Sofia
What would be the major differences between majoring in Chemical Engineering versus Material Science Engineering?
I am going to major in engineering and love chemistry, and although I originally planned to major in Chemical Engineering, I recently heard and learned more about Material Science Engineering. I am now equally interested in both majors, but want to know what the major differences in jobs, opportunities, benefits, and difficulties would be between the two. I don't have to declare my major until the end of my freshman year in college but I would love some insight from someone who knows the difference or has had experience in the field. Thank you! #engineering #chemistry #chemical-engineering #chemical-engineer #materials-science #materials-engineering
2 answers
Pete de Graaf, PE
Pete’s Answer
Hi Sofia,
Materials Engineering certainly involves chemistry but its scope is limited to determining material properties and material selection for an application. For example, a materials engineer will select materials to be used for an airplane wing. He/she will have to find a flexible material that is also strong and lightweight, isn't too expensive, is workable in the factory, is available, and so on.
Chemical engineering is the engineering of chemicals and chemical processes to make raw materials for consumer products, such as ethylene oxide for making plastic bottles or refining petroleum products to make gasoline for your car.
Given that materials engineering is a bit narrower in scope, the job market may not be as strong for this kind of engineer by the time you graduate as it would be for chemical engineers. Conversely, chemical engineering in general is a broad branch of engineering in terms of what one can do with this degree. Given all this, it might make more sense to major in chemical engineering but have a minor in materials engineering. Of all the chemical engineers that I work with, the best ones (i.e., the more well-rounded ones) seem to have at least some knowledge of the materials that their processes will touch (in machinery, piping, vessels and tanks and so on).
Lastly, remember that chemical engineering will teach you how to engineer certain chemicals and chemical process for practical use in society. If you really love chemistry though, you might want to consider studying chemistry as a major itself and perform research on chemicals for industry such as in biochemistry and pharmaceuticals or other areas. Of course, that route would require a lot more schooling (8 years total to get a PhD).
Nevertheless, it is good to ask these questions now and you have time, as you mentioned, to make a decision. In the meantime, ask more questions, do your research, and follow the major that gets you excited - the one that makes your gut say, "I wouldn't mind doing this for the next 40 plus years."
Good luck.
Pete - Thank you for your answer. We need more advice like this, now more than ever! There are more than 800 unanswered questions on CV right now. Hoping you'll answer a few more in the coming week. We'd love to see you back on CV soon!
Lindsey Manning-Djabbari
Michael Trocchia
Michael’s Answer
Chemical engineering focus is on processes that produces chemical products. Material science focus is more on materials used in processesing and in the products.
The Chemical engineer designs the process and equipment to make a product
The Material science engineer designs the maerials used to construct the equipment or the materials used in the product.