Materials Sciences, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Materials Sciences, Other. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 38.1%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Materials Sciences, Other. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $64925 and average student debt of $24750, the financial outlook for Materials Sciences, Other. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Considering Materials Sciences, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $64925, and with an average student debt of $24750, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.38—a great sign for your financial future.
With more than 679 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Materials Sciences, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Materials Sciences, Other (CIP 40.1099) is an interdisciplinary physical science field focused on understanding, designing, and manipulating materials to achieve specific mechanical, electrical, chemical, and functional properties. This classification includes flexible or emerging programs that do not fit neatly into traditional materials science or materials engineering majors, allowing institutions to emphasize specialized, interdisciplinary, or application-driven tracks. These programs sit at the intersection of physics, chemistry, engineering, and nanotechnology.
For a degree search site, Materials Sciences represents innovation at the atomic and molecular level. Every modern technology—from semiconductors and batteries to biomaterials and aerospace composites—depends on advanced materials. Materials scientists study how structure at the smallest scales determines real-world performance, durability, efficiency, and sustainability. This degree appeals to students who want to work at the frontier of technology, turning scientific principles into tangible, high-impact innovations.
What Is a Materials Sciences Degree?
A Materials Sciences degree is a quantitative, lab- and research-intensive program focused on the relationships between a material’s structure, processing, properties, and performance. Programs under the “Other” designation often allow for customized or interdisciplinary tracks such as:
- Nanomaterials and nanotechnology
- Electronic and semiconductor materials
- Energy and battery materials
- Biomaterials and medical materials
- Advanced composites and structural materials
Rather than focusing on one class of materials, this degree emphasizes:
- Atomic and molecular structure of materials
- How processing methods affect material behavior
- Experimental characterization and testing
- Computational modeling of materials
- Application-driven materials design
Universities offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for advanced materials research and development
- Support interdisciplinary STEM innovation
- Train scientists for high-tech and manufacturing industries
- Provide strong preparation for graduate study
This degree is especially valuable in industries pushing technological limits.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how materials are formed, how their properties can be tuned, and how they fail or degrade. You’ll study the link between microscopic structure and macroscopic behavior, using both experimental and computational tools to design better materials.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Materials characterization—analyzing structure and composition
- Laboratory experimentation—synthesis, processing, and testing
- Quantitative analysis—applying physics and chemistry principles
- Microscopy and instrumentation—using advanced analytical tools
- Computational modeling—simulating material behavior
- Data interpretation—connecting structure to performance
- Problem-solving and design thinking—engineering materials for specific uses
- Technical documentation—reporting experimental results
These skills are highly transferable across research and industrial settings.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is a flexible “Other” classification, coursework varies by focus area, but commonly includes:
- Structure of Materials: crystal structures and defects
- Thermodynamics and Kinetics: phase diagrams and transformations
- Electronic and Optical Materials: semiconductors and photonics
- Mechanical Properties of Materials: strength, fatigue, and fracture
- Polymer and Composite Materials: plastics and advanced composites
- Nanomaterials: materials at the nanoscale
- Biomaterials: materials for medical applications
- Materials Processing and Manufacturing: synthesis and fabrication methods
- Computational Materials Science: modeling and simulation
Many programs culminate in a research project, lab thesis, or industry-focused capstone.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Materials Sciences degree prepares students for advanced technical and research-oriented roles. Career outcomes depend on specialization and education level.
Common career paths include:
- Materials Scientist or Engineer: developing new materials
- Research and Development Scientist: innovation-focused roles
- Semiconductor or Electronics Specialist: chip and device materials
- Battery or Energy Materials Scientist: energy storage development
- Quality or Process Engineer: manufacturing optimization
- Failure Analysis or Reliability Engineer: materials testing
- Nanotechnology or Advanced Manufacturing Specialist: cutting-edge applications
- Graduate or Professional School Path: materials science, engineering, or applied physics
Many roles require advanced degrees for research leadership positions.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in sectors driven by materials innovation:
- Semiconductor and electronics companies
- Energy and battery technology firms
- Aerospace and defense organizations
- Biotechnology and medical device companies
- Advanced manufacturing and materials firms
- Research institutions and national laboratories
- Automotive and transportation industries
Materials scientists are essential to technological advancement across industries.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by role, industry, and education level.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level materials or lab roles: often $60,000–$80,000
- Experienced materials scientists or engineers: commonly $85,000–$120,000
- Senior researchers or technical leaders: can exceed $130,000+
Graduate degrees significantly increase earning potential and leadership opportunities.
Is This Degree Hard?
Materials Sciences, Other is considered academically demanding. Students must integrate physics, chemistry, and engineering concepts while mastering advanced lab techniques and data analysis. Coursework is both conceptually challenging and time-intensive.
The challenge lies in connecting atomic-scale theory to real-world material performance.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy chemistry, physics, and hands-on lab work
- Are interested in cutting-edge technology and materials
- Like solving complex, interdisciplinary problems
- Want a career in high-tech or advanced manufacturing
- Are considering graduate study or R&D roles
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a materials science program:
- Take chemistry, physics, and advanced math courses
- Develop strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Explore basic materials, electronics, or engineering concepts
- Participate in science fairs, robotics, or research programs
- Build curiosity about how materials shape technology
Materials Sciences, Other (CIP 40.1099) is a forward-looking degree for students who want to engineer the building blocks of modern technology. It combines deep scientific understanding with applied innovation—preparing graduates to design smarter, stronger, and more sustainable materials that power the future.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor