Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education focused on the understanding and development of new materials with advanced properties for a wide range of applications. This program combines principles of physics, chemistry, and engineering to study the structure, properties, processing, and performance of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, research projects, and industry collaborations, preparing them for careers in research, development, manufacturing, and quality control across diverse sectors such as aerospace, electronics, biomedical devices, energy, and environmental sustainability.

The curriculum covers fundamental topics such as materials structure and properties, thermodynamics, kinetics, and characterization techniques, alongside specialized courses in nanomaterials, biomaterials, electronic materials, and materials processing. Students are encouraged to participate in cutting-edge research to explore innovative materials like smart materials, lightweight alloys, and sustainable composites. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise necessary to address complex materials challenges in various engineering contexts.

Students also have opportunities to engage with industry leaders through internships and collaborative projects, gaining practical experience and professional networks that facilitate successful careers after graduation. The faculty comprises renowned researchers and industry experts dedicated to advancing knowledge in materials science and fostering an innovative learning environment. The program prepares graduates with a strong foundation for advanced studies, including master's and doctoral research, or direct entry into the workforce, where they can contribute to technological advancements, product development, and sustainability initiatives integral to societal progress.

Requirements

Applicants must complete a rigorous college preparatory program that includes the following academic subject requirements:

• History/Social Science: 2 years
• English/Language of School Instruction: 4 years
• Mathematics: 3 years (4 years recommended)
• Laboratory Science: 2 years (3 years recommended)
• Foreign Language (English must be the foreign language studied if it was not the language of instruction.): 2 years (3 years recommended)
• Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year
• College-Preparatory Elective: 1 year

UC Riverside is aware that not all educational systems include academic courses in these areas, which will be taken into consideration during the application review.

• The applicant must earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale, equivalent to an 85 percent on a 100 percent scale. The assessment of a qualifying GPA is based on “a-g” courses completed in 10th and 11th grades.
• If the secondary school offers a different curriculum, the applicant’s academic achievement will be based on that educational system’s grading scale.
• The ACT with Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test must be taken no later than December of the final year of secondary school.

English Language Proficiency

If English is not the applicant’s native language, or the language of instruction at the applicant’s school, then they must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following options:

• Pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 80 or higher (iBT).
• Pass the International English Testing Language System (IELTS) with a score of 6.5 or higher.
• Achieve a score of 560 or higher on the “Writing” section of the SAT Reasoning Test.
• Achieve a score of 3, 4 or 5 on the AP Exam in English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition.
• Achieve a score of 5, 6 or 7 on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examination in English (Language A).
• Complete a transferable college course in English Composition with a C grade or better.

Also

• Academic records
• Test scores
• Estimated household income (optional)
• Citizenship status
• Application payment method

Answer Personal Insight Questions

• The personal insight questions are an opportunity for applicants to tell us about themselves in their own words, and an opportunity for us to get to know them better.
• Freshmen must answer four out of eight questions.
• Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words.
• Applicants should draft their answers in a word processing program first, then copy and paste them into the UC application. (Applicants are automatically logged out of the UC application after 30 minutes.)
• The personal insight questions are just one part that we consider when making our admission decision. The important thing is that applicants express who they are, what matters to them and what they want to share with UCR!

Scholarships

• Regents Scholarship
• Chancellor’s Scholarship
• Highlander Excellence Scholarship

Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers in the development, characterization, and application of materials. The curriculum integrates principles from physics, chemistry, and engineering to provide a strong foundation in understanding the structure-property relationships of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composite materials. Students gain hands-on laboratory experience and engage in research projects that explore new materials and innovative processing techniques. The program emphasizes the importance of sustainability and environmental considerations in material development, aligning with industry and societal needs. Faculty members are leading experts in their fields, conducting pioneering research in areas such as nanomaterials, biomaterials, energy materials, and electronic materials. The program offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy, with opportunities for specialization and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and industry partnerships that facilitate experiential learning and career placement. Graduates of the program are well-equipped for employment in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, healthcare, and manufacturing, or for further academic pursuit. UC's Materials Science and Engineering program fosters innovation, problem-solving skills, and a global perspective, preparing students to contribute effectively to technological advancements and sustainable development in materials-related fields.