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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

87% employed or continuing education

57% employed after graduation

30% attending graduate school

$62,984 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Texas Instruments, Ebco, Epic Systems

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

Academic Profile Middle 50% 2

31 - 34 ACT Score

1390 - 1510 SAT Score

3.59 - 3.95 High School GPA

Annual Program Costs

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $17,040
  • Fees: $4,174
  • Expenses3: $15,180
  • Total: $36,394

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $34,182
  • Fees: $4,174
  • Expenses3: $15,520
  • Total: $53,876

International

  • Tuition: $39,400
  • Fees: $4,174
  • Expenses3: $15,520
  • Total: $59,094

Additional Resources

Grainger College of Engineering Program Webpage Degree Requirements

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, and 2016-2017 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.

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. Learn more about costs.

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