The program is:

1. Career oriented-graduates are ready to enter directly into a position of responsibility.
2. Interdisciplinary-students become familiar with the many facets of packaging through courses in several RIT colleges.
3. Adaptable to a modified cooperative plan-scheduled at the students' convenience, following development of appropriate skills.
4. Representative of industry needs content developed with the assistance of an industry advisory board, consultants from the industry and educational specialists.

Transfer Admissions

Transferring into the program with advanced standing is particularly advantageous, since RIT has had many years of experience in assimilating graduates of two-year colleges into its programs and moving them directly into a chosen career field. Some candidates in two-year colleges will find in the packaging science program a career opportunity with outstanding potential. Courses for associate degree holders (AA, AS, AAS) are arranged to meet program requirements and to correct deficiencies resulting from work taken at other institutions not offering the courses required for graduation. With a selective choice of electives, graduates of two-year colleges find it possible to complete the packaging science curriculum in two additional years at RIT.

Click here to apply for admissions.

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• Packaging Engineer
• Packaging Designer
• Process Engineer, Packaging
• Principal Engineer
• Associate Packaging Engineer
• Structural Designer
• Packaging Technology Manager
• Packaging Development Engineer
• Technical Package Development
• Packaging Technician
• R&D Packaging Technologist
• Product Design Assistant
• Project Manager
• Lab Technician
• Packaging Engineer I
• Corrugated Designer
• Cosmetic Package Engineer

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Packaging science, BS degree, typical course sequence

*Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.

†Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.

Students are required to choose two out of the following three courses to fulfill the math/science electives requirement: College Physics III (1017-213), Data Analysis II (1016-320), or Microbiology (1004-210).

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0607-201 Principles of Packaging

An overview of packaging that includes the historical development of packaging; the functions of packaging; and the materials, processes and technology employed to protect goods during handling, shipment, and storage. A brief review of container types, package design and development, and research and testing are presented, along with information about economic importance, social implications and packaging as a profession. Class 3, Credit 3

0607-301 Engineering Design Graphics

A basic course in engineering drawing. Topics include, but are not limited to, lettering, line quality, use of instruments, free-hand sketching, orthographic projections, pictorials, sections, auxiliary views and dimensioning. Students learn how drawing is accomplished using a computer-aided drafting (CAD) application package. Drawing assignments required, concentrating on packaging applications. Class 3, Lab 2, Credit 4

0607-311 Packaging Materials I

The study of packaging materials from extraction through conversion and production, physical and chemical properties and uses. Emphasis is on metals and plastics used in packaging and on adhesives and other component materials. Recognized standard testing procedures are presented and students gain practical experience in the operation of various testing instruments, interpretation of results, and evaluation of properties and performance characteristics. (0607-201) Class 3, Lab 2, Credit 4

0607-312 Packaging Materials II

The study of packaging materials from extraction through conversion and production, physical and chemical properties and uses. Emphasis is on paper, paperboard, wood, glass, and propellants used in packaging applications. Recognized standard testing procedures are presented and students gain experience in the operation of various testing instruments, interpretation of results, and evaluation of properties and performance characteristics. (0607- 201) Class 3, Lab 2, Credit 4

0607-321 Rigid Containers

A detailed study of primary packages that includes the history, manufacturing processes, characteristics, and applications for containers in direct contact with the product. Structural design, chemical compatibility, and suitability of container for intended use are analyzed for basic container types. Students practice structural design and testing of prototype containers. Primary emphasis is on rigid paperboard, glass, plastic, and metal containers. (0607-301, 311, 312, 341) Class 3, Lab 2, Credit 4

0607-322 Flexible Containers

Corollary course for 0607-321. Primary emphasis is on flexible paper, foil, plastic and laminated materials and on selected processing techniques. Topics to include folding cartons, heat seal technology and test methodologies, permeability theory, modeling and empirical testing. (0607-301, 311, 312, 341) Class 3, Lab 2, Credit 4

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0607-341 Computer Applications

Application of computer techniques for packaging. Review and analysis of current computer software packages for packaging and packaging- related applications, including design, optimum sizing, prototyping, simulation, and specification preparation. (0607-301) Class 3, Lab 2, Credit 4

0607-401 Career Seminar

Career opportunities in packaging science methods and procedures used in obtaining co-op and entry-level positions will be reviewed. Topics will also cover career advancement within the corporate organization and job changes. (Required prior to co-op, second year.) Class 1, Credit 1

0607-420 Technical Communication

An introduction to the principles of effective written technical communication for the packaging professional. Topics include memos, business letters, summary activity reports, technical proposals, and research papers. Open only to packaging majors and required as part of the packaging programs writing skills certification process. A grade of C or better is required. (0502-227 and 0607-321, 322) Class 3, Credit 3

0607-431 Packaging Productions Systems

A study of package forming and filling, closing, product/package identification, inspection, and other machinery commonly used in packaging, plus consideration of handling and storage/retrieval systems. Students become aware of project management techniques, setting timelines, critical path, and resource evaluation. Quality issues are integrated into line and machinery designs. Students gain practice in setting up complete production lines for packaging various products. (0607-321, 322) Class 4, Credit 4

0607-432 Packaging for Distribution

An exploration of different shipping, storage, and use environments common to various products and packages. Structural design of shipping containers for product physical protection and methods for testing and predicting package performance are studied. (0607-321, 322) Class 2, Lab 4, Credit 4

0607-433 Packaging for Marketing

A study of the interrelationship between packaging and marketing, detailing how the retail consumer package can be used as a marketing tool. The course concentrates on a systematic approach to developing an optimum package for a given product to meet the demands of the retail market. Advertising, marketing demographics, and the impact of color upon packaging are considered. Students gain practice in the development of a complete package system. (0607-431, 432 and 0105-363 or equivalent) Class 4, Credit 4

