What it is
Materials science & engineering studies the structure, properties, and processing of materials — metals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, and nanomaterials — to create better products across every industry. Advances in materials drive advances in nearly all technology.
What you'll study
All engineering builds a rigorous math-and-science core, then specializes:
- Year 1–2Calculus, differential equations, physics, chemistry, intro engineering
- Year 2–3Core engineering science and materials structure & properties, thermodynamics, and processing
- Year 3–4Advanced discipline courses, labs, and a capstone design project
- ThroughoutDesign, teamwork, and often co-ops/internships (many programs ABET-accredited)
Concentrations & focus areas
- Metals / MetallurgyMetal materials
- Polymers / PlasticsPolymer materials
- CeramicsCeramic materials
- Semiconductors / ElectronicElectronics materials
- NanomaterialsNano-scale
- BiomaterialsMaterials for medicine
Skills you'll build
Engineers build a powerful, transferable skill set:
- Analytical problem-solvingBreaking down hard problems
- Math & modelingQuantitative rigor
- DesignCreating and testing solutions
- Technical softwareDiscipline-specific tools
- Teamwork & communicationProjects and clients
Careers & job titles
This discipline leads to roles such as:
- Materials engineerDevelopment & testing (~$108,310)
- Metallurgical engineerMetals
- Polymer / plastics engineerPolymers
- Semiconductor materials engineerElectronics
- R&D materials scientistResearch
- Quality / process engineerManufacturing
Job outlook & demand
The BLS projects the architecture & engineering group to grow faster than average, with about 174,800 openings a year. Materials engineering is projected to grow faster than average, enabling advances across aerospace, electronics, energy, and manufacturing. Engineering skills are in demand across industry, technology, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Engineering pays well above average. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, materials engineers had a median of $108,310 (2024) — versus the all-occupation median of about $50,980. Earnings rise with experience, a graduate degree, and (in many fields) the Professional Engineer (PE) license; senior engineers, specialists, and managers earn well into six figures.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A bachelor's (BEng/BS) is the entry credential; a master's deepens specialization and a PhD leads research. The PE license matters in many fields.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you enjoy math and science, like designing and building solutions, and want a well-paid, respected profession with strong job security.
Worth knowing: engineering is rigorous, and many roles benefit from the PE license (via the FE exam, experience, and the PE exam). Internships and co-ops strongly boost early careers.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusStructure, properties & processing of materials
- StudyMaterials structure, thermo, processing, characterization
- RangeMetals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, nano
- OutlookFaster than average (BLS)
- Pay$108,310 median (BLS)
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: