Materials Science
MATERIALS
SCIENCE
Materials science is the science that drives the development of novel materials in industry and medicine.
Program Overview
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).
Learning Outcomes
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, material chemistry, physics and engineering to solve problems related to materials science.
- Become proficient in laboratory skills and communicating results.
- Analyze real-world problems and develop solutions to those problems.
- Use, critically evaluate and present scientific literature.
- Demonstrate and understand the importance of ethics in scientific work.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the materials science degree program are prepared for a wide variety of opportunities, such as:
- An array of opportunities in material science jobs, including as a materials engineer, material scientist, and in material design, manufacturing, product and process development
- Industry: chemical, pharmaceutical, food, beverages, cosmetics, petroleum, agriculture, environmental, consumer products.
- Government research/national laboratories: FDA, EPA, USDA, NIH, NIST, DOE
- Materials science graduate programs, as well as grad programs in engineering, physics or chemistry
Class of 2021 and beyond?
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Academic Excellence
With some of the best academics in Kansas City and beyond, we provide an experience that values students and changes lives, reflected through our expert faculty and the success our graduates enjoy.
89 % of full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their field
97 % career and grad school placement rates
23 % higher salary than U.S. median
Coming here, I realized how great of an environment there is. Getting to meet all the teachers and the students, it was just so welcoming and happy. That really sealed it for me.
– Alexandra Meyer | Clinical Lab Science ‘19
Why Study at Rockhurst?
Located in the cultural heart of Kansas City, RU’s beautiful 55-acre campus is where more than 3,000 students call home.
Consistently ranked as one of the top regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.
More than 97% of students receive financial assistance and scholarship opportunities.
With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students receive the personal attention and support they need to grow in knowledge and in character.
