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undergraduate

Materials engineering


What is a materials engineering major?

Students learning materials engineering generally employ mathematical and materials science principles to the design, development, and operational evaluation of materials and related processes used in manufacturing in a wide variety of settings. This includes the synthesis of new industrial materials, including marrying and bonding composites, analysis of materials requirements and specifications, and related problems of system design dependent on materials factors.

43%

of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.

33%

of students said balancing many projects & deadlines was a challenging aspect of the major.

How much do materials engineering majors make?

median average salary

$105,000/yr

The national average salary for materials engineering graduates in the United States is $105,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $225,500 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $34,900 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, materials engineering graduates typically make between $60,000 and $160,000 per year.

How popular is materials engineering as a major?

Each year, around 1,790 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 30 students obtain an associate degree in materials engineering. In 2021, 1,739 students received a bachelor's degree and 9 students received an associate degree. This is 9% fewer materials engineering majors than there were in 2020. Materials engineering is a relatively popular major compared to other engineering majors.

Advice from materials engineering majors

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