Materials & Metallurgical Engineering

Metallurgical engineers produce materials that power our world, forging advances in materials development that impact nearly every aspect of modern life. We transform the earth's mineral resources into advanced alloys used in surgical implants, computer chips, superconductors, automobiles, and aircraft.
Our special alloys are used by NASA in space stations, shuttles, and the Mars Rover. We are committed to sustainable design, recycling existing materials and engineering new recyclable materials that function in an environmentally-responsible manner.      
Immerse yourself in this vibrant environment of metallurgy engineering, where you'll explore electrifying possibilities and develop innovative solutions to the most pressing problems of today.
Here, bright thoughts spark bold action. We offer numerous opportunities to roll up your sleeves and put your education to work through internships, co-ops, and research experiences. Metallurgical Engineering (BS) is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org. With one of the few specialized degree programs in the nation, industry leaders will be looking for you. 

Related Programs

Art & Engineering

• Metallurgical Engineering, BS
• Metallurgical Engineering, MS
• Metallurgical Engineering, PhD
• Minors

Meet Our Faculty

Activities and Organizations

Join the Back in Black Blacksmithing Club, the American Welding Society, or a number of unique extracurricular activities that involve the artistic use of materials and metals, including metal casting, blacksmithing, metal working, and glassblowing.

Professional Society Links:

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TMS - The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society

The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) is a professional association that connects minerals, metals, and materials scientists and engineers who work in industry, academia, and government positions around the world. Back to top

SME - Society of Mining Engineers  

Explore the exciting career paths integral to the modern mining industry, now playing on SME Studios.Back to top

ASM International - The Materials Information Society

ASM connects materials professionals with the finest resources available - to solve problems, improve materials performance, and support professional development

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AIST - Association for Iron & Steel Technology

The Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) is a non-profit organization with 16,600 members from more than 70 countries. With 29 Technology Committees representing all facets of the iron and steel manufacturing process and 22 Local Member Chapters spread across six continents, AIST represents an incomparable network of steel knowledge and expertise.Back to top

ACerS - The American Ceramic Society

The American Ceramic Society announces has return to in-person meetings for Q4 of 2021 and beyond.Back to top

AIME - The American Institute of Mutual Equality 

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Materials Advantage

Material Advantage provides a single low-cost membership that provides access to the materials science and engineering professional’s most preeminent societies:

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Research

Below are a few examples of a couple of the research projects that will be offered with the BACE summer camp.

Characterization of ceramic pastes for processing and performance optimization of high solids loading in additive manufacturing

Materials processing is a key component of all manufacturing, and additive manufacturing in particular. Knowing the history of a material (origin of the material, the crystal structure, the chemical formulation, any prior processing exposure, etc.) and influencing the processing process is integral.

Reconstructing paleoenvironment and paleoclimate with White River Group sediments and fossils

Western SD, particularly areas like Badlands National Park (BADL), preserve one of the best archives of past climate from the Eocene-Oligocene, an interval of geologic time marked globally by cooling and increased aridity.

Understanding poor performance of structural concrete mixes

Structural concrete mixes for transportation infrastructure in SD in recent years have not met specified strength requirements. The cause of the poor performance mixes remains a mystery.

Catalog Links

2024-2025 Academic Catalog

• Metallurgical Engineering, BS
• Materials Engineering and Science, MS
• Materials Engineering and Science, PhD
• Biomaterials Minor
• Materials Science - Metals Minor

Contact Us

Dr. Michael K. West Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering Mineral Industries 101 605.394.1283

Jessica Zacher MI 115/MET 605.394.2341

Mailing Address Materials and Metallurgical Engineering  South Dakota School of Mines & Technology 501 East Saint Joseph Street Rapid City, SD 57701