Materials Science and Engineering (B.S.)
ABOUT
Designed for students who wonder how and why materials behave the way they do, the materials science and engineering program is a perfect fit for those who want to discover the next revolutionary material. This major explores the building blocks of all materials and develops the understanding of the processing, structure and properties of polymers, glasses, ceramics, metals and composites in all forms — particles, thin films, fibers and bulk materials. 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. Within this major, you will choose an emphasis area to achieve a greater depth of knowledge in a particular area of materials science (such as energy, biomaterials or advanced manufacturing).
FAST FACTS
- A materials science and engineering degree allows graduates a broad range of industry careers with companies like Boeing, Michelin and General Electric.
- Our graduates are highly sought after by top Ph.D. programs.
- The average starting salary for a materials science and engineering Bachelor of Science graduate is $60,000.
- We have a student-to-faculty ratio of 10-to-1.
- All of our students do some type of undergraduate research.
- This degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
WHAT YOU'LL STUDY
Freshmen who major in engineering at Clemson are initially admitted into our general engineering program, where you’ll have a year to explore many different engineering disciplines, meet faculty from each of our engineering departments and discover which major fits your personal interests and talents. On the admissions application, you will apply as a general engineering major.
When you decide to major in materials science and engineering, you’ll focus on designing, developing and characterizing all types of organic and inorganic materials (polymers, ceramics and metals). You’ll learn how to harness material properties for applications in fields such as bio-technology aerospace, automotive, information technology hardware, energy conversion, high-performance fibers and composites, and infrastructure.
The broad scope of industrial responsibilities assumed by those who work in this field requires knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering and the social sciences; skills in problem solving, engineering analysis and design; and an aptitude in written and oral communication. Our program combines laboratory with classroom experiences to prepare students for lifelong learning and exciting career opportunities both in engineering and scientific research.
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering establishes in students a broad foundation in the science and engineering of materials.
Sophomores are introduced to metals and ceramics, polymer science, thermodynamics, mechanical behavior and kinetics.
Juniors take classroom experiences integrated with laboratory work in the processing, fabrication, and characterization of materials.
Seniors focus on a particular area of emphasis such as energy, biomaterials, advanced manufacturing, etc. Fundamentals of research are developed and carried out in a senior capstone design project.
Curriculum
Popular Minors
- Chemistry
- Mathematical Sciences
EXPERIENCES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
As a materials science and engineering major, you’ll have numerous outlets for gaining chances for hands-on learning, applying what you’ve already learned to real-world situations and networking with professionals already practicing in the field.
AFTER GRADUATION
Your college decision isn't really about the next four years. We get it. It's about what doors are opened by your degree and whether those opportunities are what you had envisioned for yourself. Here's a snapshot of what life after graduation looks like for some of our most recent students.
WHERE OUR RECENT GRADUATES HAVE GONE
KEY
- 41-100%
- 21-40%
- 11-20%
- 0-10%
INTERNATIONAL CITIES
Cambridge, United Kingdom
RECENT EMPLOYERS
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Process Improvement Engineer
Milliken & Company
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R&D Technologist
Sandia National Labs
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Product Industrialization Engineer
Michelin
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Engineer
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
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Production Scheduler
BorgWarner
RECENT POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
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Ph.D. Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
University of Cambridge
-
Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering
Purdue University
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Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering
North Carolina State University
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DMD
Medical University of South Carolina
COMMON CAREER AREAS
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Metallurgy
- Ceramics
- Plastics/Polymers/Fibers
- Composites
- Analysis and Testing
- Research and Development
- Applications
- Management
- Sales
- Service
- Consulting
- Manufacturing
- Any Engineering Discipline
- Production
- Sales and Marketing
- Management
- Consulting
- Research and Development
- Teaching
- Law
Used with permission from the University of Tennessee.
FIND OUT MORE
Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact. If you’d also like to receive general University information from Clemson’s admissions office, please follow the link to the right and sign up to join our mailing list.
Christopher Porter
CECAS Undergraduate Recruitment Director
864-656-7870
cporter@clemson.edu