climate progress
center

Materials science

Definition:

Materials science is the study of materials, like metals, ceramics, polymers, and more. It combines elements of chemistry, physics, and engineering, and involves understanding how the processing and structure of a material affects its properties and performance. It's used to improve or invent materials to solve real-world problems across industries.

Median annual salary
$ 0
People employed U.S.
0
Job growth by 2033
0 %

What you would do:

Research in laboratories to make new or better materials
Modeling and simulating materials on computers
Analyzing data with machine learning
Writing and presenting findings on new materials
Testing materials in real world scenarios

Relationship to climate change

Better materials are the key to unlimited renewable energy, sustainable buildings, and more

To fight climate change, materials scientists…

Make materials work better
• Convert and store more electricity with solar cells and batteries
• Create longer-lasting materials for fashion, buildings, or energy solutions
• Reflect heat better with windows
• Create lighter and stronger materials to save on transportation emissions
Use less emissions in manufacturing
• Produce steel or electronics using less energy
• Invent new techniques or materials to create concrete without using carbon
Reduce waste
• Design self-healing systems to make technologies last longer
• Create biodegradable consumer products
Capture carbon emissions
• Absorb pollutants with filters
• Design everyday materials to capture carbon from the air
Materials science is often applied to…

Expert Insight —

Dr. XXXXX

Material Science Professor at Stanford University
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer lectus nibh, auctor at eleifend nec, vehicula tincidunt massa. Fusce a sollicitudin mauris, nec volutpat magna.
1. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer lectus nibh, auctor at eleifend nec, vehicula tincidunt massa. Fusce a sollicitudin mauris, nec volutpat magna.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer lectus nibh, auctor at eleifend nec, vehicula tincidunt massa. Fusce a sollicitudin mauris, nec volutpat magna.
2. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer lectus nibh, auctor at eleifend nec, vehicula tincidunt massa. Fusce a sollicitudin mauris, nec volutpat magna.

Get Started

Materials science is a great fit if you’re interested in chemistry and physics, problem solving, understanding how materials work, and new technologies. Explore classes and project ideas to get started:
Recommended classes
High school:
Chemistry (H)
AP Chemistry

Physics (H)
AP Physics 1/2
AP Physics C

Geometry
Precalc/Trigonometry
Calculus

AP Seminar (helpful)
AP Research (helpful)
Electronics (helpful)
Intro to Engineering (helpful)
Explore how solutions absorb carbon dioxide
Test how recycled materials can replace conventional materials
Create simple biodegradable plastics
Experiment with tools like MATLAB to simulate materials
Model the efficiency of solar panels under different conditions
Use machine learning to estimate battery degradation
Learn more from interviewing experts
Chemists and Materials Scientists
A sustainable future: How materials science can make the planet cleaner
A sustainable future: How materials science can make the planet cleaner
What is Materials Science and Engineering? MIT alumnus’ thermal battery helps industry eliminate fossil fuels
Aiden Miao
Written by