Deal with developing products and processes based on understanding the structure of materials. The goal of the materials engineer is to understand the structure of materials (at the micro- or the nano level) to improve their properties and ultimately their performance. Materials engineers apply this knowledge to the production, selection, and utilization of materials. Since engineers are called upon to work with new ideas and materials, the engineering graduate with a minor in Materials Engineering is very well prepared to respond to such a challenge and thus has a career advantage.