a fully functioning teaching and research Class 1000 facility that supports a variety of graduate and undergraduate projects.
National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE)
Professional organization for those interested in the corrosion protection industry
NACE is a group of hardworking students looking outside the classroom to expand our education and make lifelong connections in corrosion. Corrosion is a growing field,and NACE enables us to further our education and prepare us for careers. The club holds regular meetings on campus, supports several corrosion related projects, and hosts special events and trips.
Textile Engineering
Focused on the science and engineering of fibers and textiles and the industries that use this technology
The goal of Cal Poly’s Textile Engineering club is to fill that gap and provide opportunities to research and develop our own textiles, as well as to establish connections with industries that work with various synthetic materials.
Community & Celebrations
Being a MATE student isn't all hard work! Community and celebrating our "mate-iness" are also a big part of the MATE experience. Students are often spotted in our main classroom and in our lounge area, studying together and hanging out. Students, faculty and staff gather informally during Dead Week to "de-stress" by enjoying some snacks and laughs together before finals. Our annual MATE Banquet is a department-wide celebration of what makes MATE great. We also hold a special graduating seniors' banquet and Spring commencement ceremony for our graduating MATEs to celebrate them and their accomplishments.
Resources for MATEs
Advising & Academic Success
CENG Advising Center (40 - 115)
Engineering Student Services provides an inclusive, respectful, encouraging environment that fosters the retention and graduation of all undergraduate engineering students. Through their Advising, Multicultural Engineering (MEP), International Exchange Program (IEP), and Tutoring Programs, ESS staff provides comprehensive services to guide and empower students to achieve their goals.
CENG can also be consulted regarding the various curriculum forms (e.g., Course Substitution Forms, Special Problems, Change of Catalog). They will help route the forms for signatures and processing by the Registrar's Office.
Get help from CENG tutors trained to assist you learn the material based on your learning style so you can excel on your exams and homework on your own.
Multicultural Educational Program (MEP)
The Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP) is part of the CENG Advising Center. MEP recruits, retains and graduates a diverse population of students, especially groups which continue to remain the most underrepresented in engineering.
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority and Underrepresented Student Participation in STEM (LSAMP)
LSAMP is dedicated to broadening the participation of underrepresented minority (URM) students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Supplemental Workshops in Science (SWS)
Supplemental Workshops in Science provide an accelerated learning environment for selected classes. Guided by trained facilitators, students participate in discussions, compare notes, develop study strategies and challenge their understanding with practice exams and worksheets. Workshops meet twice a week and earn one unit of academic credit.
Supplemental Workshops in Math (SWM)
Supplemental Workshops in Math is an intensive mathematics program for students who are enrolled in mathematics courses from MATH 100 to 143. SWM helps students master math concepts and promote collaborative learning, including concept enhancement, problem-solving and mock exams.
Career Services (124 - 114)
Take advantage of all the support (e.g., career fairs, jobs posted on MustangJOBS, workshops, individual counseling) Career Services offers!
When employers contact the MATE Office about jobs and internships, we refer them to Career Services and request that they post their opening on MustangJOBS. We encourage alumni to post employment opportunities on our LinkedIn group page as well.
Robert E. Kennedy Library (Bldg. 35)
Check out the many resources available at Cal Poly's library! Search the Digital Commons to find senior projects papers, as well as articles written by MATE faculty.
Materials Engineering Flowcharts & Curriculum
Study Abroad
Expand your learning by studying abroad for one or more quarters.
For specific advice on how studying abroad will affect your courses, please consult with Dr. Trevor Harding.
Learn more about Cal Poly's Study Abroad Programs.
Connect on Social Media
Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up with MATE events and announcements.
