Academics

The materials engineer applies principles of math, physics and chemistry to design, produce, characterize, and utilize materials essential to modern society.

Materials science is a broad field involving engineers and scientists from many disciplines: chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, bioengineering, physics, computer engineering, and more. New materials are in demand for medicine, manufacturing, space exploration, defense and many more areas, rendering it one of the most in-demand fields of study today.

seniors

Undergraduate Programs

Our undergraduate curriculums provide students with the requisite skills and educational background to contribute to the solution of many materials and nanoengineering problems, allows graduates to work in a fascinating field, and makes it possible to become a leader in one of the most challenging areas of technology.

Learn more about our undergraduate programs.

graduate students in lab

Graduate Programs

Our department’s graduate programs include research degrees, as well as a non-thesis professional master’s degree. These programs, in their comprehensive educational and research activities, collaborate with other departments at Rice and other institutions and industry in Houston, including those in the Texas Medical Center.

Learn more about our graduate programs.