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Program at a glance

How much does it cost? 

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How do I apply?

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What will I learn in a metallurgical engineering degree program?

The bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineeringtrains you to apply technology in converting natural mineral resources into useful products for society. The metallurgical engineering major covers three areas:

  • Mineral processing: The engineer takes advantage of differences in physical and/or chemical properties to develop, manage and control processes for liberating, separating and concentrating valuable minerals or metals from ores.
  • Extractive metallurgy: The engineer produces and purifies metals from concentrates and ores, plus metal recycling using hydrometallurgy (aqueous processing), bio-hydrometallurgy, electrometallurgy (electrochemical processing) and pyrometallurgy (high-temperature processing).
  • Physical metallurgy: The engineer processes metals into products by various means, such as casting, forging, extrusion and powder techniques. He/she controls engineering properties of metals, such as strength, hardness and fatigue, by alloying, annealing and heat treatment.

In order to learn to process and extract ores to concentrate, then refine their valuable components, you will take courses in advanced chemistry; metallurgical process, modeling and control; pyrometallurgy, and hydrometallurgy. Our graduates are ready to work in industry, research and management or go on to further study in graduate school.

Learning outcomes

Students majoring in metallurgical engineering learn to:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in the mathematics, science, and engineering areas necessary to identify, formulate, and solve practical engineering problems.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in engineering topics related to metallurgical engineering
  • Demonstrate the ability to plan and design a technically sound extractive metallurgical and mineral process in an ethically, environmentally, and socially responsible manner. Moreover, students will be able to communicate plans, designs, and operational practices to mine representatives, regulators, and the public
  • Prepare for entry-level positions in the operations and management of metallurgical and mineral processes, or for graduate-level study in engineering

Graduate with industry-ready experience

Practical experience is a key part of our program. Our department maintains close relationships with the mineral industry, and as a student, you'll participate in field trips throughout your courses. Students are required to work in the minerals industry during at least one summer break. During your senior year, students take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination, administered by a State Board of Engineering Registration, which is the first step toward professional licensure. 

Specializations in the metallurgical engineering program

Students majoring in an engineering major (except metallurgical engineering) may choose to minor in metallurgical engineering to expand their skills in metallurgy.

Careers with a degree in metallurgical engineering

You can afford the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno

76% of students receive financial aid

Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.

54% of all students graduate with no debt

That's right. More than half of our students leave the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno with no student debt.

Life's a journey. Honors makes it meaningful.

At the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno Honors College, our students maximize their unique gifts and passions through a series of personalized experiences that deepen their capacity for transformative societal impact.

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