Materials Engineering

Materials Engineering offers a non-thesis Master of Science (M.S.) degree in materials engineering for students interested in advanced knowledge of mechanical properties, materials structure, materials thermodynamics, kinetics and electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of materials.

What can I DO with this degree? 

Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products. They generally work in offices where they have access to computers and design equipment. Others work in factories or research and development laboratories. Median pay for materials engineers in 2023 was $104,100 annually. For more information, visit the occupational outlook summary. 

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EOL Insights: Help shape the world with an online master’s in materials engineering from Auburn

Are you ready to lead the next generation of semiconductors, biomaterials, or high-performance alloys? From the smartphones to heat shields on spacecraft, materials science is the silent engine of modern innovation. A Master of Science in Materials Engineering from Auburn University provides the advanced expertise needed to manipulate matter and solve the world’s most complex design challenges.

Auburn’s online materials engineering graduate program is ranked among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. Here are a few other reasons why professionals looking for the best online materials science degrees choose Auburn.

  1. A Master's Built for Career Advancement

Auburn offers a flexible, non-thesis Master of Science path that is specifically tailored for working engineers.

  • Coursework-Focused: Complete 33 credit hours of graduate-level study without the need for a traditional research thesis.
  • GRE Waiver: To make the program more accessible to experienced professionals, the GRE requirement is waived for online applicants.
  • Industry Project: Gain practical experience by completing a Special Project (MATL 7980), allowing you to apply your learning to a real-world materials challenge.
  1. Master the Four Pillars of Materials Science

Our curriculum provides an advanced understanding of the "Materials Science Tetrahedron": the relationship between structure, processing, properties, and performance.

  • Advanced Thermodynamics & Kinetics: Understand the fundamental forces that drive phase transformations and material stability.
  • Materials Characterization: Master the tools of the trade, from electron microscopy to X-ray diffraction, to analyze materials at the atomic level.
  • Mechanical Behavior: Learn to predict and prevent material failure in extreme environments, essential for aerospace and automotive applications.
  • Physics of Solids: Dive deep into the electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of materials—the backbone of the semiconductor and electronics industry.
  1. Lucrative Careers in High-Growth Sectors

In 2026, materials engineers with advanced degrees are seeing a significant salary premium, with median wages often exceeding $110,000 for those in leadership and R&D roles.

As an Auburn graduate from an ABET-accredited university, you will be prepared for senior roles in:

  • Additive Manufacturing: Leading the 3D-printing revolution in metals and polymers
  • Semiconductor Engineering: Designing the chips that power AI and quantum computing
  • Biomedical Devices: Developing biocompatible materials for life-saving implants
  • Sustainable Energy: Creating the next generation of high-capacity batteries and solar cells
  1. World-Class Research Centers at Auburn

When you join Auburn, you gain access to the collective knowledge of our specialized research hubs, including the National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME) and the Center for Polymers and Advanced Composites. Our online students learn from the same renowned faculty who are currently solving challenges for NASA, the Department of Defense, and the FAA.

  1. Safe Career Path in the age of AI

While artificial intelligence (AI) assists in data analysis, the world needs materials engineers to physically manipulate matter and lead the development of semiconductors, biomaterials, and high-performance alloys—tasks requiring human hands and intuition.