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What is Materials Engineering?

Materials Engineering or Materials Science is a field of study in engineering coupled with physics and chemistry focused on the design and discovery of new materials.  Materials Engineering emphasize how a material affects its structure and the resulting material’s durability, properties, and performance under various conditions.

The study of Materials Engineering is used heavily to advance the body of knowledge within the following disciplines: metallurgy, nanotechnology, biomaterials, forensic engineering, failure analysis, superconducting materials, spintronics, metamaterials, computational science, molecular dynamics, density function theory, glassblowing, electron microscopy, neutron diffraction, composite materials, polymer science, and digital circuitry.

Innovation & Materials Engineering

Investing time to understand the inherent behavior of materials has led to countless breakthroughs and innovations.  Early inventions include the creation of stone tools that invariably lead to the creation of fire.  Fast forward to the modern era and we see the similar type of innovations in silicon chips and transistors.

Materials engineering focuses on the structure, properties, synthesis, processing, performance and properties of materials.  These materials can be viewed and innovated from a variety of engineering disciplines that can include electrical, magnetic, mechanical, optical, and quantum mechanical.

These innovations directly impact society and commerce in the following industries: medicine, electronics, manufacturing, communications, transportation, energy, recreation, and environmental.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$97,050

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

61.81%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

26,800

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Materials Engineering Degree

Founded in 1861, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) located in Cambridge, Massachusetts is a private land-grant research university aiming to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of study. MIT continues to provide a rigorous academic education to its students combined with the intellectual stimulation of its diverse campus community.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT offers an undergraduate degree pathway in Materials Science and Engineering perfect for students interested in nuance and complexity, and capable of directing their academic journey in pursuit of their personal and professional goals. The program immerses students with an understanding of the mechanisms, structures, and processes that affect material properties. As a research-intensive university, students are expected to design their own projects, analyze the results, and create innovative ways of how their research impacts the world. Access the curriculum at dmse.mit.edu.

Acceptance Rate

6.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Considered America’s first university founded in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is a private Ivy League institution located in  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university was built on the concept of innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration to develop creative solutions to the most pressing social issues. With over 25,000 local and international students, Penn provides an inclusive learning environment through increasing diversity, expanding financial aid, and offering free online classes to the public.

Penn’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering offers one of the best materials engineering degrees in the country. The undergraduate program provides both technical knowledge and real-world skills to its students which gives them solid training in teamwork, self-reflection, and presentation. As early as the first year, students can begin their research as a way to build their knowledge and skills. The program focuses on the manipulation of matter to create materials with valuable properties that can address various problems from consumer electronics to healthcare. For more details, go to mse.seas.upenn.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Officially opened in 1891, Stanford University is a private research university located in Stanford, California. The university is formerly called the Leland Stanford Junior University. With nearly 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the university allows them to create their own paths of discovery, learning, and growth with the guidance of its outstanding faculty members.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford houses a top-ranked degree in Materials Engineering. With the new curriculum, students are immersed in three Introduction to Materials Science classes as well as specialized and advanced topics such as Nanostructure and Characterization, Biochips, Imaging and Nanomedicine, and Solar Cells, Fuel Cells and Batteries. The program also features laboratory works with nanomaterials, x-ray diffraction, and electronic and photonic materials and devices. The department also offers a master’s program which involves advanced learning of solid-state fundamentals and materials engineering. Visit mse.stanford.edu to learn more about the programs.

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Started as a small school in 1838, Duke University is a research university located in Durham, North Carolina having affiliation with the Methodist Church as reflected in their mission to foster a lively relationship between knowledge and faith. The university aspires to be a leader in providing a superior liberal education to undergraduate and graduate students worldwide in order to contribute to the local community, the country, and the world.

As a premier institution for materials science and engineering (MSE) education and research in the country, the degree in Materials Science & Engineering at Duke is a multidisciplinary graduate degree program with options for master's and doctoral studies. The program offers an engaging educational approach with an emphasis on student participation, and experiential fabrication and characterization conducted in the on-site Shared Materials Instrumentation Facility. View gradschool.duke.edu to learn more about admissions.

