To work as a materials engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree in materials engineering; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree in materials engineering. Many four-year colleges and universities offer this program of study. You may need between four and five years to complete this program.

Some jobs require a master's or doctoral degree (PhD). For instance, if you are interested in teaching materials engineering, you need a PhD. Also, many students go on to graduate school to specialize in an area of materials engineering.

Work experience

You should consider participating in an engineering internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

In certain fields employers will seek engineers with a few years of experience in a particular or related field.

On-the-job training

New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. You work on more difficult tasks and get more independence in your work as you gain knowledge and experience. The length of training varies by employer and your skills. You may receive up to one year of on-the-job training.