UT Launches New Materials Science Bachelor’s Program

The University of Texas at Austin is launching a new materials science and engineering undergraduate degree program, building on the University's leadership in engineering by preparing students for one of today's most critical fields. The Cockrell School of Engineering began accepting applications for the new Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering program on Aug. 1, 2026, for enrollment beginning in the Fall 2027 semester.

Students will be equipped to tackle the most pressing issues of modern technology: longer-lasting batteries for cars, phones and laptops; building blocks for microelectronic and quantum systems; materials that can withstand extreme environments in space and nuclear reactors; and new processes to synthesize materials with tailored properties. Advanced materials are the core of these innovations, driving advancements that will take people back to the moon (and beyond), enhance human health, power our society and push the limits of computing.

"I'm very excited to add this new degree program to expand our world-class engineering education offerings," said Roger Bonnecaze, dean of the Cockrell School of Engineering. "These students are going to be the problem solvers sitting at the intersection of engineering, chemistry, physics and biology."

Students in the new program will engage with research starting in their first year and put their skills to the test during their final year with a capstone design project. These projects are supported by industry partners and are structured to give student teams experience with realistic engineering challenges.

"Our relationship with industry and our emphasis on real-world learning will ensure graduates are ready not just for the problems for tech right now, but years in the future," said Bonnecaze.

Students will learn how materials are designed, simulated, tested and improved, including understanding how they respond to heat, electricity, stress and the chemical environment. Computing is integrated throughout the curriculum to accelerate materials discovery and understanding.

Austin's location adds another layer to the program. The city is a hotbed of technological and manufacturing innovation, with Dell Technologies, Samsung, Tesla, AMD, Texas Instruments and many other global companies operating manufacturing facilities within an hour's drive of campus.

The new program represents the 12^th undergraduate degree offered at the Cockrell School. UT already boasts top faculty researchers and facilities in materials science and a top-20 graduate program through the Texas Materials Institute. The Texas Advanced Computing Center, the Texas Institute for Electronics, the Microelectronics Research Center and the Center for Dynamics and Control of Materials provide additional opportunities to enrich the student experience.

Texas Engineers invented the lithium-ion battery and are at the cutting edge of nanomaterials for semiconductors and sensors. UT materials scientists currently work on everything from broad-spectrum medical treatments to smarter ways to recycle plastics.

For more information and to apply, visit the program webpage.