Materials Chemistry: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Materials Chemistry is a dynamic, interdisciplinary field dedicated to the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced materials with tailored physical and chemical properties. This program equips students with the scientific and technical expertise needed to innovate in high-performance materials for next-generation technologies across energy, electronics, and biomedical applications.
- Advanced Materials for Photonics and Lasers: Exploration of materials engineered to manipulate light at the nanoscale, enabling breakthroughs in optical communication, laser technology, and photonic devices.
- Chemical Sensors and Sensor Arrays: Study of responsive materials capable of detecting specific analytes with high sensitivity, applied in environmental monitoring, healthcare diagnostics, and industrial safety.
- Nanochemistry and Nanomaterials: Investigation into the unique behaviors of matter at the nanoscale, including the synthesis and functionalization of nanoparticles, nanotubes, and other nanostructures.
- Semiconductor Nanowires: Focus on one-dimensional semiconductor materials with exceptional electronic and optical properties, used in transistors, solar cells, and quantum devices.
- Molecular Electronics: Development of electronic components based on individual molecules or molecular assemblies, paving the way for ultra-compact, energy-efficient circuits.
- Electronic, Magnetic, Optical, and Mechanical Properties: In-depth analysis of how atomic and molecular structure governs macroscopic material behavior, enabling the rational design of functional materials.
Materials Chemistry Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Materials Chemistry Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Materials Chemistry degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Materials Scientists and Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary. 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 284,240 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Materials Scientists 19-2032 | $104,160 | $61,460 - $168,500 | 8,330 | $50.08 |
| Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1052 | $86,220 | $52,870 - $171,600 | 20,390 | N/A |
| Chemists 19-2031 | $84,150 | $53,210 - $154,430 | 83,250 | $40.46 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other 19-4099 | $60,130 | $37,310 - $101,870 | 71,400 | $28.91 |
Materials Chemistry Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $70,593 in Vermont to $128,134 in California—a 82% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 284,240 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 Materials Chemistry by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Materials Chemistry 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 Materials Chemistry is found at University of South Dakota (USD) (8 graduates), University of Arkansas (U of A) (2 graduates), Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) (2 graduates), William Paterson University of New Jersey (2 graduates), and Central Michigan University (CMU) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 16 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Dakota (USD) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Vermillion, South Dakota | Public | usd.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) |
Master's
|
2 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | iit.edu |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey |
Master's
|
2 | Wayne, New Jersey | Public | wpunj.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center |
Master's
|
1 | New York, New York | Public | gc.cuny.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Materials Chemistry programs
How much can I earn with a Materials Chemistry degree?
Salaries for Materials Chemistry graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Materials Scientists earn around $104,160. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $128,134 compared to $70,593 in Vermont. Approximately 284,240 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 Materials Chemistry programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Materials Chemistry degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of South Dakota (USD) (8 graduates), University of Arkansas (U of A) (2 graduates), and Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) (2 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 Materials Chemistry growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 4 in 2010 to a peak of 24 in 2020, before declining slightly to 16 in 2023-24. This represents a 300% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, 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 Materials Chemistry degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Materials Scientists, and Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 284,240 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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