Materials Science
Why Study Materials Science?
At Caltech, our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Materials Science degree program sits at the intersection of chemistry and physics, offering the knowledge to engineer solutions to real-world challenges with an intricate understanding of the properties and structures of metal alloys, polymers, or biomaterials you work with, and how to control them. As a materials science major, you'll discover how to experiment, design, and build with what surrounds us in everyday life—and how to wield advanced analytical and computing skills to make your innovations yield even better results.
Whether your passion lies in healthcare technology, aerospace engineering, or sustainable energy solutions, studying materials science and engineering concepts prepares you to innovate solutions to pressing challenges: Design prosthetics with enhanced biocompatibility, develop space-grade materials that maintain themselves in harsh environments, or engineer tomorrow's semiconductors that power quantum computers.
Why Materials Science at Caltech?
Caltech creates a personalized academic experience where faculty know your research interests and career aspirations. This and a remarkably flexible learning environment allow materials science majors to fulfill course requirements across departments and disciplines—from learning how to use lasers to engineer nanomaterials to calculating stress in a particular robotics scenario—creating interdisciplinary links that set you apart in innovative engineering and research environments.
Here, your scientific training extends beyond the classroom through direct industry connections and hands-on research opportunities. Recent graduates have secured internships and positions at world-leading companies like TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), where they apply hands-on lab skills to cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication.
What You'll Learn
The undergraduate materials science curriculum builds on the rigor of Caltech's core requirements in foundational mathematics, physics, and chemistry, with additional focus on differential equations, waves, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, mechanical behavior, statistical physics, materials science labs, and programming. Then, you'll move to advanced coursework in structure and bonding, diffraction and structure, and kinetic processes.
Extensive laboratory experience and flexible elective choices emphasize practical problem-solving in selected areas of course focus, such as aerospace, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, advanced chemistry, and computational methods. The BS in Materials Science program culminates in a three-term senior thesis project, allowing you to conduct original research under faculty mentorship and employ high-level communication skills essential for engineering, technical, or policy-related careers.
View the Caltech catalog for degree requirements and curriculum information.
Who You'll Learn From
Study alongside more than 20 faculty members in the Department of Applied Physics and Materials Science—innovators whose laser technology powers optical devices, researchers developing bulk metals or glasses for spacecraft applications, and scientists advancing semiconductor physics, biomedical materials, energy storage systems, and quantum materials. In this collaborative setting, you'll also engage with experts in chemistry, chemical engineering, applied physics, and mechanical engineering, cultivating the interdisciplinary expertise that characterizes the wide-ranging applications of modern materials science, from nanoscale electronics to aerospace engineering.
My favorite class was Physics 2B, the introductory quantum mechanics class... Then in a SURF, I learned about lithography, which uses a beam of electrons to write patterns to make chips for computers. So right now in the continued research lab, I am doing a lot with silicon and chips, and I have an internship this summer with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, one of the largest manufacturers of chips in the world.
Career Possibilities
Materials science graduates pioneer materials and ways to manipulate, use, or manufacture them across industries. Their paths span semiconductor engineering at companies like TSMC, aerospace engineering, energy storage systems, specialized materials manufacturing, and biomedical device engineering. Preparation is particularly strong for students aiming to pursue research careers, making it a great fit for graduate programs in materials science, physics, chemistry, and interdisciplinary fields. Possibilities include:
- Advanced manufacturing specialists
- Aerospace materials engineers
- Biomedical technology developers
- Materials scientists
- Research scientists (advanced materials, nanotechnology, energy storage)
- Semiconductor device engineers
Curriculum Components and Prerequisites
The materials science major begins in the second year, expanding on the foundations of Caltech's rigorous core curriculum. It includes specific requirements such as:
- Extended core requirements in math and physics
- Computer programming proficiency
- Laboratory course requirements in applied physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, etc.
- Choice of electives across interdisciplinary focus areas including chemistry, physics, engineering, or computing
- Technical communication seminar
- Senior thesis
Pursue a Bachelor's in Materials Science at Caltech
As a materials science major, you'll be ready to tackle scientific and engineering challenges with specialized training in the field and the foundational mindset of scientific exploration central to Caltech. Discover how to turn your scientific curiosity into technological impact through personalized, interdisciplinary research opportunities and direct connections to industry leaders.