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Materials Science & Engineering

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What is Materials Science & 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 Transfer Guide

Academic Profile Middle 50% 2

31 - 35 ACT score

1400 - 1520 SAT score

3.61 - 3.95 high school GPA

Graduation & Retention3

3.9 years to degree

94% freshman retention rate

69% four-year graduation rate

85% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $17,040
  • Fees: $4,174
  • Expenses4: $15,180
  • Total: $36,394

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $34,182
  • Fees: $4,174
  • Expenses4: $15,520
  • Total: $53,876

International

  • Tuition: $39,400
  • Fees: $4,174
  • Expenses4: $15,520
  • Total: $59,094

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 academic years, including the 2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2016-2017, and 2017-2018 graduating classes. 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.

2 Data is from the middle 50% of students from the past two years, meaning that 25% of students were below this range and 25% were above. This data is based off of freshman applicants only.

3 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.

4 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. Learn more about costs.

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