Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor's Degree in Materials Engineering

A Bachelor's Degree in Materials Engineering teaches the science and technology of materials, preparing students for careers in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing.

4 years
Length
Bachelor
Level
After high school diploma
Entry level
59
Schools
00
Exit level
Bachelor
Length
4 years
Work-study
Uncommon
Selectivity
Selective
Direct careers
1 métier
Where to study
59 établissements

About

This bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering is a four-year program in the United States, designed for students interested in understanding the properties and applications of different materials. It is suitable for those who enjoy science, math, and problem-solving. The degree prepares graduates to work in various industries where materials play a key role, such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and manufacturing. Students learn how to develop new materials and improve existing ones to meet technical and environmental challenges.

  • The program focuses on the structure and properties of materials like metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites.
  • It is aimed at students with a strong interest in science and engineering.
  • Graduates can pursue careers as materials engineers or related roles in research and development.
  • The degree provides a foundation for working in sectors that rely on material innovation and quality control.
  • Students gain skills in problem-solving and technical analysis applicable to many industries.

What you study

The curriculum spans four years and combines theoretical courses with practical work. Early years cover fundamental subjects, while later years focus on specialized topics and projects. Hands-on experience is an important part of the program.

  • First years include courses in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and introductory materials science.
  • Advanced classes cover thermodynamics, mechanics of materials, materials characterization, and processing techniques.
  • Laboratory sessions and workshops provide practical skills in testing and analyzing materials.
  • Students often work on team projects to design or improve materials for real-world applications.
  • The program may include internships or cooperative education to gain industry experience.

How to get in

Admission to a bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering in the US typically requires a high school diploma with strong grades in science and math. The application process involves submitting transcripts, test scores, and sometimes essays or recommendations.

  • Applicants should have completed high school courses in math (algebra, geometry, calculus) and science (chemistry, physics).
  • Standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are often required by universities.
  • Some programs look for students with a demonstrated interest in engineering or science.
  • Admission is generally selective, depending on the university.
  • Students apply through the university's own system or platforms like Common App.

Day to day

A typical year involves attending lectures, labs, and working on projects. Students balance theory with practical work and often collaborate with peers. Internships or co-op programs may be part of the experience.

  • Classes are scheduled throughout the week with a mix of lectures and laboratory sessions.
  • Students engage in group projects that simulate real engineering challenges.
  • Internships during summer breaks provide exposure to industry environments.
  • Some programs offer cooperative education options combining study and paid work.
  • Time management is important to handle coursework, labs, and project deadlines.

Careers this degree leads to

Graduates can find jobs in various industries that develop or use advanced materials. The demand for materials engineers depends on technological progress and industrial needs.

  • Common roles include materials engineer, quality control specialist, and research technician.
  • Sectors hiring graduates include aerospace, automotive, electronics, and manufacturing.
  • Employment opportunities often involve developing new materials or improving production processes.
  • The job market can vary, but graduates generally experience reasonable prospects for finding work.
  • Some may work in research labs or continue in technical roles within companies.

Careers after further study

Continuing your studies

After earning the bachelor's degree, students can continue their studies or move into the workforce. Further education can deepen expertise or open new career paths.

  • Many choose to pursue a master's degree in Materials Science or related engineering fields.
  • Graduate studies may focus on specialized research or applied engineering.
  • Some graduates switch to fields like mechanical engineering or chemical engineering for broader options.
  • Professional certifications or training can also enhance career opportunities.

Where to study this degree (59)

