Graduate Study
Packaging Science
Program Overview
The master of science in packaging science is designed to meet the needs of professionals who have been working in the field for a number of years, and also is suitable for those students who wish to pursue a graduate program immediately upon earning a bachelor of science degree. The program is available through part-time or full-time campus study.
An executive leader option is also available. The executive leader format requires two summer campus residencies of two weeks each with the remainder of the program completed through online study.
Curriculum Review
The curriculum is composed of three components: packaging core courses, research, and elective credit. The MS program requires completion of 48 credits (12 courses) of graduate-level course work, as follows:
Packaging core course work
Completion of a minimum of 20 credits in graduate-level packaging courses, including Research Methods (0607-701), and any four of the following:
0607-72I Packaging Administration
0607-731 Advanced Packaging Economics
0607-742 Distribution Systems
0607-750 Graduate Seminar
0607-752 The Legal Environment
0607-763 Packaging for End-Use
0607-770 Advanced Computer Applications
0607-783 Packaging Dynamics
0607-798 Advanced Food Packaging
0607-799 Advanced Packaging Design
Core and elective courses must have advisory approval. Courses selected for elective credit can be combined to create specialties in packaging science, print media, or service management, for example.
Research
Students in the master’s program will be required to prepare and defend a 12-credit graduate thesis (0607-890) completed under the supervision of their adviser. The type of research done and the area of study will be agreed upon by the student and the adviser before the student enrolls for graduate thesis credits. Students may also elect to take up to eight credits of Independent Study (0607-798), but this may NOT be used as credit toward the 20 credits of packaging core course work.
Elective credit
In addition to the packaging core and the thesis each student will complete a minimum of 16 elective credits selected in consultation with the adviser to complete the degree requirement.
Students may also elect to take up to eight credits of Independent Study (0607-978), but this may not be used as credit towards the 20 credits of packaging core course work.
In general, graduate-level course work will be selected to meet degree requirements, but, in limited circumstances where individual need indicates it would be appropriate, a limited number of 500-level undergraduate courses (not to exceed 12 credits, in total) may be used to fulfill elective credit.
Executive leader option
This intensive program consists of two two-week summer sessions, online learning, and a research project. It is conducted over two consecutive summers. Candidates should be practicing packaging professionals with a minimum of five years of work experience beyond the baccalaureate degree. Admission to the executive leader MS program also requires endorsements from the student’s senior management or administrative personnel.
The structure of the program provides individuals an opportunity to obtain their advanced degree without disrupting their employment. Graduate credit granted for life and professional experiences is determined by an executive leader portfolio assessment.
The program concentrates on the application of packaging technology to the supply chain. Candidates are encouraged to align research project goals with current job responsibilities.
Career Outcomes
Job TitlesPackaging Engineer, Sales Representative, Packaging Specialist, Production/Quality Assurance Supervisor, Designer, Packaging Lab Manager, Packaging Development Technologist
Functions
Design/Development, Lab Testing/Evaluation, Specifications Development, Material Studies, Sales/Marketing, Vendor Liaison, Cost Estimating Control, Quality Control, Purchasing, Manufacturing Distribution Supervision
Recent Employers
Alcoa, Corning, DuPont Merck, Estee Lauder, Federal Express, First Brands Corp, Glaxo Wellcome, International Paper, Johnson & Johnson, Kraft Foods, McNeil Consumer Products, Owens-Illinois, Sony Electronics
Admission Requirements
Students entering the program will have a graduate academic adviser appointed and will develop their programs of study in consultation with their adviser. They may utilize the model curriculum to complete their degree requirements, or may propose alternative course work. All programs must be consistent with the general outline of the model curriculum and have advisory approval. In instances where the student has insufficient academic or practical preparation to study packaging at the graduate level, he or she will work out an appropriate program to correct such deficiency, generally by completing the following undergraduate courses: Packaging Materials, Container Systems and Concepts to Consumer. These courses may not be used for credit toward the MS degree.
Further, a basic competence in statistics and basic computer literacy will be assumed. Applicants for graduate study may satisfy these requirements by completing the equivalent of 0307-711 and completing a course in computer applications. Lacking this background, applicants will be required to take 0307-711 and/or 0607-341, or equivalent course work to remedy a background deficiency.
Application for admission for graduate study in packaging will be made through the Office of Graduate Enrollment Services. Final acceptance of the candidate for graduate study will be determined by the department of packaging science. All applicants must have earned a 3.0 ("B") average grade in their final two years of undergraduate degree work. Submit transcripts of undergraduate work to RIT’s Office of Graduate Enrollment Services, along with two letters of recommendation to the department of packaging science. In those cases where there may be some question of the capability of the applicant to complete this program, he or she may be required to submit his or her scores on the Graduate Record Examination to support the candidacy.