Difference between chemical and materials engineering

Hi Best,

Materials engineering/materials science is more about understanding the fundamentals of materials themselves and how/why they perform the way they do.  It says at the Bureau of Labor Statistics that “Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and biomedical devices. They study the properties and structures of metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, nanomaterials (extremely small substances), and other substances to create new materials that meet certain mechanical, electrical, and chemical requirements.” (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/materials-engineers.htm)  If you pursue a materials engineering (or materials science) degree you'll likely take classes about crystalline and amorphous materials, heat treating, thermodynamics, phase diagrams, transport theory (heat and mass, though not as intense as in ChemE), mechanics of materials, and you may take classes on different types of materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, biomedical materials, etc.  I use my materials science knowledge at NASA to study the durability of spacecraft materials in the space environment.  For example, I use many of the laboratory techniques I learned during my B.S. & M.S. materials science courses, such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile testing, for my spaceflight experiments to study the degradation of materials after space exposure.  This knowledge is then used to help engineers design more durable spacecraft.

Chemical engineering (ChemE) seems to be more about understanding the processes involved in making large-scale manufacturing.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics say that “Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods and byproducts treatment, and direct facility operations.” (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/chemical-engineers.htm)  From what I understand, there is more chemistry and math involved in ChemE than materials science & engineering.  

Perhaps another general way to look at it could be that materials science & engineering is typically more research/testing laboratory work, and chemical engineering is typically more large scale manufacturing/processing work.

I think showing a true interest in either engineering discipline in your personal statement will be a benefit to you, and help you get into a good university.  I did not pick my major in materials science until the end of my sophomore year at Michigan State University, after I learned some about the field.  So, don’t feel that showing an interest in one engineering discipline over another will lock you into a degree and career path.  You have plenty of time to explore, and chose a particular field once you’ve started your college studies.

I hope this helps & good luck!

Kim