The foundations of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering were laid during the 1992–1993 academic year within the Uşak Faculty of Engineering. The department was originally established under the name “Ceramic Engineering” and began offering undergraduate education in 1993. Its establishment was driven by Türkiye’s strong potential in ceramic production and the growing need for qualified engineers in this field.
Following an official decision dated 16 January 2001, a second Faculty of Engineering was founded in Afyonkarahisar. As a result, the department was transferred to Afyonkarahisar and continued its academic activities under this newly established faculty. During this transition, the department strengthened both its physical infrastructure and academic staff, allowing it to enhance the quality and scope of its educational programs.
Over time, advancements in science and technology, the increasing diversity of engineering materials, and the rise of interdisciplinary approaches highlighted the necessity of expanding the department’s academic focus beyond ceramics alone. In line with national and international academic and industrial developments, the department’s name and curriculum were revised and modernized to “Materials Science and Engineering.” This transformation enabled the department to provide a contemporary engineering education encompassing a wide spectrum of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composite materials.
Today, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to educate engineers equipped with strong fundamental knowledge, research competence, ethical awareness, and a commitment to sustainability. The department continues its educational and research activities with a vision that prioritizes collaboration with industry and contributes to regional and national development through scientific research and innovation.