Careers

The field of materials science and engineering encompasses a broad array of scientific fields and specialties, and graduates of the discipline have a correspondingly wide range of opportunities. MSE professionals build dynamic futures throughout the private and public spheres — working as engineers and researchers with multinational firms, professors at prominent academic institutions, entrepreneurs at innovative startups, or policy advisors for governmental organizations. 

Thanks to their in-depth understanding of the far-ranging forces that influence and are affected by materials, MSE professionals are exceptionally well positioned for multi-phased careers. For many of those individuals, the transition from education to career begins a journey to effect positive change in the world, rather than the pursuit of a narrowly defined position or work environment. Furthermore, because MSE focuses on fundamental, natural phenomena, the discoveries that materials scientists and engineers create — and the skills they possess — never become obsolete.

A degree in materials science and engineering may lead to a career in an engineering or a technical field, to graduate school in materials science and engineering or a related field, or to work in a non-technical field such as law or finance. Here's a sampling of where Course III alumni from 2011 have gone after graduation.

MIT’s Global Education and Career Development Office guides students as they explore and prepare for careers or apply to graduate or professional schools.