Materials training aids careers

For current and aspiring engineers, Mississippi State announces a new program to aid in career advancement.

The Materials Certificate Program in Engineering offers both enrolled students and graduates now working in industry a way to increase their knowledge of metals, plastics, ceramics, composites, and other materials used in manufacturing.

An interdisciplinary working group made up of representatives from the colleges of Engineering, Arts and Sciences, and Forest Resources designed the program.

"There's a demand in industry for engineers with materials training above and beyond what's required for a bachelor's degree," said Dr. John T. Berry, professor of mechanical engineering and working group chairman. "We're often asked to identify students with strong backgrounds in plastics, metallurgy or other materials related fields."

Students at both bachelor- and master's-degree levels in engineering or science areas can enroll in the series of approved courses.

Working group member Dr. Nancy S. Losure, an assistant professor of chemical engineering, said a variety of new materials regularly enter the industrial marketplace.

"It is difficult to keep up with the advances without taking advantage of continuing education," she said, adding that the group is joining with MSU's Division of Continuing Education to make the training accessible for company employees and others unable to attend classes in Starkville.

"This is part of our outreach effort to make as many of the needed courses as possible available through correspondence and engineering distance learning channels," Losure said.

Biomedical engineer Dr. Joel D. Bumgardner and assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering Dr. Steve Saddow also played key roles in the certification program.