Materials Science & Engineering Major
Materials Science & Engineering is the study of the structure and properties of materials and how to engineer them. It is a major within Engineering & Technology.
Materials Science & Engineering is the study of what things are made of and how to create or improve those materials for practical use. The major examines the relationship between a material's internal structure—how its atoms and molecules are arranged—and the properties it exhibits, such as strength, flexibility, conductivity, or heat resistance. Students learn to ask questions like: Why does steel behave differently from aluminum? How can we make a plastic stronger or more durable? What new material might solve a particular engineering problem? The field combines chemistry, physics, and engineering principles to understand existing materials and design new ones with specific desired characteristics.
Students drawn to this major typically enjoy hands-on problem-solving and have curiosity about how everyday objects work at a fundamental level. They usually have strong backgrounds in chemistry and physics. The major typically begins with foundational courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, then progresses to specialized coursework in material properties, structure analysis, and processing techniques. As students advance, they move toward more applied work, such as laboratory experiments, design projects, and electives focusing on particular material types or industries. The combination of theory and practical application is central to how the subject is taught.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Materials Science & Engineering program commonly includes topics such as:
- Crystallography
- Thermodynamics of materials
- Polymers
- Metallurgy
- Ceramics
- Materials characterization
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Materials Science & Engineering is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Materials Science & Engineering background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Materials engineer
- Metallurgist
- Process engineer
- Research scientist
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Materials Science & Engineering major?
Materials Science & Engineering is the study of the structure and properties of materials and how to engineer them. It is part of engineering & technology, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Materials Science & Engineering majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as crystallography, thermodynamics of materials, polymers, metallurgy, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Materials Science & Engineering major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as materials engineer, metallurgist, process engineer. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Materials Science & Engineering offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral level, though availability varies by institution.