A woman wearing safety glasses and blue lab coat with her hand on a tube looking at a beaker in a laboratory. A woman wearing safety glasses and blue lab coat with her hand on a tube looking at a beaker in a laboratory. A person holding an erlenmeyer flask that contains liquid and is covered with tinfoil.

Chemistry: Materials Chemistry
Major

Materials chemistry overview

Improve natural and man-made materials using materials chemistry. Materials science is at the heart of new technology like plastics, medicines, energy materials, electronics and mixed materials. This captivating branch of science examines:

  • Synthesis: How are materials combined?
  • Structure: What makes up materials?
  • Characterization: How do materials behave?
  • Application: What can we do with these materials?

As a student, you're not just learning; you're actively participating in hands-on research. Collaborate with your professors on a capstone project and present your findings at regional and national conferences. This experience enhances your academic profile, providing a competitive advantage in the job market and in further studies.

AT A GLANCE

Degree Type
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Format
On Campus
Credit Hours
64 - 68 Credit Hours
Go To Why This Program Program HighlightsAccelerated Program Careers & Outcomes

What will you learn as a materials chemistry major?

Start with core courses in science and math, then delve deeper into materials chemistry. You'll discover how the composition, structure and processing of materials affect their properties and performance in real-world applications—such as energy storage, electronics, pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, nanotechnology and sustainability.

Materials science majors tackle real-world challenges where chemistry, physics and engineering intersect. You'll analyze chemical properties of various materials and apply this knowledge to innovate or improve materials.

Our program's standout feature is the research capstone. Under the guidance of faculty mentors, you'll hone your lab and research skills, design experiments, synthesize and characterize materials and engage in genuine scientific inquiry.

Collaborating with peers and faculty will also bolster your communication and teamwork skills as you design, execute, document and present scientific work. Graduating from this program ensures you're well-equipped for graduate school or careers in materials science, chemistry, engineering and related fields.

Courses What Will Transfer DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Materials chemistry program highlights

When studying materials science at CMU, you'll:

  • Prepare for national exams: Get ready for the Chemistry Diagnostic Undergraduate Chemistry Knowledge (DUCK) exam and the Biochemistry certification exam from the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).
  • Engage in impactful research: Previous projects with faculty include capturing mercury from coal-fired power plants and filtering carcinogens from groundwater.
  • Join a thriving science community: Our student chapter of the American Chemical Society has been recognized for excellence eight consecutive years.
  • Work in state-of-the-art labs: Study in the Dow Science Complex, equipped with spectrometry and radioactive materials labs for cutting-edge research.
  • Access program-specific scholarships: Chemistry students have access to a wide range of scholarships that recognize academic achievement, leadership, research involvement and service—helping make your degree more affordable.

    Accelerated master's in chemistry

    Work toward your bachelor’s and master’s at the same time with an accelerated master’s in chemistry.

    View all accelerated master's programs

      Careers with a materials chemistry degree

      A degree with a focus in materials chemistry opens doors to careers in chemistry, advanced manufacturing, materials development, pharmaceuticals, energy, environmental science and research. You'll also be well-prepared for graduate and professional programs.

      Career Projected Salary
      Manufacturing Chemist $57,790
      Chemical Technician $57,790
      Research Assistant $62,370
      Polymer Chemist $86,620
      Chemist $86,620
      Materials Scientist $86,620
      Research & Development Chemist $90,530
      Golden liquid is poured from one beaker to another.
      Two students wearing lab coats and goggles using lab equipment.

      Chemistry scholarships

      CMU offers a range of scholarships for both new and current chemistry and biochemistry students, celebrating academic excellence, leadership and research involvement. Find your scholarship opportunities through the Scholarship Universe matching tool.

      View chemistry scholarships

      Request Information about CMU

      Loading...

      By submitting this form, I agree to receive calls, emails and/or text messages from Central Michigan University to discuss furthering my education.

      Privacy Policy