Material science courses can help you learn about the properties of materials, material selection, nanotechnology, and the principles of thermodynamics. You can build skills in analyzing material behavior, conducting experiments, and applying statistical methods to interpret data. Many courses introduce tools such as scanning electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction, and software for modeling material properties, that support practical applications in industries like aerospace, electronics, and biomedical engineering.

Arizona State University
Skills you'll gain: Materials science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Engineering, Physical Science
★ 4.7 (239) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Arizona State University
Skills you'll gain: Materials science, Failure Analysis, Semiconductors, Manufacturing Processes, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Engineering, Structural Analysis, Production Process, Laboratory Testing, Mechanics, Physical Science, Process Engineering, Engineering Calculations, Engineering Analysis, Reliability, Technical Standard
★ 4.7 (303) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of California, Davis
Skills you'll gain: Materials science, Semiconductors, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Failure Analysis, Structural Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Electrical Engineering, Thermal Management, Mechanics, Electronics
★ 4.7 (4.5K) · Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Skills you'll gain: Materials science, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Manufacturing Processes, Physical Science, Schematic Diagrams, Mechanics, Mathematical Modeling
★ 4.6 (203) · Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months

Arizona State University
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Electronic Components, Materials science, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Manufacturing Processes, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics, Thermal Management, Chemical Engineering, Structural Analysis, Chemistry, Failure Analysis, Physical Science, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Calculations
★ 4.6 (216) · Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Skills you'll gain: Structural Analysis, Materials science, Semiconductors, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematical Modeling, Coordination, Analytical Chemistry, Laboratory Research, Applied Mathematics
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
Skills you'll gain: Materials science, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Semiconductors, Innovation, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Analytical Testing, Analytical Chemistry, Manufacturing Processes
★ 4.6 (1.2K) · Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Georgia Institute of Technology
Skills you'll gain: Materials science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physical Science, Mechanics
★ 4.8 (1.3K) · Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Georgia Institute of Technology
Skills you'll gain: Materials science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Processes, Engineering, Process Engineering, Schematic Diagrams, Physical Science, Three-Phase
★ 4.8 (1.1K) · Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Dashboard Creation, Dashboard, Data Presentation, Plotly, Data Visualization Software, Web Scraping, Data Visualization, Data Wrangling, Plot (Graphics), Exploratory Data Analysis, Model Evaluation, Data Analysis, Data Import/Export, Python Programming, Data Science, NumPy, Data Compilation, Data Collection, Machine Learning
★ 4.6 (62K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

John Wiley & Sons
Skills you'll gain: Systems Of Measurement, Chemistry, Radiation Protection, Physical Science, Scientific Methods, Arithmetic, Chemical Engineering, Electronics, Applied Mathematics, Problem Solving
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Skills you'll gain: Materials science, Analytical Testing, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, electromagnetics, Laboratory Research, Scientific Visualization, Laboratory Equipment, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Schematic Diagrams
★ 4.5 (126) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
High-quality free Material Science courses you can start today.
Top-rated Material Science courses offered by Arizona State University on Coursera.
Top-rated beginner-friendly Material Science courses with no prerequisites.
Material science is the study of the properties, performance, and applications of materials. It encompasses a wide range of substances, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Understanding material science is crucial because it drives innovation in various industries, from aerospace to electronics, by enabling the development of new materials that can enhance product performance, reduce costs, and improve sustainability.
A career in material science can lead to various job opportunities across multiple sectors. Common roles include materials engineer, research scientist, quality control analyst, and product development engineer. These positions often involve working on the design and testing of materials, ensuring they meet specific performance criteria, and collaborating with teams to innovate and improve existing products.
To succeed in material science, you should develop a strong foundation in several key skills. These include analytical thinking, problem-solving, and a solid understanding of chemistry and physics. Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software and data analysis tools is also beneficial. Additionally, hands-on experience with laboratory techniques and materials testing can significantly enhance your practical knowledge.
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in material science. One notable option is the Material Processing course, which covers essential concepts and techniques in the field. Other courses may focus on specific applications or advanced topics, allowing learners to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.
Yes. You can start learning material science on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in material science, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning material science can be approached through a combination of online courses, textbooks, and hands-on experiments. Start by enrolling in introductory courses to build your foundational knowledge. Supplement your learning with practical projects, such as materials testing or creating prototypes, to apply what you've learned in real-world scenarios.
Typical topics covered in material science courses include the structure and properties of materials, phase diagrams, material processing techniques, and failure analysis. Courses may also explore advanced topics such as nanomaterials, biomaterials, and the environmental impact of materials, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field.
For training and upskilling employees in material science, courses that focus on practical applications and industry-relevant skills are ideal. The Material Processing course is a strong choice, as it provides insights into material selection and processing techniques that are essential for professionals in the field.