Packaging science is a dynamic field that integrates engineering, design, and business to develop and design product packaging for a range of consumer goods. Packaging engineers and packaging designers focus on understanding the packaging needs of a product and what it must accomplish. These needs can range from maintaining food freshness and safety, keeping products safe from damage during transportation, appealing to consumers at the point of purchase, communicating product information, sustaining transportation efficiency, complying with sustainable practices for post-use recycling and reuse, and more. It’s the role of packaging engineers and packaging designers to responsibility weigh these factors into the conceptualization, design, and development of product packaging.

Designed for packaging professionals to become experts in the packaging development process, the master's in packaging science focuses on selecting raw materials, developing environmentally friendly packaging solutions, and creating functional packaging that withstands environmental, chemical, and physical stresses during distribution and transportation. The program will also help you to keep these functional aspects in mind as you develop attractive packaging designs that are aesthetically pleasing as they pique consumer interest. This master's in packaging science combines theoretical and hands-on learning experiences that enable you to gain comprehensive knowledge related to packaging design, package testing, product marketing, project management, and quality control.

Packaging Engineering Courses

The master's in packaging science consists of core courses, elective courses, and either a comprehensive exam, capstone project, or 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.

Core courses cover topics such as packaging dynamics, packaging and the environment, product packaging for end use, and distribution systems including supply chain management. Elective courses are approved by the student’s advisor and must meet degree requirements. In certain circumstances, with pre-approval by the graduate advisor and where individual need indicates appropriateness, a limited number of upper-level undergraduate courses may be used to fulfill elective credit. Students, with advisor permission, may include independent study as part of their elective credits. However, independent study may not be used toward the required packaging core course work. Courses selected for elective credit may be combined to create special areas of focus with program chair approval.

Packaging Science (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
GRCS-701    Research Methods    3
PACK-730    Packaging and the Environment    3
PACK-742    Distribution Systems    3
PACK-763    Packaging for End Use    3
     
Packaging Electives
12
Second Year
PACK-783    Advanced Packaging Dynamics    3
PACK-790    Research Thesis    6
     
Packaging Elective
3
Total Semester Credit Hours    
36
Packaging Science (capstone project option), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
GRCS-701    Research Methods    3
PACK-742    Distribution Systems    3
PACK-730    Packaging and the Environment    3
PACK-763    Packaging for End Use    3
     
Packaging Electives
12
Second Year
PACK-783    Advanced Packaging Dynamics    3
PACK-797    Graduate Project    3
     
Packaging Electives
6
Total Semester Credit Hours    
36
Packaging Science (comprehensive exam option), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
GRCS-701    Research Methods    3
PACK-742    Distribution Systems    3
PACK-730    Packaging and the Environment    3
PACK-763    Packaging for End Use    3
     
Packaging Electives
12
Second Year
PACK-783    Advanced Packaging Dynamics    3
PACK-795    Comprehensive Examination    0
     
Packaging Electives 9
Total Semester Credit Hours    36

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS program in packaging science, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for information on application deadlines, entry terms, and more.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
• Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) in the final two years of undergraduate course work.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of recommendation are required. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• Not all programs require the submission of scores from entrance exams (GMAT or GRE). Please refer to the Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements page for more information.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• Applicants 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.
• Have completed at least 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 official test scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for additional information on English requirements. International applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver. Refer to Additional Requirements for International Applicants to review waiver eligibility.

Tuition fee-2 years1,06,000

Total fee-2 years1,44,000