Packaging Science

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.

What is Packaging Science?

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.

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.

Green Belt – Lean Six Sigma

Students may elect to pursue Green Belt certificate in Lean Six Sigma with the completion of the thesis or capstone project. Certification requires students to complete the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification training program as one of their electives. Upon completion, students must implement the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma within their thesis or capstone project.

Typical Job Titles