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The University of Texas at Austin
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The University of Texas at Austin
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📍Austin, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University
📍Urbana, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Florida
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University of Florida
University
📍Gainesville, 🇺🇸 United States
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Purdue University West Lafayette
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Purdue University West Lafayette
University
📍West Lafayette, 🇺🇸 United States
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Ohio State University-Main Campus
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Ohio State University-Main Campus
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📍Columbus, 🇺🇸 United States
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Virginia Tech
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Virginia Tech
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📍Blacksburg, 🇺🇸 United States
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Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
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Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
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📍Atlanta, 🇺🇸 United States
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Texas A & M University-College Station
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Texas A & M University-College Station
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📍College Station, 🇺🇸 United States
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California Polytechnic State University
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California Polytechnic State University
University
📍San Luis Obispo, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
college
📍Ann Arbor, 🇺🇸 United States
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North Carolina State University
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North Carolina State University
University
📍Raleigh, 🇺🇸 United States
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Iowa State University
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Iowa State University
University
📍Ames, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Washington-Seattle Campus
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University of Washington-Seattle Campus
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📍Seattle, 🇺🇸 United States
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Clemson University
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Clemson University
University
📍Clemson, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Los Angeles
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University of California-Los Angeles
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📍Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
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University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
college
📍Minneapolis, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Utah
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University of Utah
University
📍Salt Lake City, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Davis
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University of California-Davis
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📍Davis, 🇺🇸 United States
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
School
📍Cambridge, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Wisconsin–Madison
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University of Wisconsin–Madison
University
📍Madison, 🇺🇸 United States
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Michigan State University
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Michigan State University
University
📍East Lansing, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Irvine
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University of California-Irvine
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📍Irvine, 🇺🇸 United States
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Michigan Technological University
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Michigan Technological University
University
📍Houghton, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
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University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
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📍Pittsburgh, 🇺🇸 United States
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Arizona State University Campus Immersion
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Arizona State University Campus Immersion
college
📍Tempe, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Maryland-College Park
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University of Maryland-College Park
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📍College Park, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Tennessee at Knoxville
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University of Tennessee at Knoxville
University
📍Knoxville, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California, Riverside
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University of California, Riverside
University
📍Riverside, 🇺🇸 United States
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Drexel University
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Drexel University
University
📍Philadelphia, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Connecticut
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University of Connecticut
University
📍Storrs, 🇺🇸 United States
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Winona State University
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Winona State University
University
📍Winona, 🇺🇸 United States
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Cornell University
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Cornell University
University
📍Ithaca, 🇺🇸 United States
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Boise State University
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Boise State University
University
📍Boise, 🇺🇸 United States
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Northwestern University
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Northwestern University
University
📍Evanston, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Pennsylvania
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University of Pennsylvania
University
📍Philadelphia, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Kentucky
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University of Kentucky
University
📍Lexington, 🇺🇸 United States
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Washington State University
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Washington State University
University
📍Pullman, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Alabama at Birmingham
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University of Alabama at Birmingham
University
📍Birmingham, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
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University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
University
📍Eau Claire, 🇺🇸 United States
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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
School
📍Troy, 🇺🇸 United States
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New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
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New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
School
📍Socorro, 🇺🇸 United States
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Stanford University
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Stanford University
University
📍Stanford, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of North Texas
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University of North Texas
University
📍Denton, 🇺🇸 United States
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Johns Hopkins University
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Johns Hopkins University
University
📍Baltimore, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Central Florida
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University of Central Florida
University
📍Orlando, 🇺🇸 United States
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Auburn University
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Auburn University
University
📍Auburn, 🇺🇸 United States
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Lehigh University
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Lehigh University
University
📍Bethlehem, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California, Merced
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University of California, Merced
University
📍Merced, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
college
📍Milwaukee, 🇺🇸 United States
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San Jose State University
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00
San Jose State University
University
📍San Jose, 🇺🇸 United States
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Alfred University
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Alfred University
University
📍Alfred, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Virginia-Main Campus
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University of Virginia-Main Campus
college
📍Charlottesville, 🇺🇸 United States
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Case Western Reserve University
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Case Western Reserve University
University
📍Cleveland, 🇺🇸 United States
TypeUniversity
Founded—
Students—
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California Institute of Technology
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California Institute of Technology
School
📍Pasadena, 🇺🇸 United States
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Wright State University
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Wright State University
University
📍Dayton, 🇺🇸 United States
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Founded—
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University of Nevada, Reno
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University of Nevada, Reno
University
📍Reno, 🇺🇸 United States
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Institution
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Illinois Institute of Technology
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Illinois Institute of Technology
School
📍Chicago, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Idaho
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University of Idaho
University
📍Moscow, 🇺🇸 United States
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University at Buffalo
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University at Buffalo
college
📍Buffalo, 🇺🇸 United States
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Liste des 59 établissements

Frequently asked questions

What subjects do I study in a Materials Engineering bachelor's degree?

You study core sciences like physics, chemistry, and math, along with specialized courses in materials science, thermodynamics, and mechanics. Practical labs and projects are also part of the curriculum.

What kind of jobs can I get with this degree?

Graduates often work as materials engineers, quality control specialists, or research technicians in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing.

Is it hard to get admitted to a Materials Engineering program in the US?

Admission is selective and usually requires strong high school grades in science and math, along with standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT.

Can I do internships during my studies?

Yes, many programs encourage or require internships to gain practical experience in industry settings.

Can I continue studying after the bachelor's degree?

Yes, many students pursue master's degrees in materials science or related fields to specialize further or improve career prospects.

Do I need to have a background in engineering before applying?

No, but a strong foundation in high school science and math is important to succeed in the program.

Is there an option to study part-time or through work-study programs?

Generally, the program is full-time, and cooperative education options may be available but part-time study is less common.

What skills will I develop during the degree?

You will develop skills in analyzing materials, solving technical problems, conducting experiments, working in teams, and communicating technical information.