Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering

Our graduate program consistently ranks highly in the U.S. News and World Report; 2023 rankings place us as the #2 materials science and engineering program in the U.S. Diversifying our community of students, faculty and staff is fundamental to our mission of sustaining and pushing forward excellence in academics and research, and we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.

The Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering program is directed at students hoping to pursue a research career in academia, industry or national labs. Carrying out research in state-of-the-art facilities and routinely crossing disciplinary lines, our Ph.D. students work with world-class faculty on complex problems and make discoveries that will change the world.

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a formidable force in engineering. Our sought-after faculty, top-flight rankings, and award-winning graduates haven't just turned heads - they've changed the world. The list of inventions and innovations, prize-winners and patents, solutions, and start-ups that have come from Grainger Engineering is too long to list. Our high-achieving and determined learners, coupled with our high standards and powerful opportunities, yield great rewards not only for our students but for all. 38 top ten ranked degrees and specialties, 28 in the top 5 #5 overall undergraduate engineering program #11 overall graduate engineering program 98% of students secure top-choice employment or continued education 5 year Ph.D. funding guarantee.

Our Impact

The Grainger College of Engineering is one of the top engineering programs in the world, enabling individuals to improve their quality of life through education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal engagement. Our graduates and faculty transform the world for the better.

Leading excellence in engineering education and research

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois is a leader in engineering and computing education, research, and public engagement. Our diverse, tight-knit community of faculty, students, and alumni is driving the future of technological advancements and innovation, relentlessly pursuing knowledge and empowering the next generation of engineers. Collectively, we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible to solve the world's greatest challenges and leaving a lasting legacy of excellence.

• 10,000+ students from 50 states and 100+ countries
• 400+ expert faculty leading breakthrough research
• 38 top-ten-ranked degree programs and specialties
• $221M in total research expenditures
• 97,000+ alumni worldwide
• $75,450 average BS degree starting salary
• 60+ labs, research centers, and institutes
• 9+ multidisciplinary research centers