Materials Science and Engineering
The Materials Science and Engineering bachelor's program at Cornell University provides a rigorous, research informed, and technologically forward environment for students who want to understand how the structure and properties of materials shape modern engineering solutions. The curriculum integrates solid state chemistry, physics, thermodynamics, mechanical behavior, nanomaterials, and computational modeling, giving learners the scientific foundation needed to evaluate why materials behave the way they do. With a strong emphasis on material behavior, the program enables students to analyze how atomic structure connects to thermal, electrical, mechanical, and optical properties, preparing them to design materials that meet the demands of advanced technologies across multiple industries.
Throughout the four year program, students engage with faculty who conduct leading research in ceramics, polymers, metals, biomaterials, electronic materials, semiconductors, and composites. Learners gain hands on experience through laboratory work, design projects, computational simulations, and research based coursework that expand their skills in scientific analysis, experimentation, and engineering design. The academic environment fosters interdisciplinary collaboration by linking materials science with electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability, enabling students to see how engineered materials influence energy systems, medical technology, manufacturing, transportation, and consumer products. This combination of scientific depth and applied engineering prepares graduates to address emerging global challenges through material innovation.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Materials Science and Engineering
- Degree Type: S. Bachelor
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Cornell University, United States
- Field of Study: Materials Science
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1
• General Chemistry and Introduction to Materials
• Calculus and Engineering Mathematics
• Physics for Engineers
• Elective in Computing, Biology, or Engineering Design
Year 2
• Thermodynamics of Materials
• Structure and Properties of Engineering Materials
• Materials Laboratory and Characterization Techniques
• Elective in Polymers, Electronics, or Environmental Systems
Year 3
• Mechanical Behavior and Deformation of Materials
• Electronic, Magnetic, and Optical Properties
• Materials Processing and Microstructure Control
• Elective in Nanotechnology, Biomaterials, or Computational Modeling
Year 4
• Materials Engineering Capstone Design Project
• Professional Development for Materials Engineers
• Advanced Topics in Materials Science
• Elective Supporting Final Research or Technical Specialization
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program enter diverse and rapidly evolving sectors where engineered materials play a central role, frequently joining advanced manufacturing companies, semiconductor and electronics firms, aerospace and automotive organizations, and research and development laboratories. Their training in materials characterization, system level analysis, microstructure control, and property optimization equips them to contribute to product development, failure analysis, process engineering, innovation strategies, and quality improvement across industries ranging from biomedical devices to renewable energy technologies. Many graduates also pursue positions in consulting, materials testing, additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, and sustainability focused engineering, where their ability to connect scientific principles with real world performance is essential. With strong interdisciplinary insight and technical depth, they support the development of new materials, enhance existing technologies, solve complex engineering problems, and drive innovation in sectors that depend on high performance materials.
Why Choose This Program
This program is an excellent choice for students who want a science based engineering education rooted in material innovation, offering opportunities to develop advanced technical insight and strong scientific capability supported by Cornell’s world class research environment. Learners benefit from hands on laboratory work, computational tools, design oriented projects, and interdisciplinary coursework that reveal how engineered materials influence everything from electronics to energy infrastructure. Through research participation, faculty mentorship, and exposure to cutting edge material technologies, students gain the tools to analyze material behavior, design improved material systems, and contribute to sustainable, high performance engineering solutions. Its structured four year format ensures deep scientific grounding, creative problem solving ability, and career readiness for impactful roles across materials engineering and related technological fields.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 607 255 2000
Email: admissions@cornell.edu
Address: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
