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Materials Science and Engineering

Grainger College of Engineering

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What is Materials Science and Engineering?

Materials Science and Engineering is an interdisciplinary field of study. Students build a fundamental understanding of materials by taking courses in chemistry, physics, and engineering. In this program, you'll learn how to tailor the structure, properties, and performance of existing materials. You will also develop and synthesize new materials with unique properties. Finding the right material is important for both major technological and societal challenges. Examples include: renewable energy generation and storage, development of advanced microelectronics, environmental remediation, space exploration, and sustainable transportation. Our program can take you to the forefront of technology. If you want to make things smaller, faster, stronger, and smarter, this major might be for you.

Career Options

  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Research
  • Packaging
  • Process development
  • Quality management

Post-Graduation Success1

88% employed or continuing education

55% employed after graduation

33% attending graduate school

$63,282 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Texas Instruments, The Clorox Company, Ebco View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, Stanford University View All

Program Resources

Grainger College of Engineering Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Strong math and science coursework and performance
  • Calculus preferred and physics expected (if available at high school)
  • Strong teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
  • Interest in improving society through engineering
  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the engineering major selected

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Guide

Graduation & Retention2

3.9 years to degree

94% first-year retention rate

69% four-year graduation rate

85% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $17,660
  • Fees: $4,664
  • Expenses: $16,420
  • Total: $38,744

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $38,132
  • Fees: $4,664
  • Expenses:$16,760
  • Total: $59,556

International

  • Tuition: $41,110
  • Fees: $4,664
  • Expenses: $16,760
  • Total: $62,534

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the My Next Move website.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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