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

TOP INDUSTRIES

Explore the most common industries associated with MSU Materials Science & Engineering graduates. Determine which industries fit you best in order to guide your search for job titles and companies you may want to work for!

Automotive

Manufacturing

Aerospace

Defense

Internet & Software

Legal & Law Enforcement

Medical Devices

Retail

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Number of MSE graduates placed per industry from 2018-2020. 

COMMON JOB TITLES

Learn about some of the most common job titles among MSU Materials Science & Engineering graduates. Utilize Handshake to search for the specific job titles that interest you the most and see the specific skills and experiences employers are looking for so that you can start developing them now!

Materials Engineer

Metallurgical Engineer

Process/Production Engineer

Quality Engineer

Test Engineer

Project Engineer

Number of MSE graduates placed for each of the top job titles from 2007-2020. Descriptions via The Center

TOP EMPLOYERS

Discover the most common employers of MSU Materials Science Engineers. See which companies interest you the most and start connecting with them via Handshake, LinkedIn or on their website!  

Textron

Stellantis

General Motors

ArcelorMittal

Vitro

Lockheed Martin

Micheal Kors

GE

Boeing

Amazon

Number of MSE graduates placed for the top full time employers from 2018-2020. Descriptions via LinkedIn and Handshake

DESTINATION DATA

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.   

LEARN MORE

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Connect with other engineering students by joining a student organization! Some of the organizations related to the MSE major include:

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MSE Society

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DEPARTMENT WEBSITE

ADVISING APPOINTMENT

Schedule an appointment with one of our career advisors to learn more about EE degree outcomes and career paths