Masters in Material Science in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Master's in Materials Science in the USA offers access to top-ranked STEM programs that enhance both learning and career opportunities. These programs often qualify for OPT extensions, allowing applicants who want to study in the US to gain work experience post-graduation. 

U.S. universities also offer advanced research facilities and advanced technology to support innovation. While many institutions provide strong programs, admissions at top schools like MIT and Stanford are highly competitive, making it essential to weigh both program quality and tuition costs when selecting a university.

Now, let's discuss the basic details about the  Masters in Material Science in the USA to better understand the top US universities offering these courses. 

Masters in Material Science in the USA: Overview

A Master’s in Materials Science in the USA is typically offered as a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Engineering (MEng), with intakes in Fall, Spring, and occasionally Summer. 

Tuition varies widely, depending on the institution and residency status, making it necessary to compare both costs and program formats when planning your studies.

Here's a detailed overview of a Masters in Material Science in the USA:

Before exploring the top universities for a Master’s in Material Science in the USA, let’s first understand the advantages of studying this program in the United States.

Why Pursue a Masters in Material Science in the USA?

A Master’s in Materials Science in the USA offers top-ranked programs, hands-on research, and strong career prospects. Universities like MIT, UC Davis, and UC Berkeley provide advanced labs, industry-focused training, and potential earnings of $93,000–$120,000 (INR 79.5L- 1Cr). 

Here are some key benefits of pursuing a Masters in Material Science in the USA:

• World-Leading Academic Programs: MIT's Materials Science & Engineering is ranked #1 nationally by U.S. News and QS, offering unparalleled access to top-tier faculty and groundbreaking research across engineering, physics, and chemistry 
• Research & Facilities: UC Davis ensures graduate students benefit from state-of-the-art labs and one-on-one mentoring, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, or national labs. These facilities fuel innovation in biomaterials, energy, and electronics.
• Interdisciplinary Learning & Industry Alignment: Programs like UC Berkeley's M.Eng seamlessly blend technical coursework with leadership and business training, culminating in industry-relevant capstone projects with real-world partners.
• Better Career Prospects & Higher Starting Salaries: Holding an M.S. in Materials Science significantly enhances earning potential, UC Davis data shows graduates earn $93K–$120K (INR 79.5L- 1Cr), compared to $85K–$110K (INR 72.7L- 94.1L) with a B.S. 
• Strong Financial Support for Master's & Ph.D: At MIT, master's and Ph.D. students benefit from tuition waivers, stipends, and health insurance, funded through fellowships, assistantships, or external grants
• Global Career Reach: Master's graduates from U.S. programs are highly recognized by tech firms, national labs, and research institutions, often taking on roles in aerospace, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.

Now that you have discussed Master's in Materials Science in the USA, here are some of the top universities that offer full-time and part-time courses. 

Top Universities Offering Masters in Material Science in the USA

Top U.S. universities offer highly regarded Master’s programs in Materials Science, combining academic excellence with industry relevance. The University of Washington provides a fast-track Applied MS in Materials Science & Engineering, completed in 9–15 months with total tuition of $42,882 (INR 36.8L) and rolling admissions until June. 

At Stanford University, the program spans 1–2 years, with tuition of $21,180 (INR 36.8L) for 11–18 units and a December 1 application deadline. 

The following are the top universities offering a Masters in Material Science in the USA:

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

Now, let's examine popular universities offering Master's degrees in Materials Science in the USA.

Popular Universities for Masters in Material Science in the USA

Several popular U.S. universities offer strong Master's programs in Materials Science. For instance, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides a 1–2 year program with a total tuition of $65,722 (INR 56.2L) and a February 1 deadline. Both programs emphasize advanced research and industry readiness.

Here's a breakdown of popular universities that offer Master's in Material Science in the USA:

Now, let's understand the admission requirements for different Masters in Material Science in the USA. 

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Material Science in the USA

To be eligible for a Master’s in Materials Science in the USA, applicants generally need to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL (80–90 iBT) or IELTS (6.5–7.0 overall). Some universities offer waivers for students with prior degrees in English language studies. 

Below is a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria for pursuing a Masters in Material Science in the USA:

Now that you have covered the eligibility criteria for enrollment in Masters in Material Science in the USA, let's understand the application process to apply for these programs. 

Application Process for Masters in Material Science in the USA

Applying for a Master’s in Materials Science in the USA requires an online application, academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency. Top universities like UW and Stanford have deadlines of June 30 and December 1–15, respectively.

Here's a step-by-step application process to apply for a Masters in Material Science in the USA:

Step 1. Submit Online Application and Fee: Apply through the university's graduate portal (e.g., UW Graduate School or Stanford Graduate Admissions) and pay the application fee by the deadline. The UW Applied MS deadline is June 30, and Stanford's is January 15. 

Step 2. Upload Transcripts & GPA: Provide unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. UW requires a minimum 3.0 GPA (last 90 quarter credits). Stanford also needs transcripts and may request official ones after admission.

Step 3. Write Statement of Purpose: UW expects a 1-page statement outlining motivation, background, and goals. Stanford requires a detailed SOP (up to 1,000 words) describing preparation, interests, and plans.

Step 4. Submit Recommendations & Resume/CV: UW asks for three letters of recommendation and a build a resume that stands out. Stanford also requires three recommendations and a current CV.

