Material Sciences Programs

Materials Science is a complex field of study that is often combined with other subjects like, Engineering and Chemistry. Several top-notch universities in the US offer this subject at various levels. A few examples of institutions that offer such programs are,

  • Stanford University offers,
    • Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE/MATSCI)
    • Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering
    • Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science Engineering
  • Georgia Institute of Technology (commonly known as the Georgia Tech. University) offers,,
    • BS Materials Science and Engineering
    • BS/MS Materials Science and Engineering (5 Year)
    • Certificate Programs in Biomaterials, Composites, Nanomaterials
    • MS Materials Science and Engineering
    • Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering
  • Northwestern University offers,
    • Bachelor of Arts in Materials Science
    • Bachelor of Science in Materials Science
    • Combined BS/MS Degree Program in Material Science
    • Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering
    • Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering

What Is Material Science?

We need materials to make all kinds of products, engineered devices, or structures, etc. Materials Science is a broad field of study that unravels the composition of things and the reasons behind the way they behave as they do. When we combine Materials Science with Engineering, it shows us how we can apply existing knowledge to make better things and help mankind.

What Can You Do with a Material Sciences Program?

Completing a degree in Material Science with courses in areas of Engineering and Chemistry, you can land any of the following jobs. The salary data of these careers was reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Postsecondary Engineering Teachers

This career requires a doctoral degree in Engineering with courses in Material Science. Postsecondary Engineering Teachers are required to teach courses in Material Science and Engineering. They carry out the duties of teaching and research.

Annual Median Salary, 2019 Job Outlook, 2018-2028 Annual Mean Salary, 2019 State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 State with the Highest Salary, 2019
$101,010 11% $112,110 Texas 3,260
Rhode Island $137,240

 

Materials Engineers

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in Material Science with courses in Engineering. The responsibilities of Materials Engineers include developing, processing, and testing of materials that are used to manufacture a diverse range of products. They also create new uses for known materials.

Annual Median Salary, 2019 Job Outlook, 2018-2028 Annual Mean Salary, 2019 State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 State with the Highest Salary, 2019
$93,360 0% $97,890 Texas 2,760
Washington $125,110

 

Material Scientists

You can work in this position with a bachelor’s degree in Material Science. Material Scientists study the chemical properties and structures of a wide range of natural as well as synthetic/composite materials. They find ways to improve materials by combining materials. They develop new materials with specific or new properties that are to be used in a variety of products and applications, etc.

Annual Median Salary, 2019 Job Outlook, 2018-2028 Annual Mean Salary, 2019 State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 State with the Highest Salary, 2019
$96,810 3% $100,430 California 670
New Hampshire $146,540

What to Expect from a Material Sciences Program?

The courses offered in the curriculum of a Material Science program give a peek into the future career you can pursue by completing that degree. For instance, the curriculum of the Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science Engineering offered by Stanford University includes courses like,

  • Materials Chemistry
  • Rate Processes in Materials
  • Mechanical Properties of Materials
  • Organic and Biological Materials, and so on

For details on the curriculum of a specific Material Science program, please visit the official website of the selected university.

How to Choose a Material Sciences Program?

There are always numerous things to consider before choosing a degree or program at any specific university. For instance, you must look at the following features before deciding.

  • Faculty’s diversity and accomplishments
  • The reputation of the university
  • The relevance of courses in the curriculum
  • The duration of the program
  • Program’s accreditations
  • Admission and graduation criteria, etc.

The criteria for graduation vary for every program level and university. For example, the Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science Engineering offered by Stanford University requires its students to complete 135 credit hours to graduate.

Material Sciences Program Admission Requirements

The admission criteria for each program and institution are also different. For example, if you would like to apply for the MS Materials Science and Engineering or the Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering offered by Georgia Institution of Technology, you must submit an online application and the following documents,

  • Transcripts of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an ABET-accredited engineering program or a corresponding science program
  • Proof of obtaining at least 3.2 as an undergraduate degree GPA is needed to pursue a Ph.D., and a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to pursue an M.S.
  • GRE scores (at least 155 in Quantitative sections is required)
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores (only for international candidates)
  • Biographical Essay
  • Letters of recommendation (3)

For specific details on a program, please see the official website of the selected university.