Packaging Science


Department of
Packaging Science
Breadcrumb
- RIT/
- College of Engineering Technology/
- Academics/
- Departments/
- Packaging Science
Overview
RIT’s packaging science program, established in 1972, is one of the most unique and respected in the country. One of only a handful in the nation to offer the program, the discipline provides students exposure to laboratory experience and real-life problem solving. Embedded into the program is the required full-time co-op with a company, and RIT is the only institute in the country that requires all packaging science students to experience this opportunity. This allows students to develop their professional skills, expand their real-world experience, and, most importantly, broaden their industry contacts. RIT's relationship with industry leaders and the skills students obtain in development, sales, and purchasing results in professional careers within this multi-billion dollar industry. This relationship, along with the faculty being packaging professionals, ensures that students acquire the most current technological knowledge base.
200+
Real industry student projects each year
8+
Possible focus areas: sustainable packaging, packaging design, biopolymers, shock and vibration, pharmaceutical, medical products, and food packaging
1
International Safe Transit Association Certified Packaging Dynamics and Research Lab
Latest News
-
June 9, 2022
Montgomery teenager earns highest rank in both Girl and Boy Scouts
The Times Herald-Record features Lia Grammer, a second-year packaging science student.
-
May 23, 2022
College of Engineering Technology combines print and packaging departments to elevate strategic, career focus
This change comes about to further address the interdisciplinary trends and growth taking place in both the evolving print and packaging industries. It reflects the college and RIT’s focus on aligning programs to better provide a highly skilled workforce for each area.
-
May 9, 2022
2021-2022 Distinguished Alumni Awards: Jason Aymerich
Jason Aymerich BS ’00 is president of JN White and is being honored by the College of Engineering Technology.
Featured Work
Excellence in Design
RIT student team
Four of eight student design teams from RIT that were entered in the national Paperboard Packaging Alliance competition were awarded top placements for excellence in design. The Misfit Burst took...
Collaborative design
Karen Proctor
Karen Proctor, professor of packaging science, worked with faculty from graphic design and industrial design to provide students with a unique opportunity for collaborative design. Through these three...
Undergraduate Programs
With a faculty committed to excellence, our undergraduate program provides a significant theoretical background coupled with extensive design and project experiences throughout the curriculum. Cooperative educational work is the hallmark of an RIT education, and the packaging science undergraduate program includes at least two of these experiences combined with faculty research opportunities.
Mathematics and the physical sciences are introduced in a just-in-time fashion while technical courses are incorporated every semester. Students are introduced to the multidimensional packaging field each semester. Progressing through the curriculum, projects become larger and design experiences more intense. By the final year of the program, students participate in realistic project-based design challenges as they ready themselves to be self-sufficient in the workplace.
An innovative packaging science degree where you’ll design product packaging for food, cosmetics, electronics, retail, and consumer goods.
Learn more about the Packaging Science BS programGraduate Programs
The Master of Science degree in packaging science is designed to educate packaging professionals to become experts in the packaging development process. Students learn how to select raw materials, design, and create packaging to withstand environmental hazards during transportation, and to create aesthetically pleasing packages to pique consumer interest. Through a combination of theoretical and application-focused learning experiences, students gain comprehensive knowledge related to packaging design, package testing, product marketing, project management, and quality control.
The master's in packaging science enables you to create visually stunning, environmentally friendly packaging that’s functional and durable enough to be aesthetically pleasing and sustainable for the environmental while also withstanding the stresses of distribution and transportation.
Learn more about the Packaging Science MS programMinors and Immersions
The flexible packaging minor addresses flexible containment systems, one of the fastest growing segments of the packaging materials industry. The manufacturing and use of flexible containment systems requires specific expertise and knowledge of appropriate technology for implementation. Flexible pouches and containment systems are considered more sustainable for replacing glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles, and metal cans. They use materials more efficiently and reduce the weight and costs associated with physical distribution activities.
Learn more about the Flexible Packaging Minor programThe packaging science minor offers courses covering a broad range of packaging activities, including development/design, testing, marketing, and production. Related legal, economic, and environmental/sustainability concerns are also addressed. Students from majors such as engineering, engineering technology, multidisciplinary studies, management, marketing, international business, industrial design, and print media could all benefit from the packaging science minor.
Learn more about the Packaging Science Minor programStudent Resources
The Packaging Science Department offers a variety of resources for our students such as:
- Academic Advisors
- Student Clubs and Organizations
- Technical Information and Support
- Software Help
Visit our Student Resources page for more information.