Materials Science & Engineering
Invent new materials with better properties for the future
What You'll Study
Materials Science is about understanding and designing the solid matter of the universe. From phone screens that don't break to lighter airplane metals and better batteries, it connects Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering.
- Crystallography
- Thermodynamics of Materials
- Polymer Science
- Metallurgy
- Ceramics & Composites
- Nanotechnology
- Failure Analysis
- Semiconductor Materials
Example Classes
How to Know If You'll Like It
You'll probably enjoy this if...
- ✓You wonder why glass shatters but plastic bends
- ✓You liked Chemistry but wanted to make solids, not liquids
- ✓You are interested in nanotech or chips
- ✓You want to be at the forefront of innovation (batteries/solar)
- ✓You are curious and detail-oriented
- ✓You might want to go to grad school (common for R&D)
You might not enjoy this if...
- ✕You dislike chemistry/physics at the atomic level
- ✕You want to build big machines (that's ME)
- ✕You want to code all day
- ✕You dislike microscopes and lab equipment
Self-Check Quiz
Answer these questions honestly to see if this major might be a good fit for you.
Do you wonder how Gore-Tex is waterproof but breathable?
Career Outcomes
Featured In-Demand Careers
Semiconductor / IC Design Engineer
Design, simulate, and verify integrated circuits (ICs) and microchips used in computers, smartphones, and AI hardware.
Mechanical Engineer
Design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems from consumer products to industrial machinery.
Environmental Engineer
Develop solutions to environmental problems including pollution control, waste management, and sustainability.
Other Common Career Paths
- •Materials Engineer
- •Metallurgist
- •Semiconductor Process Engineer
- •Failure Analysis Engineer
- •Research Scientist
Industries
Try It First
Test if you like this field before committing to a major:
Research "Graphene" or "Aerogel" on YouTube.
Try to break different things (safely) - wire, plastic, wood - and observe HOW they break (snap vs stretch).
Grow your own crystals using salt, sugar, or a kit.
Related Majors
Frequently Asked Questions
It uses Chemistry, but focuses on Solid State Physics and Engineering applications.
Tech (Apple/Intel), Aerospace (Boeing), Sports (Nike shoes), Energy.
It is smaller than ME/EE, but elite. Very high demand in tech.
For high-level R&D yes, but BS grads work in manufacturing and process eng.
Yes, Materials Science is the foundation of Nanotechnology.
Ready to Explore This Major?
Get personalized guidance on whether Materials Science & Engineering is right for you and how to build a competitive profile.