An online bachelor’s degree in Materials Science is ideal for students with a knack for chemistry, technology, and the sciences. Whether you’re a professional looking to navigate Materials Science as a discipline, or have recently graduated high school, deciding on the best online school and degree programs to attend is key to reaching this career path.

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THE BEST ONLINE SCHOOLS BACHELOR’S IN SOCIAL SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMS
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The schools listed here have each been reviewed to ensure that we only provide facts! We have conducted extensive research to put together a comprehensive list of the best colleges and universities offering online bachelor’s degrees in Materials Science across the United States.
Rest assured that the schools listed here have been carefully selected based on the quality of coursework, tuition fees, duration of the online degree program, and level of instruction:
- Offered as a distance learning program in undergraduate-level Materials Science in a fully online or hybrid format that requires very minimal campus visits,
- School is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, a nonprofit organization that provides accreditation for colleges and university programs in applied and natural science, engineering materials science, engineering technology, engineering courses, and computing to ensure they meet minimum educational standards,
- Offers financial aid opportunities to help make higher education more affordable,
- Has a retention rate of not lower than 50%,
- Provides on-the-job training opportunities to give students a chance to build promising networks,
- Utilizes a learning platform or Learning Management System that is user-friendly and up-to-date,
- Features relevant coursework that addresses current issues and trends in materials science,
- Taught by expert faculty, particularly materials scientists with master’s degrees or Ph.D., or relevant professional experience in Materials Science.
Best Online Schools that Offer Bachelor’s in Materials Science
University of Nevada, Reno

Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science and Engineering
Program Standouts:
Students at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science and Engineering will also learn how to apply advanced material properties and engineering principles to glass, metal, ceramics, and other materials for them to be able to develop new and more innovative products from existing materials. Aside from that, this online degree program will also equip you for a bright future in processing and manufacturing and designing and developing materials.
Before graduation, you will be assigned to a team to work on a product that can be sold in the marketplace. This capstone project will then be presented to businesses.
Coursework Sample:
- Elements of Material Science
- Thermodynamics of Materials
- Materials Processing
Campus Location: Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557
Accreditation: Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
Acceptance Rate: 88.2%
Retention Rate: 80.56% (full-time students), 48.22% (part-time students)
Graduation Rate: 61.5%
Learn about the University of Nevada, Reno’s Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science and Engineering.
Did You Know?
Applicants for the BS Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno can use the transfer agreement and degree planner to create a graduation plan with an advisor.
You will need to complete 128 total credit units with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to graduate.
Northwestern University

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Materials Science and Engineering
Program Standouts:
Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering offers the BS Materials Science and Engineering degree program to empower students and become intelligent and effective engineers by training them to use both sides of their brain to foster analytical, logical, mathematics, creativity, and intuition skills.
You will also learn about the different scientific principles that govern the various relationships between structure, properties, processing, and materials performance.
Coursework Sample:
- Engineering Analysis and Computer Proficiency
- Design Thinking and Communication
- Introductory Physics of Materials
Campus Location: Campus Drive, Room 2036, Evanston, IL 60208
Accreditation: Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
Acceptance Rate: 9%
Retention Rate: 99%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Learn more about Northwestern University’s Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering.
Did You Know?
Being accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET gives students the assurance that they can pursue graduate study and advance in the field of materials science and engineering.
Northwestern University awards outstanding materials science undergraduates with the Meister Summer Research Awards, Hilliard Awards for Seniors, and Outstanding MatSci Junior Award.
Arizona State University

Bachelor of Science Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering
Program Standouts:
The main focus of Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering focuses on the discovery, processing, development, and characterization of new materials, including metals, ceramics, composites, polymers, etc.
The coursework for this degree program will prepare you to discover and design new and improved materials that will have a positive impact on people’s lives and the world.
Coursework Sample:
- General Chemistry for Engineers
- Social-Behavioral Sciences and Global Awareness
- University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism
Campus Location: Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
Acceptance Rate: 88.2%
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 66.9%
Learn more about Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering.
Did You Know?
At Arizona State University, the admission standards for those who want to take up this online degree program are higher than the minimum requirements. First-year students are required to have a minimum of 1210 SAT for evidence-based reading and writing and a minimum ACT combined score of 24 for math.
Rice University

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Materials Science and NanoEngineering
Program Standouts:
Rice University’s Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and NanoEngineering degree program hones students’ requisite skills in helping solve the different problems in materials and nanoengineering.
The university offers two undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, both of which will prepare students to become successful in the professional practice of materials science and engineering or an academic career.
Coursework Sample:
- Honors Electricity & Magnetism
- Materials Processing and NanoManufacturing
- Materials in Nature and Biomimetics Strategies
Campus Location: Main St., Houston, TX 77005-1892
Accreditation:
- SACSCOC-Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
Acceptance Rate: 9.5%
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 92%
Learn more about Rice University’s Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and NanoEngineering.
Did You Know?
Students who want to earn a degree in materials science and nanoengineering must complete a total minimum requirement of 126 credit hours with 89 credit hours in science, general math, and core and elective courses.
The University of Arizona

Bachelor of Science in Materials Science & Engineering
Program Standouts:
The University of Arizona’s BS Materials Science & Engineering program offers hands-on study to help students discover new materials for technology and products and find better use and improve existing ones.
Students will learn the different ways to use engineering tools, apply the fundamentals of materials science and engineering, and acquire important skills in communication, problem-solving, and other requisite skills.
Coursework Sample:
- Physical Properties of Materials
- Transport
- Thermodynamics
Campus Location: Tucson, Arizona 85721
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Acceptance Rate: 87.3%
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 64%
Learn more about the University of Arizona’s Bachelor of Science in Materials Science & Engineering.
Did You Know?
The University of Arizona offers generous financial aid packages and millions of dollars in scholarships to help make education for many students more affordable.
Students wishing to be successful in the field of materials science and engineering will be pleased to gain research experience in this university’s world-renowned centers, such as the Arizona Materials Lab.
Drexel University

