Studies defects, thin films and nanostructures that determine device performance.
Pay82
Resists AI78
Barrier to entry88
A Materials science background connects to 3 professions on this site, ranked by pay. Each card explains why the major still matters for that job.
Where it leads
Where chemistry meets solid-state physics and engineering — the growth areas of energy storage, semiconductors and sustainable materials recruit heavily from both materials science and chemistry.
Pay55
Resists AI70
Barrier to entry62
Silicon escapements, antimagnetic alloys, ceramic cases and new lubricants have made materials knowledge central to the industry's R&D — the field that changed watches most since 2000.
Pay42
Resists AI80
Barrier to entry45
Where this major is taught
MIT
United StatesMajor quantum-information and engineering research programs.
University of Waterloo
CanadaHome to the Institute for Quantum Computing.
ETH Zurich
SwitzerlandStrong quantum-device and information research.
University of Oxford
United KingdomLeading trapped-ion and quantum-network research.
Delft University of Technology
NetherlandsKnown for quantum nanoscience and hardware.
University of Tokyo
JapanMajor quantum physics and technology research.
Seoul National University
South KoreaStrong physics and semiconductor research.
Technical University of Munich
GermanyConnects quantum research with German industry.
University of Cambridge
United KingdomFrom the pneumatic chemists to Alexander Todd's nucleotide work, one of the oldest continuous chemistry traditions in the world, with a dense Nobel lineage.
Kyoto University
JapanTrained Kenichi Fukui, Asia's first chemistry Nobel laureate (1981), and lithium-ion battery laureate Akira Yoshino; Japan's strongest pure-chemistry tradition.
Peking University
ChinaChina's leading chemistry faculty and a principal feeder of the country's now world-largest chemical research output and industry.
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
IndiaIndia's premier research institution, home base of solid-state chemistry pioneer C. N. R. Rao and the top domestic route into chemical research.
Credentials on this path
PhD in quantum science or engineering
GlobalThe standard research credential for many hardware and architecture roles.
Cleanroom safety certification
GlobalRequired locally before working independently in microfabrication facilities.
Laser safety certification
GlobalRequired training for laboratories using hazardous optical systems.
IEEE quantum courses
GlobalProfessional education that supplements, rather than replaces, laboratory experience.
ACS-approved degree
United StatesThe American Chemical Society's Committee on Professional Training certifies bachelor's programs meeting its curriculum and laboratory standards; a "certified" ACS degree signals a full-rigor chemistry education to employers and graduate schools.
Chartered Chemist (CChem)
United Kingdom & CommonwealthAwarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry to members who demonstrate sustained professional practice and competence beyond the degree; the standard mark of a senior professional chemist in the UK, Ireland and much of the Commonwealth.
European Chemist (EurChem)
European UnionA pan-European professional designation administered through the European Chemical Society's registration board, recognizing an education and experience standard equivalent to chartered status across member countries.
Hazardous Materials Engineer license (危険物取扱者)
JapanA national license under Japan's Fire Service Act required to handle or supervise regulated quantities of dangerous substances; the Class A (kō) grade, covering all categories, is a standard credential for Japanese industrial chemists.