Undergraduate Admissions

Become a materials expert.

Materials engineers are essential for advancing technology, sustainability and the scientific process. Materials Engineering at The Grainger College of Engineering is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the understanding, design, fabrication and engineering of materials that underpin and drive our modern world. It combines principles from chemistry, physics and engineering to create and manipulate materials, improving their performance, cost-efficiency and environmental impact in industries ranging from aerospace, electronics, energy and healthcare. 

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Why Materials Engineering at Illinois? 

In Materials Engineering, we are devoted to being at the forefront of technology, solving the world’s most pressing problems every day. Our commitment to academic excellence, cutting-edge research and career preparedness means that you will have an excellent undergraduate educational experience, access to state-of-the-art facilities and participate in networking opportunities and potential internships. Your creative energy, technical skills and collaborative spirit are needed in our program to invent new materials, develop sustainable solutions and shape a brighter future for all.

 

Our close faculty-student ratio means you will learn directly from leading experts. Our professors and researchers are passionate about sharing their brilliance and experience and are dedicated to developing the next generation of materials engineers.
 

 

Our state-of-the-art research facilities will provide you with hands-on experience from day one. You'll work with cutting-edge equipment, conduct experiments and collaborate on projects that address real-world challenges.
 

 

Our curriculum increasingly incorporates data science, leveraging computational tools for material design, characterization and analysis. You’ll learn to apply statistical methods, machine learning and data visualization to accelerate research at the intersection of materials engineering and data science.
 

 

Our graduates are highly sought-after hires and trusted leaders in both academia and industry. As a materials engineer, you will join the ranks of the world's best and brightest in materials science. 

 

Our student groupsMaterials Advantage and Keramos — offer you opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, access academic support, develop leadership skills and network with professionals, all while contributing to the advancement of materials engineering.
 

 

Explore career opportunities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported a positive job outlook for individuals with a degree in materials engineering. The demand for materials is consistently on the rise, leading to a projected 6% increase in job growth and need for determined professionals in the field.

$72,601

average starting salary

96%

are employed or continuing education upon graduation

 

Kayla Huang, Materials Engineering Student
Kayla Huang, Materials Engineering Student

 

My professors are inspiring and supportive, and their genuine passion for Materials Engineering and their students is apparent both in and out of the classroom.

Kayla Huang
Materials Engineering Undergraduate

Your Materials Engineering story starts here.


Eager to experience The Grainger College of Engineering Materials Engineering program for yourself? Plan a Materials Engineering specific visit or enroll by applying online. 

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