Bachelor's degree programs in materials engineering are offered through 4-year public and private universities. The degree most commonly offered in the field is a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering. The programs are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in engineering principles as well as a background in materials science. Courses often combine classroom lectures and laboratory experience, and cover topics such as solid state thermodynamics, nanomaterials synthesis, materials science fundamentals and quantum mechanics.
Master's degree programs in materials engineering take about two years to complete, and provide students with an in-depth understanding of materials science while teaching them how to perform research in the field. Many master's degree programs in the subject require students to complete a thesis paper or research project on a subject area related to materials science. At this academic level, students will choose a particular specialization, such as polymers, electronic materials, metals or structural materials.
The purpose of a dual bachelor's and master's degree program is to provide students with two degree titles in a shorter period of time. Most Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Materials Engineering programs take just five years to complete, as compared to the six or seven years it would take to complete the degree programs separately. Many such degree programs include the completion of a thesis project or paper.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Materials Engineering programs are ideal for those students who want to pursue advanced research opportunities or become college professors. Many schools allow students to enter into a doctoral program in materials engineering directly upon completing a bachelor's degree in the field. Students learn how to take their knowledge of engineering principles and apply it towards solving materials-related problems. They are expected to focus on a particular area of specialization, such as concrete technology, reaction kinetics, geotechnology, semiconductor materials or polymer matrix composites.