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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 the manipulation and creation of materials to meet and exceed societal and technological needs.

As a MatSE student, you’ll gain an understanding of the science of materials. Students take courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, and physics. You’ll be able to tailor your curriculum to match your interests.

Industry-leading companies and vibrant start-ups rely on improved materials technologies. MatSE is a versatile discipline, and our graduates are in demand. Work may involve

  • computational research with machine learning,
  • understanding new medical therapies,
  • creating protective coatings for hypersonic flight and space travel,
  • manufacturing next-generation solar cells,
  • building quantum computers, or
  • designing safer and more sustainable batteries.

Excited about the real-world application of biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, and more? Contact matse@illinois.edu for more information.

Career Options

  • Research Scientist
  • Process Engineer
  • Quality Control Engineer
  • Failure Analysis
  • Project Manager

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: 3M, AbbVie, IBM View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois 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: $17,976
  • Fees: $4,860
  • Expenses: $17,638
  • Total: $40,474

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $39,034
  • Fees: $4,860
  • Expenses:$17,978
  • Total: $61,872

International

  • Tuition: $42,084
  • Fees: $4,860
  • Expenses: $17,978
  • Total: $64,922

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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