Ceramic Sciences and Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Ceramic Sciences and Engineering is a rigorous, interdisciplinary field focused on the scientific exploration and technological advancement of inorganic non-metallic materials. Students gain expertise in manipulating the structure, properties, and performance of ceramics to solve complex challenges across industries ranging from aerospace and energy to biomedical and electronics.
- Material Synthesis and Processing: Study of methods to create ceramic materials from raw powders, including sintering, hot pressing, and advanced deposition techniques, ensuring precise control over microstructure and performance.
- Microstructure-Property Relationships: Investigation into how atomic and microscopic arrangements influence mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical behaviors of ceramic systems.
- Ceramic Characterization Techniques: Mastery of analytical tools such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and spectroscopy to evaluate composition, phase distribution, and defect structures.
- High-Temperature and Structural Ceramics: Development and application of ceramics designed to withstand extreme environments, including those used in turbine engines, refractories, and protective coatings.
- Functional and Smart Ceramics: Exploration of materials with specialized capabilities, including piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and superconducting ceramics used in sensors, actuators, and next-generation electronic devices.
- Environmental and Sustainable Materials: Research into eco-friendly ceramic production, recyclability, and low-impact processing methods to support sustainable industrial practices.
Ceramic Sciences and Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Ceramic Sciences and Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Ceramic Sciences and Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Chemical Engineers and Materials Engineers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 293,350 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Chemical Engineers 17-2041 | $121,860 | $78,520 - $182,150 | 20,330 | $58.59 |
| Materials Engineers 17-2131 | $108,310 | $68,040 - $172,000 | 22,770 | $52.07 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
Ceramic Sciences and Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $104,850 in Utah to $155,180 in New Mexico—a 48% difference. The highest-paying states include New Mexico, California, and Hawaii. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 293,350 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Ceramic Sciences and Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Ceramic Sciences and Engineering programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Ceramic Sciences and Engineering is found at Rutgers University, New Brunswick (30 graduates), Alfred University (21 graduates), Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) (19 graduates), and Colorado School of Mines (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 77 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
30 | New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| Alfred University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
21 | Alfred, New York | Private | alfred.edu |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
19 | Rolla, Missouri | Public | mst.edu |
| Colorado School of Mines |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Golden, Colorado | Public | mines.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Ceramic Sciences and Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Ceramic Sciences and Engineering degree?
Salaries for Ceramic Sciences and Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Chemical Engineers earn around $121,860. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Mexico average $155,180 compared to $104,850 in Utah. Approximately 293,350 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Ceramic Sciences and Engineering programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Ceramic Sciences and Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Rutgers University, New Brunswick (30 graduates), Alfred University (21 graduates), and Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) (19 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Ceramic Sciences and Engineering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 90 in 2010 to a peak of 117 in 2020, before declining slightly to 77 in 2023-24. This represents a 14% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Ceramic Sciences and Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Chemical Engineers, and Materials Engineers. Related occupations employ approximately 293,350 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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