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The California Institute of Technology or Caltech is a private research university based in Pasadena, California. It is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that serves the brightest minds worldwide with the aim to address fundamental scientific questions and most-pressing social issues.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science at Caltech Department of Applied Physics and Materials Science prepares students for research, professional practice, and advanced study in the interdisciplinary field of materials science. The four-year program builds on the fundamentals of materials science and includes related subjects such as computer programming, statistics, quantum mechanics, and linear algebra. Aside from these, students of the program develop professional independence, analytical competence, creativity, and leadership. Go to ms.caltech.edu to check the curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

6.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Established in 1865, Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York, and is a partner of the State University of New York. The federal land-grant institution is dedicated to finding innovative ways to contribute to all fields of knowledge in order to improve the quality of life in the country and the world.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell is a global leader in developing materials scientists with its robust programs and flexible curriculum that focuses on the core of fundamentals and the integration of technology and materials. The undergraduate degree in Materials Science and Engineering is regarded as a model for materials science programs offered in other universities and technical institutes around the world. The program can also become a double major with either mechanical engineering, other engineering disciplines, or physical science. To check the program’s requirements, visit mse.cornell.edu.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Northwestern University is a private comprehensive research university in Evanston, Illinois ranked among the top universities in the country. The university, established in 1851, provides a warm and welcoming academic environment with the combination of theory and practice and an emphasis on top-tier research, creative expression, and practical application in their academic programs.

Considered a pioneer in materials science for over 60 years, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern is the first academic department of its kind in the world. The Materials Science and Engineering degree leading to a bachelor of science degree focuses on basic engineering and materials theoretical coursework with options to take a certain area of concentration. Some concentrations include Biomaterials, Design and Manufacturing, Energy Materials, Nanomaterials, Surface Science, and Sustainable Materials. To inquire about the program, visit mccormick.northwestern.edu.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Since 1854, Washington University in St. Louis, a private research university in St. Louis, Missouri, has been offering different programs to local and international students from approximately 90 countries. The university continues to fulfill its mission of discovering and disseminating knowledge as well as protecting the freedom of inquiry through research, teaching, and learning.

The Institute of Materials Science & Engineering at Washington in St. Louis offers an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Materials Engineering allowing students to easily work across departments depending on the field they have chosen. Their thesis research is conducted under the mentorship of interdisciplinary faculty teams to take advantage of the rich breadth of materials science expertise and facilities in the university. The Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, on the other hand, offers a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering with options of either thesis or course pathway. Visit wustl.edu to learn more about the programs.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The University of Virginia (UVA) is an iconic public research university in Charlottesville, Virginia founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson. The original mission of creating the university is to advance human knowledge, educate leaders as well as cultivate an informed community. UVA boasts its major academic medical center on top of its nationally ranked schools and programs and diverse and distinguished faculty.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UVA offers several undergraduate and graduate programs in materials science and engineering (MSE). The undergraduate programs, a major and a minor, tackle the structure, properties, processing, and performance of materials. The MSE major provides an in-depth study of the field of MSE while preparing students for careers in research, development, and manufacturing. The MSE minor, on the other hand, focuses on how MSE affects the science, design, and application of materials in the student’s major field of study. Offered in Virginia Engineering Online platform, the Master of Materials Science and Engineering does not include a thesis and is perfect for off-ground graduate students. For inquiries about the programs, go to engineering.virginia.edu.

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Johns Hopkins University is the country’s first private research university located in Baltimore Maryland. The university, founded in 1876, revolutionized higher education in the United States and now, continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world by actively preparing students to become global leaders and citizens. John Hopkins also leads several world-class academic divisions that work together to fulfill the university’s mission of bringing knowledge to the world.

The BS degree in Materials Science and Engineering at John Hopkins provides students with the ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems through the application of principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. The program typically lasting for 3 to 5 years aims to engage graduates in advanced education, research, and development in the field of materials science and engineering (MSE) which includes materials discovery and processing as well as other professional disciplines related to MSE. Students may also choose to take the Biomaterials or Nanotechnology concentration. Discover other options at engineering.jhu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The University of Southern California (USC) is the state’s oldest private research university located in Los Angeles, California. The university, chartered in 1880, is considered the global center for arts, technology, and international business in the United States. USC houses 21 academic schools and units including the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences.

At USC Viterbi School of Engineering, the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science offers two graduate programs related to Materials Science. Students with an interest in characterizing, selecting, and processing engineering materials as well as in materials problems related to engineering design can take either the Master of Sicence degree in Materials Engineering or the Master of Science in Materials Science. The Materials Engineering program requires students to have a minimum of 54 units while the Materials Science program prescribes a minimum of 79 units. Compare the two programs at viterbigradadmission.usc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Started in 1919 as the southern branch of the University of California, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university based in Los Angeles, California. The university aims to create, disseminate, and apply knowledge in different disciplines by committing to academic freedom at all times in order to improve the conditions of our global society. 

