Ceramic Engineering
Bachelor’s Degree
Build Your Future Today
The Bachelor of Science in Ceramic Engineering program at Colorado School of Mines provides undergraduate students with fundamental knowledge and a specific skillset to prepare them for careers in both technical and traditional ceramics. The ceramic engineering program at Mines builds on the university’s long-standing expertise in materials science and engineering, in addition to our cutting-edge ceramics research and facilities and strong industry partnerships. Developed in consultation and partnership with industry experts and partners, this undergraduate program has a strong focus on the newer technical ceramics and glass.
Learn more about our exciting undergraduate program here: Metallurgical and Materials Engineering website
Experiential major menus
Uniquely tailored to your undergraduate major of choice, these menus offer a wide array of extra-curricular activities that complement and enrich the traditional classroom experience.
Explore the extra-curricular activities that complement your degree.
Ceramic Engineering at a glance
Hands-on research and learning opportunities
Work alongside a world-class faculty
Learn and create in our glass hot shop
Smaller program with beneficial student-to-faculty ratio
Students will receive hands-on training in ceramic processing, sintering, glass science and mechanical and electrical properties, with a particular emphasis on the materials’ unique thermal properties. Four core laboratory classes starting in students’ second year will ensure robust hands-on experience with the materials. Students will also have access to innovative undergraduate research opportunities and makerspaces, including Mines’ on-campus glass hot shop.
Ceramic Engineering Curriculum
Suggested careers for metallurgical and materials engineering majors:
- Ceramic engineer
- Computer and electronic product manufacturer
- Metal manufacturer
- Metallurgical engineer
- Semiconductor processing engineer
- Product engineer
- Research and development engineer
- Research scientist
Faculty Spotlight
Geoff Brennecka
Geoff Brennecka, a Herman F. Coors distinguished professor of ceramic engineering, is a metallurgical and materials engineering professor at Mines. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Ceramic Engineering followed by a PhD in Materials Science.
Brennecka’s group is interested in a wide variety of problems that can be addressed and solved by enabling the capabilities of advanced ceramic materials. His work tends to focus on the materials that do something interesting under an applied electric field.
Making Mines more affordable
Mines’ financial assistance program awards more than $60 million per year, and over 82 percent of the student body receives some form of financial aid.
Why study ceramic engineering at Mines?
As one of the top engineering and applied science universities in the nation, Mines has the faculty, research facilities and unique campus environment to truly stand above the rest. As part of our metallurgical & materials engineering program, our ceramic engineering curriculum benefits from the resources of one of our oldest and most prestigious degree programs while exploring a new aspect at more depth.
Why do so many students choose Mines?
- Hands-on undergraduate research opportunities
- Learn by doing in our hot shop and foundry
- Winners of the Materials Bowl 8x in the last 15 years
- Work with faculty with real industry experience
- Take part in our rich traditions and campus life, including the M Climb and Engineering Days
Career Outcomes
Upon graduating from the ceramic engineering program at Mines, you’ll be equipped with much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the foundational knowledge, hands-on learning experiences and passion to achieve your next step—wherever that may take you.
With hands-on learning opportunities, access to our research facilities, and our many close industry partnerships, we prepare our students to not just succeed after graduation—but to thrive.
Some of most common careers for those pursuing ceramic engineering include:
- Glass science engineers
- Product engineer at a glass window manufacturer
- Development engineer at a semiconductor manufacturer
- Failure analysis expert at a consulting firm
- Thermal protection engineer at an aerospace company
- Packaging engineer for photovoltaic systems
Heather Hoffman
I chose Mines because I knew it would set me up for my future. The high-quality education and the opportunities available here make me feel prepared for my career.
Heather Hoffman
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Student