The curriculum in materials engineering has broad applications. It encompasses several disciplines involving metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Synthesis, processing, and microstructural characterization of novel materials (metallics, ceramic, electronic, and composite) as well as investigation of defect-controlled properties (strength, fracture toughness, etc.) form the core of the materials program. In research methodology, the full range of analysis is applied, from macroscopic and real world examples such as plant design and industrial fabrication, to microscopic analysis of materials. Applications derived from characteristics and qualities of metals and other materials provide an open-ended program in the engineering field. In addition to sophisticated equipment on the Tech campus, extensive laboratory and research facilities are available at Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia National Laboratories, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. Scientists at these labs maintain close relationships with Tech personnel.

The undergraduate program aims to produce well rounded materials engineers who are ready to play a productive and responsible role in their chosen field. The students graduate with a combination of strengths, versatility, and hands-on experience that enables them to perform well whether they enter employment directly or choose to pursue graduate studies first. One of the fundamental aspects of an engineering education is the ability to combine theory with practice. The program provides students with a very solid foundation in theory, but there is also a strong emphasis on a hands-on-approach. This is achieved through the wide range of courses offered in the department (both required and elective) that have a laboratory component in each, the laboratory and classroom elements are carefully integrated, as well as the capstone design sequence and senior thesis. Additional hands-on experience for the students is available (and encouraged) through part-time employment in the broad range of materials research projects that are on-going in the department and also in the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center, New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources, and Petroleum Recovery Research Center.

The Materials Department offers graduate degrees through Distance Instruction.
The Materials Department also has extensive facilities.
There is also an active Materials Student Society.