by our College Data Analytics TeamDid you know that ceramics are part of almost every modern technology? Ceramics are needed in electronics, transportation, defense systems, and environmental technologies. As a Ceramic Engineering major you will learn how to use mathematical concepts and science to develop materials. These materials are porcelain, cement, and ceramics; they are not metal or organic materials such as plants or animals.
Courses they may be required to take in the subject could include, but are not limited to: chemistry, engineering graphics, introduction to engineering, engineering mechanics, physics, electrical engineering, statistics, pottery, art, applied mathematics, and design. However, there are only a handful of schools that offer this major, so it is important to know that you want to go into this field when you are apply to college.
Studying Ceramic Engineering explores Ceramic Sciences And Engineering. Continue reading for the essential details every ceramic engineering major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering ceramic engineering programs.
Across the country, ceramic engineering is a widely-pursued major, with 77 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Ceramic Engineering Schools ranking analyzes these 4 schools to determine the best overall colleges for ceramic engineering students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of ceramic engineering programs later in this article.
Coursework for Ceramic Engineering develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations ceramic engineering graduates commonly enter.
This major appeals to those who are curious and innovative and love to spend time experimenting, inventing, and solving puzzles. The curriculum is heavy with science and math, and students will need to hone their critical thinking skills as well. Using reason and logic along with deductive reasoning will help you find solutions to the problems that you come across.
Good communication skills will assist you in completing oral presentations and written assignments, as well as listening to feedback and ideas. Although engineering students aren't typically as interested in English language and literature, it's important to take classes that will teach you effective writing skills. You will be required to write plans and reports clearly so that even people without a background in ceramic engineering can understand the plan.
You will also be asked to work in teams to complete projects with your classmates. This will prepare you for the workforce when you are asked to work with engineers from other backgrounds and scientists to find a solution to the problem presented. You will need to accept input from your professional peers as well present and defend your own ideas.
The skill set developed in a ceramic engineering program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a ceramic engineering major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several ceramic engineering degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 48 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 19 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 10 |
People currently working in careers related to ceramic engineering tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 36.6% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 24.8% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 12.0% |
| Master’s degree | 11.0% |
| Post-doctoral training | 10.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 1.2% |
| First professional degree | 1.1% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 0.9% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.2% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in ceramic engineering careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
As a ceramic engineer you will develop materials to help make them useful products. This can range from creating spaceships or rocket nozzles to glass for LCD displays.
A degree in ceramic engineering can lead to numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to ceramic engineering.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to ceramic engineering.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Chemical Engineers | 215,233 | 0.7% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 207,139 | 9.0% |
| Materials Engineers | 40,988 | -4.9% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of ceramic engineering graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $73,133 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for ceramic engineering graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers ceramic engineering grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Chemical Engineers | $130,903 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,889 |
| Materials Engineers | $52,129 |
With 4 different ceramic engineering programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased ceramic engineering school rankings to help you.
Students interested in ceramic engineering, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Ceramic Sciences and Engineering | 77 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 42,939 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | 26,760 |
| Civil Engineering | 20,005 |
| Computer Engineering | 19,986 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | 13,914 |
| Engineering, General | 13,411 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10,939 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | 9,596 |
| Industrial Engineering | 8,533 |
| Systems Engineering | 3,956 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