BSMSE-Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering
Program Standouts:
Majors in materials science and engineering will have a strong grounding in the basic sciences and engineering of materials. The program’s main concern is with the structure, characterization, utilization, and properties of materials.
By the time they reach the fourth year, students will be required to work on a capstone project, which they will need to finish over the course of three terms. This will ensure that graduates will have the core technical competencies in their chosen fields.
Coursework Sample:
- Introduction to Civic Engagement
- Fundamentals of Power and Energy
- Environmental Life Cycle Assessment
Campus Location: Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Accreditation:
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET)
- Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCS)
Acceptance Rate: 82.6%
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 78%
Learn more about Drexel University’s Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (BSMSE).
Did You Know?
It is Drexel University’s commitment to preparing students to achieve their personal and professional aspirations. Because of this, they offer a cooperative education program to give students the opportunity to test-drive their professions in the future, allowing them to gain up to 18 months of experience in their chosen field.
Rutgers University

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Materials Science and Engineering
Program Standouts:
Rutgers University’s Materials Science and Engineering Department is passionate about providing outstanding students with top-quality education in this degree program to help prepare them for a rewarding career in the future.
Majors will tackle the physical and chemical nature of materials at nano, micro, and macro scales. You will study the chemistry and physics of materials, as well as the measurement and phase equilibria of optical, electrical, and thermal properties.
Coursework Sample:
- Materials Processing
- Characterization of Materials
- Crystal Chemistry & Structure
Campus Location: Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Accreditation: Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
Acceptance Rate: 68.2%
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 84%
Learn more about Rutgers School of Engineering’s Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering.
Did You Know?
Rutgers University’s BSMSE is taught by faculty who are highly regarded in different materials science areas, including photovoltaics, glass, structural ceramics, and fiber options, to name a few.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering allows students to have astounding flexibility in developing a program that fits various needs, goals, and interests.
Pennsylvania State University College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Materials Science and Engineering
Program Standouts:
PSU’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences offers the BS in Materials Science and Engineering degree program that will provide learners with a well-rounded engineering education to meet the needs of the government, academia, and industry.
What makes this online bachelor’s program unique is that it offers a large amount of flexibility when it comes to the curriculum. Aside from that, students are allowed to select the courses they want to fulfill their specialization requirements.
Coursework Sample:
- Processing of Ceramics
- Nuclear Materials
- Phase Relations in Materials Systems
Campus Location: Steidle Building, University Park, PA 16802
Accreditation: Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Retention Rate: 84.8%
Graduation Rate: 72.5%
Learn more about Pennsylvania State University College of Earth and Mineral Sciences’ Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering.
Did You Know?
Penn State University invites all high school students, transfer students, and Penn State students who are interested in earning an EMS degree to the annual student-run Earth and Mineral Sciences EXposition (EMEX).
Iowa State University

Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering
Program Standouts:
Iowa State University offers the Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering to those who want to pursue a career in understanding the relationship between the properties and internal structure of materials from the atomic to the macro level.
Upon graduation, you will a choice of pursuing a graduate degree program or applying what you have learned in school in your chosen industry. The program’s curriculum covers a broad spectrum of hands-on courses, preparation for internships, materials knowledge, and study-abroad opportunities.
Coursework Sample:
- Synthesis and Processing
- Structure
- Applications of Materials
Campus Location: Bissell Road, Ames, IA 50011
Accreditation:
- Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance Rate: 91.1%
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 74.4%
Learn more about Iowa State University’s Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering.
Did You Know?
Iowa State University has been recognized by the U.S. News and World Report for its excellence. The university ranked number 127 in National Universities, number 83 in Best Colleges for Veterans, and number 129 in Best Value Schools.
San Jose State University

Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering
Program Standouts:
The online Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering degree program offered by San Jose State University is one of the country’s best. This is because it is one of the best ways to prepare students to confidently and effectively land a high-paying job in this field.
The program curriculum offers specialized training on the fundaments of science, mathematics, and engineering. Furthermore, it emphasizes the role of development, process engineering, and design.
Coursework Sample:
- General Physics/Electricity and Magnetism
- Introduction to Materials
- Electronic, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Materials
Campus Location: One Washington Square, San Jose, California 95192
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Acceptance Rate: 84.4%
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 64.9%
Learn more about San Jose State University’s Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering.
Did You Know?
SJSU requires all undergraduate students to complete all curriculum, unit, GPA, and residency requirements. On top of that, all students must pass the university’s writing skills test and a 100W course.
For additional information, see: THE BEST ONLINE SCHOOLS FOR BACHELOR IN FIRE SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a time limit to earn a bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering?
No, there is not. However, learners are recommended to complete the bachelor’s degree in materials science within five years.
Can I get financial aid to enroll in an online Bachelor’s in Materials Science and Engineering?
Unfortunately, the materials science and engineering departments do not offer additional financial support. But, students are encouraged to seek secure fellowships from NSF and DOD. Also, you can continue for a Ph.D. since doctoral students are offered financial assistance.
Check this out: THE BEST ONLINE SCHOOLS FOR BACHELOR’S IN FORENSIC SCIENCE