UCLA prepares undergraduate students for employment or advanced studies in the materials science and engineering (MSE) industry through their Materials Science and Engineering degree. The program aims to develop proficiency in fundamental mathematics, science, and engineering while being an effective communicator in multidisciplinary teams. It offers a broad-based education required for students to understand the impact of engineering solutions in the contexts of global, economic, and environmental. UCLA Graduate School also offers a master’s and doctoral program in MSE. Explore all the programs available at ucla.edu.

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, originally located in Detroit in 1817, is a public research university aiming to serve the people of Michigan and the world through providing top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs. The university houses a diverse and vibrant community of scholars from 139 countries to become the future leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

The Materials Engineering degree at UMich Ann Arbor is one of the top-ranked undergraduate programs offered in the United States. The undergraduate program has options for a major or a minor as well as a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree that can be finished in just 5 years. The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UMich Ann Arbor boasts its state-of-the-art Van Vlack Lab which is solely dedicated to MSE students for performing experiments and applying their course knowledge. Learn more about the programs at mse.engin.umich.edu.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Commonly referred to as Georgia Tech, the Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university and institute of technology located in Atlanta, Georgia. With nearly 40,000 students at the main campus in Atlanta as well as campuses in France and China, the university is committed to improving society through advanced science and technology since its founding in 1885.

Georgia Tech’s School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) offers several undergraduate and graduate programs in MSE. The Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering establishes a sound foundation in mathematics, science, and basic engineering as well as structure-processing-properties for all the major classes of materials. Students who want to pursue a second undergraduate degree in MSE are also welcome to finish 36 more hours of courses which mostly complements the first degree with a focus on other engineering disciplines that rely on materials. Another option is to take a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program and an MSE Business Option program. Read more at mse.gatech.edu to find the perfect program for you.

Acceptance Rate

20.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Founded by the members of the United Methodist Church in 1839, Boston University (BU) is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. The university continues to serve its community of over 34,000 students from 130 countries across its 3 campuses and 17 schools and colleges.

The Division of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) at BU offers a number of programs in MSE that offers a deep understanding of the properties of various materials and ways on how to manipulate those materials to produce useful outputs. The MSE program is available to undergraduates as a minor while graduate students may choose either the Master of Engineering degree which focuses on the application of MSE to the industry or the Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy programs which are perfect for those who want to engage in research and prepare for academia. Check out bu.edu to see the full description of each program.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lehigh University is one of the most distinguished private research universities in the country. The institution, established in 1865, has the mission to challenge students to become the leaders of the future by molding an entrepreneurial mindset and providing collaborative opportunities.

The Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) programs at Lehigh are one of the leading materials programs in the United States offered by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering which is perfect for students who enjoy examination of materials on a macroscopic level. The undergraduate degree can be combined with a number of technical minors such as Nanotechnology, Polymer Science and Engineering, and Mechanics of Materials. The department also offers master’s and doctoral programs in MSE. Interested students can visit engineering.lehigh.edu to check the programs.

Acceptance Rate

32.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Simply UC San Diego, the University of California - San Diego (UCSD) is one of the top 15 research universities worldwide located in La Jolla, California. The university houses a rich, collaborative environment headed by nearly 36,000 students dedicated to making an impact on society.

The Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) programs at UC San Diego are highly interdisciplinary programs having collaboration with faculty members from several departments such as Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), NanoEngineering, and Chemistry. The MS and PhD degrees in MSE both provide fundamental knowledge for understanding the structure, properties, and applications of materials to predict, modify and tailor these properties to enhance their function. Find out more at apply.grad.ucsd.edu.

Acceptance Rate

31.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the country, the University of Florida (UF) is a public land-grant research university based in Gainesville, Florida. The university houses more than 200 research, service and education centers available for student use for their coursework and research work as UF strives for a better world through research.

The Department of Materials Science at UF aims to prepare students to have successful careers in the industry or academia in the field of materials science and engineering (MSE). The undergraduate MSE programs offered at the department are BS in Materials Engineering, a minor in MSE, and several certificates in different related areas such as Biomaterials, Ceramics, Electronic Materials, Metals, and Polymers. The department also offers an online Master of Science degree in MSE as well as an on-campus doctoral program. Visit mse.ufl.edu to check the full description of the programs.

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Texas (UT) at Austin is among the top 40 best universities in the world. The university accommodates 51,000 diverse students from all around the world across 18 colleges and schools. Since 1883, UT at Austin has been the leading research university in Texas providing top-ranked national programs at an affordable cost with the mission to change the world.

