Packaging (B.S.)

Michigan State University was the first school to offer a specialized degree program in Packaging Science, beginning in 1952, and the first to create a dedicated school for the field.

Packaging is a technical and science based program incorporating every aspect of packaging, from materials and processes through systems development and testing. Laboratories are an integral component in the majority of packaging undergraduate courses, providing students with hands-on experience.

Set up a personal meeting to learn more!

Packaging

Core areas of study include:

  • Technical principles for packaging.
  • Packaging materials (glass, plastic, paper and metals).
  • Computer applications.
  • Packaging processes and systems.
  • Design and prototyping.
  • Sustainability and environmental impacts.

Concentrations include:

  • Packaging Science Track.
  • Packaging Value Chain Management.

Learn more about requirements and courses in Packaging.

Also learn more about the core curriculum and School of Packaging admissions requirements.

Apply to Michigan State University!

Packaging Graduates

See career outcomes for MSU packaging graduates, including salaries, top employers and employment locations.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a degree in Packaging enter a broad range of challenging and rewarding careers in industries ranging from health and beauty, food and consumer goods, medical, automotive and research.

An internship experience is a highly recommended part of the Packaging program and many students find internships and jobs as part of the annual packaging career fair on campus.

Packaging prepares students for a variety of career paths:

  • Packaging engineer.
  • Packaging or structural designer.
  • Consumer behavior analyst.
  • Packing specialist.
  • Packaging operator.
  • Product tester.
  • Food scientist.

Faculty members and advisors maintain close relationships with companies and industry contacts in packaging, which can help with internships, scholarships and employment in a range of fields. The Department of Packaging also maintains close relationships with alumni.

Rita Chen receives 2020 PAA Young Alumni Award

May 7, 2020

Rita Chen is the 2020 recipient of the MSU Packaging Alumni Association Young Alumni Award.

Packaging Senior Emma Albrecht looks forward to beginning her career

January 30, 2020

Packaging senior Emma Albrecht discusses her future as an upcoming graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Packaging.

Packaging Advisor

Steps to schedule an appointment!

  1. Log onto student.msu.edu
  2. Click on the Academic Progress tile.
  3. On the left-hand side, select Advising/Tutoring Appointments, then click on the blue Create New Appointments tab on the right-hand side.
  4. Under the drop-down menu in Category, select Advising.
  5. Under the drop-down menu in Advising/Tutoring Unit, select College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
  6. Under drop-down menu/magnifying glass in Appointment Reason, select Packaging (code will be 0199).
  7. Indicate your reason for making an appointment in Additional Information Required.
  8. Under the drop-down menu in Appointment Type, select the type of appointment you’d like.
  9. Scroll to my name (Aaron Tucker) and choose an appointment date and time. Then confirm!

Student Life

In addition to student jobs and internships, there are study abroad and undergraduate research opportunities.

There are also a variety of student clubs and organizations including several packaging clubs:

  • CoPPAC.
  • Pi Kappa Gamma (PKG).
  • Packaging Graduate Association (PGA).

Apply to Michigan State University!

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Packaging (B.S.)