The Materials Behind the Future: What to Study to Become a Materials Scientist

From the semiconductors in your phone to the biomaterials that power next-generation medical devices, materials scientists are the engineers behind the matter that makes modern life possible. If you’re drawn to understanding how things are built at the atomic and molecular level — and to designing the materials that will shape tomorrow’s technology — a career in materials science may be exactly what you’re looking for.

This guide breaks down what to study to become a materials scientist, from foundational coursework to graduate specializations, and how Stevens Institute of Technology can help you build a path toward this high-impact career.

What Does a Materials Scientist Do?

Materials scientists study and manipulate the structure and properties of solids and other forms of matter. Their work spans industries — from energy and aerospace to pharmaceuticals and electronics — with the goal of creating substances with specific, desirable properties. Whether developing stronger alloys for structural applications, synthesizing polymers for drug delivery, or designing nanomaterials for clean energy storage, materials scientists solve real-world problems through a deep understanding of matter itself.

Start with a Strong Foundation: What to Study in High School

Aspiring materials scientists should build a rigorous STEM foundation early. High school students interested in the field should focus on:

• Chemistry — understanding atomic structure, bonding, and reactions is central to the discipline

• Physics — particularly mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism

• Mathematics — calculus and statistics are essential for modeling material behavior

• Biology — increasingly relevant for biomedical materials and pharmaceutical applications

Undergraduate Study: Choosing the Right Major

There is no single undergraduate major that defines the path to materials science — but certain degrees provide an exceptionally strong foundation.

Chemical Engineering

A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering is one of the most versatile and well-regarded pathways into materials science. At Stevens, the B.E. in Chemical Engineering from the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science offers in-depth training across the conception, synthesis, design, testing, scale-up, and optimization of industrial chemical processes. The program is housed within the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, which means students are embedded from day one in a research environment where chemistry and materials intersect. Students gain hands-on laboratory experience and exposure to real-world applications in energy, biomedicine, sustainability, and nanotechnology — all core domains of modern materials science.

Other Strong Undergraduate Pathways

Students can also enter the materials science field through undergraduate degrees in physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or chemistry. The key is pairing a rigorous quantitative foundation with laboratory coursework and, where possible, undergraduate research experience.

Graduate Study: Advancing into Materials Science

For many materials scientist roles — particularly in research and development, academia, and advanced engineering — graduate education is essential. Stevens offers graduate programs specifically designed to prepare students for careers at the forefront of the field.

Master’s Degree in Materials Science and Engineering

The M.E. or M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering at Stevens is designed to launch careers in industry, government, and academia. The program provides a theoretical foundation in current topics including energy, biomedicine, and nanotechnology, and students apply their knowledge in Stevens’ state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers under the guidance of leading faculty. The program offers two concentrations:

• Materials Science and Engineering — core study of structure, properties, processing, and performance of materials

• Materials Technology for Energy and Sustainability — applying materials knowledge to address pressing challenges in clean energy and environmental stewardship

Graduates from the program have gone on to roles as research scientists, product engineers, and applications specialists at organizations including Rudolph Technologies, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, and Bechtel.

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering

For those pursuing research leadership, the Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Stevens provides an immersive research experience within a technology-centric environment. Doctoral candidates conduct cutting-edge research with applications in sustainability, healthcare, energy, and more, working alongside faculty who have received grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense (DOD), NASA, and leading industry partners including Samsung, LG, and Janssen.

Graduate Certificates

Stevens also offers targeted graduate certificates for professionals looking to build specialized expertise without committing to a full degree program. The Graduate Certificate in Materials Technology for Energy and Sustainability is designed for working engineers and scientists who want to deepen their knowledge in one of the most consequential application areas in the field.

Key Research Areas to Know

Materials science is a broad discipline. Understanding which research areas interest you most can help you select the right program and specialization. At Stevens, faculty and students engage in research across several key domains:

• Biomolecular Engineering — designing materials for biomedical applications, including drug delivery and tissue engineering

• Soft Materials — polymers, colloids, gels, and their structural and functional properties

• Multi-Scale Imaging — advanced microscopy and characterization techniques for understanding material structure at multiple scales

• Highly Filled Materials — composites and formulations with applications in aerospace, construction, and consumer products

• Energy Storage — developing next-generation batteries and materials for sustainable energy systems

• Microchemical Systems — miniaturized systems with applications in chemical processing and sensing

Engaging with undergraduate research early — through lab assistantships, senior thesis projects, or interdisciplinary research programs — helps students develop the skills and professional network that will serve them throughout their careers.

Where Do Materials Scientists Work?

Materials scientists are sought across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Aerospace and defense (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, the U.S. Navy)

• Energy and sustainability (battery companies, clean tech startups, government labs)

• Pharmaceuticals and biomedical devices (drug delivery systems, implantable materials)

• Electronics and semiconductors (chip manufacturing, display technology)

• Construction and infrastructure (advanced concrete, composites, and coatings)

• Government agencies and national laboratories (DOE, NSF, NASA)

The field’s intersection with nearly every major industry makes materials science one of the most versatile engineering careers available.

Study Materials Science at The Schaefer School at Stevens

Situated steps from New York City in Hoboken, New Jersey, Stevens Institute of Technology offers a uniquely connected, hands-on environment for students pursuing a future in materials science and engineering. The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science is home to award-winning researchers, cutting-edge laboratories, and undergraduate and graduate programs ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Whether you’re beginning with an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering, advancing your expertise with a master’s, or pursuing doctoral research at the leading edge of the discipline, Stevens offers the programs, the faculty, and the resources to help you reach your goals.

Explore programs in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science >