Best institutions to study Materials Chemistry
A program that focuses on the synthesis and study of organic or inorganic materials and their electronic, magnetic, optical or mechanical properties.
6 U.S. institutions graduated 16 Materials Chemistry students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 40.1002, a specialization of Materials Sciences (CIP 40.10), and leads most directly to the Chemists occupation (BLS SOC 19-2031).
About Materials Chemistry programs
A program that focuses on the synthesis and study of organic or inorganic materials and their electronic, magnetic, optical or mechanical properties. Includes instruction in advanced materials for photonics, lasers, chemical sensors and arrays or nanochemistry; semiconductor nanowires; and molecular electronics.
See also: 14.1801 - Materials Engineering., 40.1001 - Materials Science.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Materials Chemistry program, part of the broader field of Materials Sciences, focuses on the synthesis and study of both organic and inorganic materials. Students explore the electronic, magnetic, optical, and mechanical properties of these materials, preparing them for advanced applications in various industries. This program is ideal for individuals interested in the intersection of chemistry and materials science, particularly those who want to innovate in fields like nanotechnology and photonics.
Core coursework in Materials Chemistry includes advanced studies in materials for photonics, chemical sensors, and molecular electronics. Students develop essential skills in science, mathematics, and critical thinking, along with practical knowledge in chemistry and materials processing.
Credentials awarded
What Materials Chemistry graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree9 graduates / yr · 3 institutions56%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship5 graduates / yr · 2 institutions31%
- Bachelor's degree2 graduates / yr · 1 institution13%
Graduates over time
Materials Chemistry completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 20 |
| 2013 | 27 |
| 2014 | 23 |
| 2015 | 41 |
| 2016 | 23 |
| 2017 | 23 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2021 | 25 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 16 |
Top 6 institutions for Materials Chemistry, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, NJPublicMaster's | 7 | 44% | — |
| 2 | University of South Dakota Vermillion, SDPublicDoctoral | 4 | 60% | — |
| 3 | Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MIPublicBachelor's | 2 | 59% | — |
| 4 | University of Arkansas Fayetteville, ARPublicDoctoral | 1 | 71% | — |
| 5 | Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 1 | 75% | $19,899 |
| 6 | CUNY Graduate School and University Center New York, NYPublicMaster's | 1 | — | — |
Offered in 6 states
Where Materials Chemistry graduates come from. Each state links to all Materials Sciences programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 1 | 7 | William Paterson University of New Jersey7 / yr |
| South Dakota | 1 | 4 | University of South Dakota4 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 2 | Central Michigan University2 / yr |
| Arkansas | 1 | 1 | University of Arkansas1 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 1 | Illinois Institute of Technology1 / yr |
| New York | 1 | 1 | CUNY Graduate School and University Center1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2031, Chemists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Materials Chemistry program can pursue careers as chemists, materials scientists, or chemistry teachers, among other roles. The job outlook is promising, with an expected growth rate of 4.9% and approximately 6,300 annual openings. The median wage for these professionals is around $84,150, typically requiring at least a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 40.1002
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Chemistsprimary SOC 19-2031 | $91,240 | +4.9% About as fast as average | ~6,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other SOC 19-4099 | $62,280 | +3.5% About as fast as average | ~10,600 | Associate's degree |
Natural Sciences Managers SOC 11-9121 | $167,220 | +3.7% About as fast as average | ~8,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1052 | $93,250 | +2.2% About as fast as average | ~1,900 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Materials Scientists SOC 19-2032 | $117,790 | +4.9% About as fast as average | ~600 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Materials Chemistry programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
- Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
- Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
- Conduct quality control tests.
- Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
- Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
Tools and technology used
Other Materials Sciences specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under Materials Sciences (CIP 40.10).
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Materials Chemistry?+
You can earn a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctor's degree in Materials Chemistry.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in science, critical thinking, mathematics, and technical writing.
What careers can I pursue with a degree in Materials Chemistry?+
You can work as a chemist, materials scientist, or in various science-related roles.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is about average, with a growth rate of 4.9% and 6,300 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Materials Chemistry?+
Materials Chemistry is CIP 40.1002 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Materials Sciences (CIP 40.10). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the synthesis and study of organic or inorganic materials and their electronic, magnetic, optical or mechanical properties. Includes instruction in advanced materials for photonics, lasers, chemical sensors and arrays or nanochemistry; semiconductor nanowires; and molecular electronics.
How many institutions offer Materials Chemistry programs?+
6 U.S. institutions reported Materials Chemistry graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 6 states, awarding 16 credentials in the year. That is 2.5% of all Materials Sciences graduates.
How much do Materials Chemistry graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Chemists occupation, which Materials Chemistry most directly leads to, pays a median of $91,240 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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