Introduction
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Overview
Designed to educate packaging professionals to become experts in the packaging development process, the MS degree in packaging science focuses on how to select raw materials, design, and create functional packaging that withstands environmental, chemical, and physical hazards during distribution and transportation, and to create aesthetically pleasing packages to pique consumer interest. Through a combination of theoretical and application-focused learning experiences, students gain comprehensive knowledge related to packaging design, package testing, product marketing, project management, and quality control.
The packaging science program consists of 36 credit hours comprised of six required core courses, elective courses, and either a comprehensive exam, a capstone project, or a thesis. The total number of elective courses depends on the student's choice of the exam, project, or thesis option. Faculty advisors assist in selecting an option that best meets a student's career aspirations.
Industries
Automotive
Biotech and Life Sciences
Consumer Packaged Goods
Design
Food and Beverage
Medical Devices
Manufacturing
Pharmaceuticals
Typical Job Titles
Packaging Engineer
Packaging Designer
Product Engineer
Packaging Scientist
Packaging Engineering and Merchandising Manager
Package Engineering Technician
Packaging Sales
Structural Designer
Packaging and Display Sales
Packaging Development Engineer
Packaging Project Management Engineer
Display Services Specialist
Curriculum
Packaging Science (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence
First Year
GRCS-701 Research Methods
GRCS-702 Principles of Research Communications
PACK-730 Packaging and the Environment
PACK-742 Distribution Systems
PACK-763Packaging for End Use
Packaging Electives
Second Year
PACK-783 Advanced Packaging Dynamics
PACK-790Research Thesis
Packaging Elective
Packaging Science (capstone project option), MS degree, typical course sequence
First Year
GRCS-701 Research Methods
PACK-742 Distribution Systems
PACK-730 Packaging and the Environment
PACK-763 Packaging for End Use
Packaging Electives
Second Year
PACK-783 Advanced Packaging Dynamics
PACK-797 Graduate Project
Packaging Electives
Packaging Science (comprehensive exam option), MS degree, typical course sequence
First Year
GRCS-701 Research Methods
PACK-742 Distribution Systems
PACK-730 Packaging and the Environment
PACK-763 Packaging for End Use
Packaging Electives
Second Year
PACK-783 Advanced Packaging Dynamics
PACK-795 Comprehensive Examination
Packaging Electives
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the MS program in packaging science, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
Complete a graduate application.
Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) in the final two years of undergraduate course work.
Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are not required. However, in cases where there may be some question of the capability of an applicant to complete the program, applicants may wish to submit scores to strengthen their application.
Students who do not have an equivalent bachelor’s degree in packaging science will be evaluated and the appropriate undergraduate bridge courses will be prescribed. These courses may not be used for credit toward the MS degree.
Applicants are required to have one semester of physics (mechanics focus), one semester of calculus, one year of chemistry (including organic chemistry), statistics, and basic computer literacy.
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. A minimum TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based) is required. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required. The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.
Students who do not have an equivalent bachelor’s degree in packaging science will be evaluated and the appropriate undergraduate bridge courses will be prescribed. These courses may not be used for credit toward the MS degree.
Applicants are required to have one semester of physics (mechanics focus), one semester of calculus, one year of chemistry (including organic chemistry), statistics, and basic computer literacy.
