Programs Which degree for Materials Science?

AI Thread Summary
A chemical engineering degree can provide a pathway into materials science, particularly if the focus is on hard materials. Concerns about being perceived as lacking in relevant knowledge are common, but many programs value diverse backgrounds. Graduate schools in Materials Science and Engineering often appreciate the analytical skills developed in chemical engineering. However, if the goal is to specialize in solid materials, switching to mechanical engineering may offer more direct exposure to relevant topics such as metallurgy, micro-structure analysis, and the mechanics of materials. Some universities integrate these subjects within mechanical engineering programs, which could align better with interests in hard materials. Additionally, the discussion touches on the study of soft materials, highlighting their applications, although specifics on this topic were less emphasized. Overall, both paths can lead to a successful career in materials science, depending on individual interests and program offerings.
cytochrome
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I'm currently a chemical engineering student and I have a huge interest in materials science, probably more so hard materials than soft materials (which is why I feel chemical engineering is a bad choice).

Can I get into the field of materials science via a chemical engineering degree? Ideally I'd like to go to graduate school for Materials Science and Engineering but I'm afraid my chemical engineering background will be laughed at because we mostly do applied thermodynamics to solutions.

I could also change my major to Mechanical Engineering (materials science would take too long to complete since my school does not offer MSE summer classes) and therefore be more adept at solid materials. I don't know...

I'm lost. Can someone give advice as to whether or not a chemical engineer could get involved in the materials science field? Particularly studying mechanics of materials and rational materials design? Or should I change to mechanical engineering?
 
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I'm studying Materials Science & Engineering and there's a whole side of it dedicated to hard materials (I guess you mean everything related to steel resistance?), metallurgy, micro-structure of materials, how they behave when strain, torsion, etc is applied, how to reinforce them for a specific application.. In some universities, they study that as part of a Mechanical Engineering program.
 
ezintegral said:
I'm studying Materials Science & Engineering and there's a whole side of it dedicated to hard materials (I guess you mean everything related to steel resistance?), metallurgy, micro-structure of materials, how they behave when strain, torsion, etc is applied, how to reinforce them for a specific application.. In some universities, they study that as part of a Mechanical Engineering program.

What part of materials science studies soft materials and what are the applications?
 

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