Materials Science Courses in America

Materials Science is the general name given to the study of fields including ceramics, metallurgy and advanced composites. A materials science student learns about the processes required to change the atomic structures of materials in order to engineer new and different materials.

Studying materials science is really an exploration and you will have the chance to generate your own ideas and research during a materials science degree in the US. Materials science not only surrounds us in our everyday lives and is critical to development in areas such as the economy, health care, the environment, sport, defence and much more. The continuous developments in materials science and engineering make it both a challenging and rewarding industry and one which demands well-trained graduates.

The US is home to one of the world's leading institutions for materials science, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This federal agency is responsible for maintaining America's position as an innovative force in materials science. Their work in education, industry and with the government ensures that degree students are provided with the highest quality teaching and equipment. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredit only the institutions of the highest standards and their stamp is a sure sign of excellence.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the most prestigious science and technology institutions in the world, although they are by no means the only US university to meet high standards in this field. Their degree program aims to give you a solid foundation in materials science and the methods and tools needed to carry out research. This is built upon and students are taught to be creative and meet both industrial needs and materials science and engineering fundamentals in order to overcome engineering problems. Lifelong learning is a key aspect taught in materials science degrees across the US.

It is an idea which is reinforced in the research modules that have to be undertaken in a materials science degree. MIT, for example, has a whole range of research areas open to its undergraduates, most recently including its research into acoustic fibres. Each US university offers unique opportunities in terms of research and this is something which should be considered before applying to an institution. US materials science graduates are highly sought after by a range of industries and governmental bodies, from oil and petroleum companies to environmental organisations.

Science / Engineering courses / colleges