UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Why Study Materials Science?

Materials scientists and engineers discover and develop the materials that enable technologies that improve lives and solve the world’s most pressing problems.

 

What is Materials Science?

Materials Science is the discovery, design and manufacture of the next generation of materials with applications to new energy systems, sustainable water, space systems, telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation, security and more. It’s a broad field that brings in engineering and science from many disciplines, including chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, bioengineering and physics. 

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. 

Undergraduate Experience

At Rice University, our undergraduate curriculums provide students with the requisite skills and educational background to contribute to the solution of many materials and nanoengineering problems. At Rice, we offer two undergraduate degree programs in materials science and nanoengineering:

The MSNE department nurtures a lively undergraduate student community that provides support and involvement across class-year, research group and laboratory. Even in the context of Rice Engineering’s high percentage of undergraduates in research, the MSNE culture includes undergrads readily by blending undergrad and grad student activities and encouraging collaboration. 

Learn more about our two undergraduate degree programs.

Get Involved in Undergraduate Activities

Our MSNE students enjoy rich extracurricular experiences on Rice's campus and beyond:

  • The products resulting from MSNE 407/408 projects may be taken to external technical and/or business competitions.
  • Many undergrad research projects can be found by directly contacting research groups on campus, and are eligible for either stipend or additional credits in MSNE 490.
  • Internships in academic/research institutes or industry outside campus are eligible for additional credits in MSNE 490.
  • There are opportunities to engage in engineering design projects, especially extracurricular "club" projects such as rocketry, electric vehicles, prosthetics for youth, robotics, etc., including competitions.
  • The ENGI classes such as 120, 128, 200, 210, etc. involve teams of students working on projects.
  • Undergraduate Lab provides resources for student-initiated projects that can compete in the annual Engineering Design Showcase.

Outcomes

After graduation, our students land jobs for major companies and move on to top institutions of higher education. They work in a cross-disciplinary field that enables them to become leaders in the most challenging areas of technology in transportation, energy, the environment, defense and electronics.

 

By the Numbers

  • 59% of MSNE graduates are employed in industry
  • 32% are attending graduate school
  • 4% are working in government

Top Employers of MSNE Alumni

  • Amazon
  • Intel
  • Baker Hughes
  • Shell
  • Capital One
  • Proctor & Gamble
  • Microsoft
  • Google
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Applied Materials
  • CGG
  • McKinsey & Company
  • Cameron
  • Aramco Services
  • Schlumberger

You’ll also find Rice MSNE alumni at these start-ups:

  • Enpower
  • Syzygy Plasmonics
  • CSS Nanotech, Inc.
  • Gethr