Overview of Materials Sciences

Materials science is a broad and interdisciplinary field which encompasses the study of physical structures, properties, and behavior of materials in their natural and engineered environments. Areas of specialization include materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and nanostructures. Materials science integrates knowledge and techniques from other scientific disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering, and many industry areas such as automobiles, aerospace, communications, computers, and biotechnology.

Career Opportunities Associated with Materials Sciences

A career in materials science draws on many perspectives and facts from physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. Consequently, graduates from materials science programs are in high demand in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, consumer products, electronics, healthcare, semiconductors, energy production, manufacturing and telecommunications. Potential employers include defense-related firms, automobile and aircraft manufacturers, drug companies and computer-chip producers. Possible career paths include materials engineer, polymer engineer, research and development specialist, biomedical engineer, materials scientist, and product development scientist.

Internship and Co-Op Opportunities Related to Materials Sciences

Internship and co-op programs offer numerous opportunities for students interested in materials sciences to gain hands-on experience related to their field of study. Program participants may gain experience in research and development, production engineering, and quality assurance. They may also gain problem-solving and laboratory skills. Examples of available internships include those at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, the Brazil-based Petrobras company, and material science departments of universities, such as the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Materials Sciences

Students interested in pursuing a degree in materials science may specialize in various areas of the field including nanoscience and nanotechnology, structural and electronic materials, biomaterials, and glass science and engineering. Some students may choose to specialize in a particular branch of engineering, such as materials science and engineering, or focus on materials processing. Some universities allow students to earn a dual degree in materials science and engineering.

How Materials Sciences Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education?

Materials science provides students with a comprehensive and foundational background in the discipline, preparing them to pursue advanced studies in materials sciences or related engineering fields, or to contribute to cutting-edge research. Materials science courses cover cutting-edge topics such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, semiconductor production and advanced materials processes, giving students in-depth knowledge of the most current developments in the field.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Materials Sciences?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important in the field of materials sciences as researchers attempt to develop and optimize materials with desirable properties. AI systems are used to automate discovery processes and streamline the materials design process. AI technology can be used to scan through materials databases to identify existing materials with the desired properties, to predict materials behavior when subjected to various external forces, and to automatically generate materials based on these predictions.

The Career Outlook for Materials Sciences

The job outlook for materials sciences is very positive, as demand for professionals with these skills is growing rapidly in the engineering, medical, and tech-related industries. Many positions have now been opened up due to advancements in materials design and AI-driven materials discovery. The median salary for a materials scientist in the United States is around $106,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% increase in employment in materials science and engineering from 2018 to 2028.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Materials Sciences:

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, Salary: $64,925

The Pennsylvania State University, Salary: $64,925

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington, Salary: $64,925

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Materials Sciences.