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Materials Science & Engineering

WHAT IS MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING?

Materials Science & Engineering is the study of mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, nanomaterials and other substances. Materials Science Engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and biomedical devices. The objective of a Materials Engineer is to predict and control material properties through an understanding of atomic, molecular, crystalline, and microscopic structures of materials.

WHAT DOES A MATERIALS SCIENCE ENGINEER DO?

Materials Science Engineers work in a wide variety of industries. Some common tasks include: 

  • Investigating how materials perform and why they fail in order to create and improve material functions and properties 

  • Working with polymers made out of biomaterials like corn or potatoes that will biodegrade

  • Creating devices, prosthetics, and innovations such as artificial skin within the biomedical field

  • Selecting materials for specific products and developing new ways to use existing materials

  • Reviewing plans for new products to recommend materials based on factors such as strength, weight, and costs to ensure budget and design objectives are met

  • Planning and implementing lab operations to develop material fabrication procedures for new materials  

  • Testing materials to determine how they perform under different conditions

CONCENTRATIONS

Although not required, MSU Materials Science & Engineering majors can add a concentration to align with a specific academic or career interest. Concentrations include:

Biomedical Materials Engineering 

Manufacturing Engineering

Metallurgical Engineering

Polymeric Engineering

CAREER DATA

Below you will find data collected from graduates for the period 2021 – 2023. The data provides a sampling of industries, companies, and jobs that Materials Science & Engineering graduates pursue. However, this data set is not the only story. Materials Science & Engineering graduates work within a variety of industries and jobs. This information is meant to encourage your exploration. It’s your journey and we’re here to help. Connect with a career coach to discuss options and possibilities.  

Common Industries

 

  • Mobility/Automotive

  • Manufacturing

  • Telecommunications

  • Chemical

  • Utilities

  • Scientific Research & Development

 

 

Top Employer Representation (Companies hiring 2 or more graduates during the period 2021 – 2023)

 

  • Ford Motor Company

  • General Motors

  • American Axle & Manufacturing

  • Axel Products

  • Bosch

  • Caterpillar

 

 

Common Entry-Level Job Titles (Sample job titles from graduates during the period 2021 – 2023)

 

  • Quality Engineer

  • Manufacturing Engineer

  • Materials Engineer

  • Process Engineer

  • Metallurgical Engineer

  • Test Engineer

KEY STATISTICS

Learn about the specific data associated with Materials Science & Engineering graduates so that you can better understand the average compensation and placement rates within the major. (Represents 2024 data.)  

100%
Placement Rate
(Employment/Education)

$73,008
Average Starting
Salary

$17.94/hr
Intern Average
Hourly Wage 

RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

  • MSE Society

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