A pioneer in materials science for more than 60 years
Setting ourselves apart
Seven faculty rank in the top 1% of citations in materials science and chemistry according to Clarivate Analytics.
Open Positions
We invite applications for two faculty positions in Materials Science and Engineering.
Learn moreInterdisciplinary research that enables tomorrow’s technologies
For more than 60 years, we have defined the intellectual frontiers of materials research. In the 20th century, advances included metal alloys and ceramics in jet engines that are drivers of globalization, and reliable hard drives that enabled the big data revolution. Our faculty have also laid a foundation for major advances in 21st-century technologies, from batteries and fuel cells for a sustainable energy future to biomaterials that can improve human health and quality of life.
Building strength through internal and external collaborations
Our department collaborates with most other Northwestern engineering and science departments, as well as with Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine and outside institutions, such as the Art Institute of Chicago. We also work closely with national laboratories, including nearby Argonne National Laboratory, home of the Advanced Photon Source and the Center for Nanoscale Materials.
Top-ranked programs, built for success
In our consistently highly-ranked programs, materials science and engineering students learn the scientific principles governing the interrelation among processing, structure, properties, and materials performance. They then learn to integrate these principles in the systematic design of new materials from faculty members who are renowned for their pioneering work. Students at all levels conduct leading research in the field.
Bachelor of Arts in Materials Science
Bachelor of Science in Materials Science
Combined BS/MS Degree Program
Explore special programs in this department and across McCormick
Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering
PhD in Materials Science and Engineering
Master’s degree students may be interested in the concentration in integrated computational materials engineering.
PhD students may also enroll in these additional programs:
PhD in Applied Physics
Researchers designed a new synthetic material that is as effective as naturally occurring proteins in transporting molecules through membranes, a milestone that could advance water desalination, batteries, and pharmaceutical and biofuels research.
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