Materials Science and Engineering + Data Science

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What is Materials Science and Engineering + Data Science?

This major blends materials science—the study of how materials are made and how they behave—with the tools of data science to help engineers design better materials, faster.

You’ll learn how to analyze and model materials used in everything from flexible phone screens to clean energy tech. Instead of testing every material in a lab, you’ll use computer models and data to predict which materials will work best. This saves time, cuts costs, and leads to faster breakthroughs.

Your coursework will span chemistry, physics, computation, and data analysis. You'll gain hands-on experience using data to solve real-world problems in technology, medicine, and sustainability—equipping you for in-demand careers or graduate study.

Career Options

Materials engineer
Data analyst
Materials data scientist
R&D engineer
Computational modeler
Quality and reliability analyst
Battery or energy systems engineer
Manufacturing process engineer

Post-Graduation Success¹

Insufficient survey data is available for employment information.

Insufficient survey data is available for grad school attendance.

Insufficient survey data is available for average starting annual income.

Sample employer destinations: Insufficient survey data is available for sample employer destinations.

Sample grad school destinations: Insufficient survey data is available for sample grad school destinations.

Program Resources

Grainger College of Engineering 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 Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

4.0 years to degree

92% returned for second year

85% graduated within 4 years

94% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $18,740
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $43,480

Non-Resident

Tuition: $44,340
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $69,420

International

Tuition: $47,800
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $72,880

Chemistry - LAS

Electrical Engineering - ENG

Materials Science and Engineering - ENG

Statistics - LAS

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 Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

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.