Overview

The Materials programme at the University of California, Santa Barbara provides a comprehensive foundation in the physical and chemical properties of matter. This curriculum is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in research, development, and industrial applications within the global scientific community.

As a premier institution for engineering and physical sciences, the university fosters a collaborative atmosphere where students engage with complex challenges. The department is recognised for its pioneering contributions to the field, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the technical expertise required for modern innovation.

Academic excellence is at the heart of the department, which consistently ranks among the top institutions globally for materials science and engineering.

Why Materials at the University of California, Santa Barbara?

The University of California, Santa Barbara is home to a world-renowned faculty, including Nobel laureates and members of the National Academy of Engineering. This high concentration of expertise provides students with unparalleled mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge scientific advancements.

The campus features specialised research facilities that are among the most advanced in the world. These resources allow students to conduct high-impact research in areas such as quantum materials, polymers, and biomaterials, supported by significant institutional investment and federal research funding.

Strategic partnerships with industry leaders and national laboratories provide students with unique opportunities for professional networking and collaborative projects. These connections ensure the curriculum remains relevant to the evolving needs of the global technology and manufacturing sectors.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14430 per year
National fee: USD 14430 per year
Local fee: USD 14430 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Materials Science
Chemistry
Bioengineering
Chemical Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology
Physics
Earth Science

Careers with Materials

Graduates from this programme are highly sought after by leading technology firms, aerospace companies, and research institutions. The rigorous training prepares individuals for roles as research scientists, materials engineers, and technical consultants in diverse global industries.

Many alumni pursue successful careers in the semiconductor industry, renewable energy sector, and medical device manufacturing. The analytical and problem-solving skills developed during the course also enable graduates to excel in academic research and senior management positions within engineering firms.

Programme Structure

Courses

Materials

Applied Mechanics

Chemistry

Biology

Solid-State Physics.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-21 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Barbara, United States

Disciplines

Materials Science Chemistry View 427 other Masters in Chemistry in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Students with a B.S. degree (having a 3.2 minimum grade-point average) are eligible to be admitted to M.S./Ph.D. status and those with an M.S. degree (having a 3.5 minimum grade-point average) are eligible to be admitted to Ph.D. status.

Satisfactory performance in all sections of the Graduate Record Examination is required, with emphasis on superior performance in the quantitative GRE.

Applicants whose native language is not English must receive a score of at least 100 on the internet based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), 600 on the paper based test, or complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) prior to admission to UCSB.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year
Out-of-State

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Barbara

United States

1640 - 2480 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Materials.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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