Physical Sciences
Materials Sciences
Colleges award this field under 3 named programs, from Materials Science to Materials Sciences, Other.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 3 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Materials Science
- Focuses on the general application of mathematical and scientific principles to the analysis and evaluation of the characteristics and behavior of solids, including internal structure, chemical properties, transport and energy flow properties, thermodynamics of solids, stress and failure factors, chemical transformation states and processes, compound materials, and research on industrial applications of specific materials.
- Materials Chemistry
- Focuses on the synthesis and study of organic or inorganic materials and their electronic, magnetic, optical or mechanical properties. Covers advanced materials for photonics, lasers, chemical sensors and arrays or nanochemistry; semiconductor nanowires; and molecular electronics.
- Materials Sciences, Other
- Materials sciences not listed above.
Also called Mechanical Properties of Materials, Structural Materials, Electronic and Optical Materials, Biomaterials, Materials Theory, Surface Technology
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
- Median pay
- $62,280
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.4%
- Job openings a year
- 11,200
To get hiredAssociate's degree
Explore this career GrowingNatural Sciences Managers
- Median pay
- $167,220
- Hiring change through 2035
- 8.2%
- Job openings a year
- 9,200
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career GrowingArchitectural and Engineering Managers
- Median pay
- $171,270
- Hiring change through 2035
- 5.5%
- Job openings a year
- 14,900
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyPostsecondary Teachers, All Other
- Median pay
- $77,640
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.0%
- Job openings a year
- 12,500
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career GrowingChemists
- Median pay
- $91,240
- Hiring change through 2035
- 6.4%
- Job openings a year
- 5,900
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career GrowingEngineering Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $109,270
- Hiring change through 2035
- 7.8%
- Job openings a year
- 3,900
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career GrowingMaterials Scientists
- Median pay
- $117,790
- Hiring change through 2035
- 8.3%
- Job openings a year
- 600
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyChemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $93,250
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.3%
- Job openings a year
- 1,700
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
Few of the careers connected to this field are measured as substantially in-person or active work. Compare the specific occupations to see how much time each one involves with people, equipment, and movement.
College options
Where to study it
Ordered by how many degrees each college awards in this field. Sort by any numbered column.
| College | Degrees a year | Admit rate | Average annual cost after aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus PA | 58 | 54% | $26,000 |
| University of California-Berkeley CA | 28 | 12% | $10,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University PA | 26 | 11% | $14,000 |
| University of Delaware DE | 16 | 65% | $13,000 |
| University of California-Los Angeles CA | 13 | 9% | $10,000 |
| University of Arizona AZ | 11 | 86% | $16,000 |
| Columbia University in the City of New York NY | 7 | 4% | $6,000 |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire WI | 5 | 76% | $13,000 |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne IN | 1 | 86% | $12,000 |
| Central Michigan University MI | 1 | 91% | $14,000 |