GRADUATE STUDIES

The School of Packaging offers both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Packaging.  Both programs are quite flexible, and allow students to increase both the breadth and depth of their knowledge in packaging, as well as expand their knowledge in related areas.

Students choosing the Plan A (Thesis) M.S. program will include a substantial research experience in their learning. Students choosing the Plan B (Non-thesis) M.S. program will have a less extensive research experience, but will take more coursework in packaging.

Ph.D. students will have an extensive and intensive research experience, as well as additional coursework. Completion of an M.S. degree is required for admission to the Ph.D. program.

At the graduate level, the student body is best characterized by its diversity. There is a substantial representation of international students from a variety of countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Many students, both international and domestic, have completed undergraduate degrees in a discipline other than packaging. 
Engineering and science-related degrees are most prevalent, but business degrees are not uncommon, and other degrees have included printing technology, product design, and many more.

Employment prospects at the graduate level are excellent. Few students leave the program without at least one job offer in hand. Graduates are more likely to go into education, research, or management positions than undergraduates, and less likely to go into production positions.   However, the variety of types of companies employing graduates is just as wide.