Materials Sciences: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Materials Sciences is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the structure, properties, performance, and applications of advanced materials across diverse industries. This program equips students with the analytical and experimental skills needed to innovate in material development, from nanoscale components to macro-scale engineering systems.
- Nanomaterials and Nanoengineering: Study of materials at the atomic and molecular scale, focusing on unique physical, chemical, and mechanical behaviors that emerge at the nanoscale.
- Metallurgical Engineering: Exploration of the extraction, processing, and performance of metallic materials, including alloy design and phase transformation analysis.
- Ceramic and Glass Science: Investigation into non-metallic inorganic materials, emphasizing synthesis, sintering processes, and structural integrity under extreme conditions.
- Polymer and Composite Materials: Analysis of organic macromolecules and hybrid systems, with emphasis on durability, flexibility, and tailored functionality in structural and biomedical applications.
- Materials Characterization Techniques: Application of advanced tools such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and spectroscopy to analyze material composition and microstructure.
- Materials Processing and Manufacturing: Examination of methods for shaping, forming, and fabricating materials, including additive manufacturing, casting, and thermal treatment.
- Computational Materials Science: Use of modeling and simulation tools to predict material behavior, optimize performance, and accelerate discovery without physical prototyping.
Materials Sciences Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Materials Sciences Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Materials Sciences degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Materials Scientists and Postsecondary Teachers, All Other. 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 260,730 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 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other 25-1199 | $78,490 | $39,720 - $172,850 | 151,530 | N/A |
Materials Sciences Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $59,300 in Vermont to $146,647 in California—a 147% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 260,730 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 Sciences by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Materials Sciences 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 Sciences is found at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) (5 graduates), Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (3 graduates), and North Dakota State University (NDSU), Main Campus (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Master's
|
5 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| North Dakota State University (NDSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Fargo, North Dakota | Public | ndsu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Materials Sciences programs
How much can I earn with a Materials Sciences degree?
Salaries for Materials Sciences 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 $146,647 compared to $59,300 in Vermont. Approximately 260,730 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 Sciences programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Materials Sciences degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) (5 graduates), Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (3 graduates), and North Dakota State University (NDSU), Main Campus (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.
What career paths are available with a Materials Sciences degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Materials Scientists, and Postsecondary Teachers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 260,730 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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