Materials Science and Technology

New Major Starting Fall 2025

Materials science drives technological innovation across nearly every industryfrom 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. 

35
MATERIALS SCIENCE RESEARCH FACULTY
100
PHD STUDENTS
$18M
IN RESEARCH FUNDING

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. 

MSTC experts demoing on the board

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.

MSTC student working on experiencement

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.

Undergraduate Scholarships

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.

Undergraduate Advising

Natural Sciences News

The Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center brings together experts across disciplines to understand seismic hazards and apply their expertise toward societal resilience. This spring and summer, the center will host a variety of activities to provide researchers, community members and other stakeholders with opportunities for training, research and collaboration.
BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY - The University of Oregon is now home to three new senior members of the National Academy of Inventors, a designation that recognizes visionaries and innovators whose technologies brought, or aspire to bring, a real impact on society. The CAS faculty members are Karen Guillemin, Mike Pluth and Ramesh Jasti.
NEUROSCIENCE - Valerie Owusu-Hienno, a third-year College of Arts and Sciences student who aspires to be a physician, researcher, and global health advocate, has been named a Goldwater Scholar. It's a nationally prestigious award for undergraduates conducting research in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics.

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Chemistry and Physics Events

UO Olympic Studies Week
May16
UO Olympic Studies Week May 16
Cinema Studies Presents:  “From Research to Industry: Connecting Hidden Histories and Present Realities of Women’s Labor in Animation”  
May16
Cinema Studies Presents:  “From Research to Industry: Connecting Hidden Histories and Present Realities of Women’s Labor in Animation”   May 16 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
UO Olympic Studies Week - Industry Session
May16
UO Olympic Studies Week - Industry Session May 16 John E. Jaqua Academic Center for Student Athletes
Phi Alpha Theta and the History Dept. Present: Group Advising Pizza Party 
May16
Phi Alpha Theta and the History Dept. Present: Group Advising Pizza Party  May 16 McKenzie Hall
NSF-GRFP Information Session
May16
NSF-GRFP Information Session May 16
O-I-M Seminar: Boekelheide Lecture Series – Transforming Organic Chemistry Education Through Community and Innovation
May16
O-I-M Seminar: Boekelheide Lecture Series – Transforming Organic Chemistry Education Through Community and Innovation May 16 Willamette Hall
UO Olympic Studies Week
May17
UO Olympic Studies Week May 17
UO Olympic Studies Week
May18
UO Olympic Studies Week May 18
Physical Chemistry Seminar - 3rd Year Talks
May19
Physical Chemistry Seminar - 3rd Year Talks May 19 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium—A Shift from Indigenous Identities to Mainstream Western Culture Among Maya Indigenous Individuals in Guatemala
May19
Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium—A Shift from Indigenous Identities to Mainstream Western Culture Among Maya Indigenous Individuals in Guatemala May 19 Many Nations Longhouse

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