As critical materials in defense, military, and electronic information fields, microwave-absorbing materials require precise control and optimal matching of electromagnetic parameters. Current teaching in materials science programs at universities faces challenges such as disconnection from engineering practice and insufficient development of students ‘design thinking and innovation capabilities. This study focuses on electromagnetic parameters to establish a “knowledge-ability-cultivation” tripartite teaching objective, optimize the curriculum system, innovate diversified teaching methods, develop a scientific evaluation framework, explore pathways for cultivating design thinking, and validate the model’s feasibility, thereby providing references for curriculum reform in materials science programs.