Aj, Singapore AddedWednesday, August 10, 2016 at 8:09 AM Material Science and Engineering Hello! I am interested in studying material science & engineering but the university I intend to apply to does not offer this specific course. Will chemical engineering be a sufficiently close substitute, such that it would provide me with sufficient foundation to do a graduate degree on MSE in the future, or would Natural Sciences be a better choice for now? Thank you! :) Related to Materials, Merging Fields, Preparation for College Reset Sort By Default Katherine Faber , Northwestern University Answered Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 8:09 AM Hi Aj, Some chemical engineering programs have courses and research in "soft" or polymeric or biological materials. These would certainly give you a foundation for graduate studies in materials science and engineering. Alternatively, some mechanical engineering programs allow students to specialize in materials. In mechanical engineering, the concentration would likely be more focussed on structural materials. A background in the natural sciences, physics or chemistry, would also be provide the necessary background for materials science and engineering, as these are the underpinnings of the discipline. Throughout my career I've had graduate students with undergraduate degrees in physics, mechanical engineering, bioengineering, geology, as well as materials science, and all have fared well. So, you have many choices, all of which will furnish you with a background appropriate for advanced studies in materials. I would advise you to pick what is of greatest interest to you, as this is a great motivator to do well. Good luck! Katherine Faber