The Materials and Engineering degree at UT at Austin Engineering Education and Research Center offers a Master of Science in Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy degrees to prepare future materials scientists and engineers. Students are trained to use new knowledge in solving problems related to the synthesis, processing, characterization, and application of materials in different industries. The program has several concentrations which include clean energy materials, nanomaterials, and general materials science and engineering where students can choose from in creating a customized program of study. To know more about the program, go to utexas.edu.

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Part of the ten-campus University of California system, the University of California - Davis (UC Davis) is one of the world's leading cross-disciplinary research and teaching institutions in the country headquartered in Davis, California. With over 30,000 students, the university offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs that provide opportunities and prepare them for a competitive world.

The Materials Engineering undergraduate degree program at UC Davis College of Engineering equips students with knowledge in mathematics, natural sciences, and basic engineering allowing them to prepare for advanced studies in MSE. Throughout the program, students will master the fundamentals of MSE such as materials thermodynamics, structure evolution, phase changes, and transformation kinetics. Several specializations are also offered to students which include Biomedical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Visit mse.engineering.ucdavis.edu to know more.

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

One of the campuses of the University of California system, the University of California - Irvine (UCI) is a public land-grant research university based in Irvine, California. The university boasts its top-ranked schools offering various programs in a broad range of fields since 1965.

The Henry Samueli School of Engineering at UCI offers undergraduate and graduate programs in materials science and engineering (MSE) perfect for all students who want to establish a career in industry, government, or academia in the field of MSE. The Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering involves the application of critical reasoning and analytical skills in seeking solutions to MSE problems in order to promote innovation in materials discovery. The school also offers a minor in MSE for students with majors in a different field as well as master’s and doctoral degrees for those who want to pursue further studies in MSE. Visit uci.edu to check the available programs.

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Case Western Reserve University, established in 1826, is one of the top research universities in the country located in Cleveland, Ohio. With its cutting-edge facilities and programs, the university is dedicated to innovation to help more than 11,000 students become successful in their chosen careers and to fulfill its mission of solving the biggest issues in the present and future.

With over 100 years of expertise, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at Case Western Reserve is proven to produce effective and analytical professionals in the field of MSE. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering coupled with a major in Materials Engineering is a multidisciplinary program that explores materials structure, properties, and processing and its impact on many important technologies. Students may also choose from these areas of specialization: Biomaterials, Structural Materials, Electronic Materials, Polymers, and Materials Data Science. The department also offers an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree program to advance knowledge and double students’ opportunities. For more information, go to engineering.case.edu.

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of Maryland (UM) - College Park, considered as the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland founded in 1856, is a public research university located in College Park, Maryland. UM is dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research, and service to the community by being the national center for research within and beyond Maryland.

At UM A. James Clark School of Engineering, a number of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) programs are available for both undergraduates and graduates. The Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering is a multidisciplinary program providing breadth and depth of knowledge on developing materials, devices, and systems. Students can access the cutting-edge laboratories and are guided by encouraging faculty in research and other collaborative opportunities with leading academic, industry, and government institutions. The school also offers an undergraduate minor program in Nanoscale Science & Technology as well as an accelerated program of combined bachelor’s and master’s degree in MSE. Check the right program for you at mse.umd.edu.

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private research university located in Worcester, Massachusetts that provides science and engineering education to advance society. The university, founded in 1865, embraces education and research as reflected in its highly-flexible programs and interdisciplinary research on its local campus and more than 50 project centers throughout the world.

The Material Science and Engineering program at WPI is an interdisciplinary program that involves biology, chemistry, physics, and math with mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering principles in order to examine the performance of existing materials and improve processes of making new materials. The program has two options: a Master's and a Doctor of Philosophy in Material Engineering where students conduct their original research about the structure, processing, properties, and performance of various materials. The master’s degree option is also available online. To inquire about the program, visit wpi.edu.

Acceptance Rate

49.37

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

As one of the most innovative universities in the United States, Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research university based in Hoboken, New Jersey. Established in 1870, it is considered one of the oldest technological universities in the country. The university accommodates nearly 7,000 students enrolled in a wide variety of interdisciplinary majors as well as highly-ranked internships and cooperative education during their senior years.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science offers a Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science and Engineering that provides extensive coursework and encourages independent scholarly work that makes the program flexible to accommodate the students’ interests and professional goals. Students receive a solid foundation in the basics of materials science while examining the latest topics in energy, biomedicine, and nanotechnology. The master’s degree has several options for concentrations as well as research areas: Interdisciplinary Nanotechnology, Interdisciplinary Microelectronics and Photonics, and Materials Technology for Energy and Sustainability. Access the requirements for each program at stevens.edu.

