Packaging - Master of Science

Emphasis is placed upon a broad education in packaging that includes an area of study referenced above. Student participation in seminars and in the teaching program, where appropriate, is designed to broaden the student's background for future career activities.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Entering graduate students are expected to have a bachelor's degree in packaging or a related undergraduate field. Students lacking the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in packaging may be admitted provisionally and be required to complete collateral courses to make up any deficiencies. These collateral courses will not count toward degree requirements.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in  Packaging

The master’s degree program in packaging is available under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30 credits is required for the degree under Plan A or Plan B. The student’s program of study must be approved by either the student’s guidance committee (Plan A) or the student’s major professor (Plan B).

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B

The student must:

1. Complete 15 credits in Packaging courses at the 400-level or above. More than half of the 30 credits required for the degree must be at the 800-level or above.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of basic statistics.

Additional Requirements for Plan A

1. Packaging 825 and 860.
2. Packaging 805 or 815.
3. An additional 3 credits in 800-900 level Packaging courses excluding Packaging 888, 890, and 899.
4. At least six, but not more than eight, credits of Packaging 899.

Additional Requirements for Plan B

1. Packaging 805, 815, and 825.
2. An additional 6 credits in 800-900 level Packaging courses excluding Packaging 888, 890, and 899.
3. Pass a final Plan B examination. 

Due to cancellations of many international English language proficiency tests, MSU will be temporarily accepting the following tests for international students applying for fall semester 2022. In addition, MSU will be expanding the ability for students to receive provisional admission. If a provisionally admitted student is able to take a test that meets our regular admission standards prior to enrollment, we will update their admission status to regular.