New Major Starting Fall 2025
Materials science drives technological innovation across nearly every industry—from smartphone touchscreens and processors to life-saving medical implants, batteries, solar cells, and even running shoes. The University of Oregon's materials science and technology major is an industry-aligned, research-based program that prepares students to work at the leading edge of this innovation wave. Our program is the first in the state to offer an undergraduate degree in materials science.
What You Can Do with a Degree in Materials Science
The materials science and technology major prepares students for high-demand careers across a broad range of industries. Our graduates can find employment in:
- Semiconductor manufacturing
- Advanced electronics and nanomanufacturing
- Aerospace and defense development
- Energy industry
- Automotive manufacturing
- Sustainable materials development
- Biotechnology and pharmaceutical development
- Sports equipment manufacturing
Materials science majors will be highly competitive for UO’s world-leading industry-focused applied science Masters’ programs—KCGIP, Electrochemistry, AMAC, Quantum Technologies—which prepare scientists for high-tech jobs through coursework, hands-on research training, and industrial internships. An MSTC undergraduate major also prepares you for graduate study in basic science, applied science, and engineering programs across the nation and globally.
Our Degree Programs
Materials science and technology majors gain a strong foundation in chemistry and physics while participating in cutting-edge research that prepares them to work at the forefront of technological development. Our flexible interdisciplinary major allows students to choose whether to focus their courses on chemistry or physics.
All students interested in the MSTC program must first apply to the University of Oregon via the standard university admissions process. Once at UO, students must complete lower division requirements before applying for admission into the MSTC major.
Learn from Experts in the Field
Materials science and technology is an interdisciplinary major that brings together award-winning faculty from the departments of Physics and Chemistry and Biochemistry. Our faculty members are affiliated with the Materials Science Institute, a group of UO researchers who have been instrumental in advancing materials science research in Oregon.
Get Real-world Experience
All materials science and technology majors take a research immersion course, which propels them into lab work guided by a faculty researcher. We also work with industry partners to help place students in internships that can lead to full-time jobs.
Scholarships and Funding
Students can seek funding through the College of Arts and Sciences, which awards various scholarships to both incoming students and those who are already attending the UO.
Academic Support
Academic advisors in Tykeson Hall help students understand their major or minor requirements, plan their course of study, explore study abroad opportunities, and more.