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0607-462 Packaging Regulations

A detailed study of federal, state, and local regulations that affect packaging. History of the development of packaging law; detailed study of recent packaging regulations, including the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act and the Poison Prevention Packaging Act; consideration of Food and Drug Administration regulation of packaging, including requirements for tamperevident packaging; hazardous materials packaging regulations administered by the Department of Transportation; freight classifications, freight claims; weights and measures law; consumer product safety law; environmental law; and patent, trademark, and copyright law as they apply to packaging. (0607- 431, 432) Class 4, Credit 4

0607-485 Principles of Shock and Vibration

A study of the factors involved in analyzing potential damage to packaged items resulting from impact or vibration forces. Students are expected to master basic mathematical and physical concepts and to use various pieces of testing equipment. (0607-432) Class 2, Lab 4, Credit 4

0607-499 Packaging Co-op

One quarter of appropriate work experience in the packaging industry. Two quarters of co-op experience are required. (0607-321, 322) Credit 0

0607-502 Packaging Materials

This course is the first in a three-course bridge program. It is intended to introduce non-packaging students to the manufacture, physical and chemical properties of basic packaging materials and the evaluation of materials. Materials to be covered will include fiber, glass, polymers, aluminum, and steel. (This course is part of the packaging minor and cannot be taken by packaging majors.) Class 4, Credit 4

0607-503 Packaging Container Systems

This course is the second in a three-course bridge program. It is intended to introduce non-packaging students to the study of primary packages which come in direct contact with products. History, manufacturing processes, characteristics, and application as well as evaluation of containers will be reviewed. (This course is part of the packaging minor and cannot be taken by packaging majors.) Class 4, Credit 4

0607-504 Concepts to Consumers

This course is the third in a three-course bridge program. It is intended to introduce non-packaging students to the role packaging plays from product and package conception and development, through development, marketing, manufacturing and distribution to the final consumer and ultimate disposal. (This course is part of the packaging minor and cannot be taken by packaging majors) Class 4, Credit 4

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0607-520 Packaging Management

A study of packaging organization in the contemporary corporation and project management techniques available to the packaging manager. Organization theory is discussed and compared with typical industry practice. Other topics include PERT, value analysis and the impact of regulatory agencies upon packaging from a management standpoint. (0607-321, 322, or 504) Class 4, Credit 4

0607-524 Packaging Economics

A study of firm behavior with concentration on production costs and revenues. Market structures are analyzed in order to develop an understanding of how packaging fits into the general economy. Students are instructed in the use of basic economic reference materials for research purposes. A paper is required. (0607-321, 322, or 504) Class 4, Credit 4

0607-530 Packaging and the Environment

Consideration of packaging in a social context. Factors that enhance secondary use, recycling, recovery of resources and proper disposal are discussed. Package design in relation to solid waste disposal and materials and energy shortages are considered. Other topics of current social interest are discussed. Primarily a discussion class for senior students. Open to nonmajors. (0607-321, 322, or 504) Class 4, Credit 4

0607-531 Packaging Process Control

An advanced course designed to give packaging students instruction in design, process, and quality control techniques for packaging applications. Topics include the concepts of zero defects, computer applications for control charts, and acceptance sampling. (0607-321, 322, and 1016-319 or equivalent) Class 4, Credit 4

0607-536 Medical Products Packaging

A study of unique requirements for pharmaceuticals and packaging materials and containers for sterilized devices. Current sterilization techniques, impacts on material properties, and distribution requirements are considered for this specialized product group. FDA regulations for product development and manufacturing GMPs are addressed. (0607-321, 322, or 504) Class 4, Credit 4

0607-555 Export Packaging

This course consists of the study of particular forms and requirements for packaging for the export environment. Preservation techniques, international logistics, bulk intermediate containers, packing requirements, the export handling, transport and storage environment and related topics. (0607-321, 322, or 504) Class 4, Credit 4

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0607-568 Food Preservation and Packaging

A study of food products, common methods of processing and preservation, impact on quality and nutritional value of the product, and the relationships with common packaging methods and distribution practices. (0607-321, 322, or 504) Class 4, Credit 4

0607-575 Technical Skills for Professional Sales

Introduction to a systematic problem-solving methodology in the sales profession. The core of the course explains the systematic 13 steps that lead to professional sales success. The rationale for each step is thoroughly explained, as are the procedures for implementing it. This course is required for all entering TM and D students. (0607-321, 322) Class 4, Credit 4

0607-577 Packaging Internship

This course number is used by students in the packaging science program for earning internship credits. The number of credits and the nature of on-location experience is determined by the student’s adviser, subject to approval of the department. Credit variable 1–8

0607-590 Senior Thesis

An in-depth study of a selected phase of packaging that enables the student to make use of the knowledge and skills acquired during the course of the program. Credit 4

0607-596 Honors Packaging Science Independent Study

A supervised investigation within an advanced packaging science area of student interest. The student must be a registered CAST/RIT honors program student. Consent of the instructor and the department approval are required. Variable Credit 1–4

0607-598 Independent Study

Undergraduate research, in consultation with the instructor, on any packaging- related topic. Approvals are necessary from the department chair. (Undergraduate Research and Independent Study (0607-598 and 599) combined total credit allowed is limited to a maximum of 8 credits.) Credit variable 1-8

0607-599 Independent Study

Independent study, in consultation with the instructor, on any packaging- related topic. Approvals are necessary from the department chair. (Undergraduate Research and Independent Study (0607-598 and 599) combined total credit allowed is limited to a maximum of 8 credits.) Credit variable 1-8

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Program Accreditation

The BS in Packaging Science is accredited by:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2680
Telephone (215) 662-5600

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