Georgia Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The Materials Engineering degree at Georgia Institute of Technology provides a broad foundation in the structure, properties, processing and performance of materials, together with core engineering science and design. The curriculum balances theoretical lectures, laboratory courses and team-based design projects.

• Core science and mathematics: calculus, differential equations, physics and general chemistry to give the quantitative foundations used across materials topics.
• Materials fundamentals: classes in crystallography and structure of solids, thermodynamics and kinetics of materials, mechanical behaviour of materials, and electronic, optical and magnetic properties.
• Materials processing and synthesis: courses covering casting and solidification, powder processing, thin film deposition, polymer processing and materials for additive manufacturing.
• Characterisation and testing: laboratory modules teaching microscopy (optical and electron), X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, mechanical testing and thermal analysis techniques.
• Design and engineering practice: team-based capstone design projects, materials selection, reliability and failure analysis, corrosion and surface engineering.
• Specialist electives: options typically include biomaterials, electronic materials and devices, nanomaterials, composite materials, advanced ceramics, and sustainable materials and recycling.
• Laboratory and research experience: substantial hands-on lab work is embedded throughout the programme, with opportunities to join faculty research groups or industry-sponsored projects in areas such as aerospace materials, polymers and soft materials, or materials for energy conversion and storage.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Materials Engineering bachelor's programme at Georgia Institute of Technology is competitive and typically requires a strong high school record with emphasis on mathematics and science. Applicants are expected to have completed coursework in calculus, physics and chemistry. Admissions decisions consider academic performance, recommendation letters, personal statements and evidence of extracurricular engagement or relevant experience.

International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide documentation of prior secondary education equivalent to U.S. standards. Specific prerequisites and application procedures are set by the university; applicants should consult the official admissions information for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Materials Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology are prepared for roles across a wide range of industries where material selection, processing and performance are critical. Common career paths include:

• Industry R&D and manufacturing: materials engineer, process engineer, metallurgist, polymer engineer or composites engineer working in aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy and consumer products sectors.
• Quality, testing and failure analysis: positions focused on materials characterisation, quality assurance, reliability engineering and root-cause failure investigations.
• Product and design engineering: roles integrating materials knowledge into product development, lightweighting, corrosion protection and materials selection for specific operating environments.
• Energy and sustainability: work on battery materials, fuel cells, recyclable materials, and sustainable processing technologies.
• Biomedical materials: development of implants, tissue scaffolds and medical device materials in the biomedical and healthcare industries.
• Further study and research: many graduates pursue postgraduate degrees (MS, PhD) in materials science and engineering or related fields, or professional degrees in engineering or business.

Why study at Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology offers a well-established materials programme within a research-intensive engineering school, providing access to advanced facilities, multidisciplinary research centres and strong industry partnerships. Students benefit from hands-on laboratory training, opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research and a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.

The institute's location and connections to major technology and manufacturing sectors offer students internships, co-op and career placement opportunities. Faculty expertise spans a wide range of materials topics, enabling students to tailor their studies to interests such as aerospace alloys, electronic materials, biomaterials or sustainable materials technologies.