Innovation
One of the ways Clemson is looking to the future is with its Advanced Materials Innovation Complex (AMIC), a facility that will represent the University's most technologically advanced facility, further cementing Clemson's Carnegie designation as an R1 research institution. The facility will be located on Clemson's main campus, and it will include cutting-edge research and innovative teaching laboratories, dynamic classrooms and shared collaborative spaces for academia and industry.
"Advanced materials are often the unsung heroes, working behind the scenes to make life better in countless ways. They are crucially important to helping make nuclear energy safer, lasers more powerful, computers faster, medicines more effective, packaging more sustainable, automobiles more fuel-efficient and airplanes lighter, just to name a few examples.."
KYLE BRINKMAN, PH.D. DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Materials Science in the News
Global Impact
Grand Challenges
Materials Science and Engineering is focused on applying science and engineering principles to problems related to the understanding, characterization, and development of solid materials. Our program introduces students to the atomistic origin of physical properties and structure-property-processing relationships of metals, ceramics and polymers. We build upon our history of both textile development and ceramic processing to offer students unique technical electives (color science and optical materials) in addition to foundational courses.
Since engineered materials are a critical enabling technology for almost all engineering applications, students graduating from this major are able to work in a broad spectrum of industries, from research and development to manufacturing, with hands-on experience working with particles, thin films, fibers and bulk materials.
Our ResearchBeyond the Classroom
Career Outlook
Designed for those who wonder how and why materials behave in a certain way, materials scientists and engineers are able to design, develop and produce traditional and advanced materials for diverse applications in many industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Materials Engineering is one of the fastest-growing career fields, with a projected growth of 5 percent, faster than the average for all occupations.
Our small class sizes and state-of-the-art research centers mean that students get hands-on experiences and exposure to advanced characterization techniques that prepare them for industry and research options. Most of our seniors directly enter the workforce after graduating, with 15% continuing in post-graduate professional studies.
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Consulting
- Environmental Protection
- Manufacturing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Product Development
- Public Health and Safety
- Research and Development
- Telecommunications
Department Ranking
Materials Science and Engineering ranked #1 by College Factual and Edurank for the state of South Carolina.
Professional Development
Clemson's Center for Career and Professional Development consistently rates high nationally for career services, internships, and co-op opportunities.
Career ServicesExpenditure
Research concentrations include advanced manufacturing, biomaterials, energy materials, polymer structure, photonic, and resilient materials.
Academic Exploration | Inspiring Research
Find Your Path
Student Discovery
The Mefford group studies nanoparticle synthesis and the development of surface modification with functional polymers. One of his Creative Inquiry courses investigates ferrite nanoparticles, a field of health research technology that shows promise for fighting bacteria and shrinking tumors. The project had such an effect that it led one student to decide not only on materials science as a major but also as a graduate research thesis, translating the magnetic nanoparticles project into an in vivo study. Utilizing the on-campus Makerspace, a device was created that allows a tube to administer anesthesia to a mouse.
From 3D printing and creating magnetic nanoparticles to creating different self-healing polymers, there's a wide range of different research topics at Clemson.
Materials Science and Engineering Academics
Our new facilities will enable undergraduate labs to accommodate more than 12,000 students weekly from the heart of the main campus. The AMIC’s footprint of 143,000 square feet represents a visible, sizable step in expanding efforts to support advanced materials research and will serve as a sizable recruiting tool for future talent and innovation. Our engaging programs allow you to transition straight from your B.S. to M.S. or dive into research specialization at the Ph.D. level.
Revolutionize Medical Procedures
Arthropod Inspired Materials And Surfaces
As part of the Butterfly Proboscis Structure and Engineering Inspiration Creative Inquiry, biology and engineering students collaborate with faculty to explore the unique intricacies of a naturally engineered feeding tube that took butterflies and other insects 200 million years to perfect. Although the insects have a rather large head start, the scientists are doing their best to catch up by successively unveiling an array of discoveries that are shaping the way biologists, materials scientists and engineers understand the mechanisms of one of nature's most diverse body parts. This ever-increasing amount of knowledge is expected to eventually lead to manufactured devices that could revolutionize medical procedures and other yet-to-be-conceived applications.
Faculty Excellence
Award-Winning Educators
The curriculum in Materials Science and Engineering allows students to be very versatile and address the needs of many different fields. At Clemson University, we are proud of our distinguished history and our exceptional future lies in the hands of our students. Our faculty are aimed at developing this next generation of students so that they can go out in the world and make a difference. With the support of technical and administrative staff, more than 400 students grace our halls each year.
