MS Degree: On-Campus

The Master of Science degree in Packaging provides a broad education with specialized training in one of the areas of study listed below:

Product and/or package damage in the physical distribution environment
Barrier characteristics of packaging systems and materials
Quality preservation and storage stability of packaged products
Mechanical properties of packaging materials and systems
Distribution packaging
Packaging systems development and optimization
Medical/pharmaceutical packaging
Human factors in packaging
Environmental impacts of packaging
Recycling
Automatic identification
Packaging in business and marketing

MS Curriculum

Core Courses

The formal program for the MS degree consists of a minimum of 30 acceptable course credits. More than half of the program credits must be at the 800 level or higher.

Program Options

Thesis Option
Students must complete PKG 810 (previously PKG 860), PKG 825, and either PKG 805 or PKG 815. Thesis credits (PKG 899) must equal at least 6 but not more than 8. For the balance of requirements, go to the School of Packaging Graduate Handbook.

Non-thesis Option
A final examination is required. Students must complete PKG 810, PKG 825, 815 and 805, along with at least 3 additional credits of 800-level packaging courses, excluding PKG 890 and 899. For the balance of requirements, go to the School of Packaging Graduate Handbook.

Collateral Courses

Students who do not have the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in packaging must enroll in core undergraduate packaging courses (or alternatively PKG 801, 803 & 804), in addition to completing the regular MS requirements. Collateral courses do not count towards the 30 required program credits. The students major advisor will work with the student to determine the courses.

Request More Information - Degree Program Inquiry

Applying to the Packaging MS On-Campus Program

We are very pleased that you are interested in graduate study in the School of Packaging at Michigan State University. Our department is committed to providing excellent graduate education.

Students who do not hold a previous degree in Packaging will only be considered for the Fall Semester. Students who do hold a Packaging degree may apply for Fall or Spring Semester.

Application materials must be submitted by February 15^th for the following Fall Semester. Submission of application on time is required for full consideration. International students are encouraged to apply and submit requirements as early as possible.

Application Materials:

Application
Apply to our program and pay the application fee via MSU Admissions.
Official Transcripts
Letters of Recommendation
Official GRE Graduate Record of Examination (Optional)
The School of Packaging does not require GRE scores for the MS Online Program.
International Applicants must also provide English Language Test Scores and Financial Support
Complete any Application Supplemental Questions
Academic/Personal Statements