Step 5. Demonstrate English Proficiency: For non-native speakers, UW requires a TOEFL iBT ≥ 92 (or equivalent). Stanford requires TOEFL scores (min 100 iBT, unless waived).

Step 6. GRE (Optional): At UW, the GRE is optional; scores may be considered if submitted. Stanford does not require the GRE for MS applicants.

Let's now explore the details of the Master's in Material Science in the USA, including their specializations and total duration.

Masters in Material Science in the USA: Course Details & Specialization

Master’s in Materials Science programs in the USA offer specializations in Nanomaterials, Biomaterials, Energy Materials, AI for Materials Discovery, and more. 

Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis options, pursue accelerated BS+MS pathways, such as those offered at ASU, or opt for online or hybrid formats, as provided by schools like Johns Hopkins and NC State.

Here's a list of popular Masters in Material Science in the USA:

Now, let's take a closer look at the costs of pursuing a Masters in Material Science in USA. 

Cost of Pursuing Masters in Material Science in the USA

Pursuing a Master’s in Materials Science in the USA involves not only tuition fees but also essential living expenses. Monthly utilities typically range from $50–$120 (INR 4.3K–INR 10.3K).

While a public transport pass costs around $20–$60 (INR 1.7K–INR 5.1K). These costs vary by location and lifestyle but are essential to consider when budgeting for graduate study.

Below is the breakdown of the cost of living in the US for international students: 

Note: Cost estimates are yearly and may vary by city and university.

Next, let's explore the various scholarships and financial aid opportunities available to help support your  Masters in Material Science in the USA.

Scholarships for pursuing a  Masters in Material Science in the USA

Master’s students in Materials Science or Metallurgical Engineering in the United States can access scholarships through their respective departments and colleges. 

At the University of Utah, students can apply for departmental scholarships up to $10,000 (INR 8.56L) and additional support through the College of Mines and Earth Sciences (CMES).

Below is the list of US scholarships that you can avail while taking admission in  Masters in Material Science in the USA: 

Internal Scholarships

U.S. universities offer internal scholarships to support students pursuing a Master's in Materials Science. For example, the USC Viterbi Merit Scholarships offer tuition reductions of $5,000–$20,000 (INR 4.3L -17.1L) for admitted full-time master's students, awarded independently of admission decisions. 

Additionally, the TMS Foundation Scholarships, which are aimed at students in metallurgy and materials science, offer $2,000–$5,000 (INR 1.7L-4.3L), along with $500(INR 42.8K) travel grants.

Here are a few internal scholarships available to study abroad for Indian students:

In addition to university-funded scholarships, students can explore external funding opportunities offered by various organizations and foundations. Let’s take a look at some of these options.

External Scholarships

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, offers exceptional financial support for students pursuing a Master’s in Material Science. 

Open to U.S. citizens enrolled in STEM fields, it provides full tuition coverage, a stipend, summer internships, and guaranteed employment with the DoD after graduation, making it a highly attractive option for those seeking both funding and job security.

Here's a breakdown of external scholarships for Material Science students:

Next, let's discuss your job options after completing your Master's in Materials Science in the USA. 

Job Opportunities After Masters in Material Science in the USA

A Master’s in Material Science in the USA opens doors to high-paying, specialized roles in engineering and research. 

Graduates can pursue careers as Materials Engineers, earning an average of $90,563 (INR 77.4L), or as Research Scientists in Materials, with salaries averaging $98,067 (INR 84L), reflecting strong industry demand and advanced technical skillsets.

Here's a detailed look at some of the high-demand job opportunities after doing a  Masters in Material Science in the USA: 

Source: Indeed, Payscale

Note: Salaries and roles may vary based on experience, location, and employer.

Next, look at some of the top recruiters for material science graduates who want to successfully start their career. 

Top Recruiters for Bachelor's in material science in the USA

Graduates with a Master’s in Material Science in the USA are hired by top global companies like Boeing and Intel. At Boeing, roles such as Metallurgical Engineer offer average salaries around $115,000, while Intel hires Semiconductor Materials Scientists with salaries reaching $161,000, highlighting strong career prospects in advanced engineering sectors.

Here are some of the top recruiters and hiring employers for material science graduates in the U.S.:

Source: Payscale, Indeed, Levels

Prepare to take the next step toward a material science course in USA. upGrad provides expert guidance, resources, and support to help you confidently begin your journey. 

How Can upGrad Help You Study  Masters in Material Science in the USA?

upGrad offers end-to-end support to simplify your application journey for material science programs at top U.S. universities. Their all-in-one service helps turn your study abroad goals into reality through:

• Expert Test Prep: Get targeted coaching for GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, and SAT from experienced instructors.
• Personalized Learning Path: Benefit from structured courses and dedicated one-on-one mentorship to keep you on track.
• Full Application Guidance: Receive help with university selection, essays, and documentation throughout the process.
• Visa & Scholarship Support: Access expert advice for visa applications and explore scholarships that fit your academic and financial background.
• Education Loan Planning: Get assistance with budgeting and finding student loans tailored for international students.
• Complete Process Management: From initial research to final enrollment, upGrad handles it all so you can focus on your academic goals.

Planning to pursue a Master’s in Materials Science in the USA? Book a free one-on-one session with upGrad's counselors to increase your chances of gaining admission to a top U.S. university.