Many of tomorrow’s innovations in fields such as fast computing, renewable energy generation, batteries, plastics, textiles, and transportation will rely on the unique and novel properties of materials. The development of such materials requires integrated knowledge in physics, chemistry, and biology, along with advanced mathematics and computation. The Material Sciences major introduce students to the interdisciplinary study in materials science which includes atomic structure, macroscopic elastic and thermodynamic properties, electric and magnetic properties, and fabrication methods and applications, together with disciplinary training in either physics or chemistry.

This major can prepare students for advanced studies in various departments in graduate school such as physics, chemistry, materials science and mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, etc. Within the requirements of this major, student have the flexibility to design a curriculum that emphasizes more on one particular field of study, for example, physics, chemistry or materials science. Students with more interests in industrial positions can also customize their backgrounds for domestic and international manufacturers or companies specializeing in automobiles, aircrafts, batteries, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, electronics, etc.