Acceptance Rate

39.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Top Materials Engineering Degrees

Degree programs in Materials Engineering (ME) are offered from several top ranked colleges at a variety of degree levels.  Students seeking a future in ME will find a wide number of schools and degrees to consider.  Below we have aggregated the most popular degree programs ranging from undergraduate to graduate programs.  To help you find the best program for you, simply connect to colleges that you are interested below to obtain admissions and program information from each school.

Materials Engineering Bachelor Degrees

Online bachelor degree programs in materials engineering can be found at a number of accredited colleges and universities across the country.  Bachelor degrees in the field of study can be conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelors of Science in Materials Science Engineering (BS MSE).

Most BS MSE degrees are designed to be four-year degree programs that blend general education courses with core curriculum.  Liberal arts classes you can expect to take include communications, English composition, psychology, philosophy, and economics.

Core classes in the ME program will vary by school but will typically contain a core set of classes.  The common set of classes you will see in an ME program include the following:

  • Basics of Materials Property
  • Structure and Properties of Materials
  • Physical Properties in Engineering Systems
  • Thermodynamics of Materials
  • Processing and Properties of Materials
  • Atomistic Material Science
  • Electrical Properties of Materials
  • Analytic Geometry
  • Multivariate Calculus
  • Optical Properties of Materials
  • Linear Algebra
  • Modern Mechanics
  • Magnetic Properties of Materials
  • Fundamentals of Engineering
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Thermal Physics

Materials Engineering Master Degrees

Earning a master’s degree in materials engineering will take 2-3 years of full-time matriculation.  Qualified students will need to meet all lower level requirements as set forth by the college or university.  Many colleges have created a set of curricula that offers a general degree or specialized degree in ceramics, polymers, electronic materials, metallurgy, biomaterials, and/or structural materials.

Universities may provide students the option of a thesis or non-thesis degree track.  The primary difference between the two program is the time spent preparing a thesis versus additional approved course work in ME.  Both may be viable tracks to consider for qualifying students.  A master’s degree in materials engineering prepares students for the next step in their academic career to earn a PhD or to launch a career in the private or public sector.

Materials Engineering PhD Degrees

Doctorate degrees in materials engineering are known as terminal degrees.  By definition, a terminal degree is one that does not have any degrees beyond itself and is essentially the last step that can be taken in the field of study.  Many schools provide students with the opportunity to create a set of coursework that most interests them.  Areas of study in ME may include: complex fluids, metals, semiconductors, polymers, optical, structural, inorganic hybrids, or organic optoelectronics.  The culmination of the program will likely include a board-approved dissertation.  Your dissertation is designed to extend the body of knowledge in ME in a substantive manner.

Materials Engineering Requirements

In terms of educational requirements, Materials Engineering degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Employment in Materials Engineering

Materials engineering majors will possess a unique set of problem solving skills after completing their degrees. Some may jump directly into employment in the field, while others may choose to research other careers. Associated careers of interest may include the following types of career paths: biomedical engineer, systems engineer, operation design, chemist, mechanical engineer, physicist, manufacturing engineer, sales engineer, management science, production engineer, astronomer, ergonomics, management engineer, aerospace engineer, and lean manufacturing specialist.

Materials Engineering Careers

Career opportunities within the materials engineering and materials science field are very robust. National surveys indicate graduates are heavily recruited by large and small corporations for a variety of jobs throughout the United States. Jobs you may qualify for include the following areas of commerce such as: research and development, manufacturing, marketing, materials design, to name a few. Graduates will typically find employment in the following sectors:

  • Construction
  • Electronics
  • Aerospace
  • Computers
  • Gas
  • Power Generation
  • Equipment
  • Appliances
  • Nuclear
  • Oil
  • Shipbuilding
  • Automotive
  • Communication
  • Government Labs
  • Colleges & Universities

Materials Engineer Career Outlook

The career outlook for materials engineers is bright.  In fact, the BLS and DOL forecast a growth rate hovering around the median average for all jobs in the country.  To illustrate, the industry is vaulting similar careers like industrial machinery mechanic and sales engineer, 16% and 7% respectively.

The median annual income for a materials engineer is $94,610 a year.  This salary represents more than double the national average income with a solid employment outlook.  In a recent employment survey, approximately 51% of materials engineers had a bachelor's degree with 39% holding a master's or PhD.

Resources for Materials Engineers

The ASM is an international association dedicated to the growth of materials engineers by providing resources and professional tools to extend the learning opportunities and help to advance society.  Membership benefits may be worth considering for those serious about a career in this field of study.

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