Materials science is the science that drives the development of novel materials in industry and medicine. Examples of material science include materials allowing very dense information storage, fast computing, new materials for clean energy production and storage, new materials for medical treatment and imaging, modern construction materials, or improved materials in automotive engineering. Materials science rests at the intersection of science and engineering – it’s the physics and chemistry of materials, with an emphasis on applications rather than fundamental research. 

The materials science degree is a collaboration between the chemistry and physics departments at Rockhurst; our faculty works closely with each student in both the class and lab setting to understand the fundamentals of materials science and engineering while connecting students with opportunities to help them work toward their career interests. Every materials science student completes either an internship to prepare for a career in industry and material science engineering or a research project in preparation for graduate school. The mean annual salary for materials scientists is $101,910, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2017).