College of Agriculture & Natural Resources School of Packaging

The MS Online Degree Program is designed to meet the needs of packaging professionals involved in all aspects of the industry as well as those with a general technology background. There is considerable flexibility in designing your degree program to fit your interests.  This non-thesis program requires completion of 30 credits and can be completed in about three years by averaging one course per semester including summer semesters. The time commitment for an online course averages 10 to 15 hours per week.

MS Online Degree Program Requirements
A total of 30 credits is required for the degree.  The student’s program of study must be discussed  and approved by the Graduate Program Director.

• Complete a minimum of 30 credits with required and approved coursework.
  • Students must complete PKG 810.
  • A minimum of 16 credits at the 800 level.
  • A maximum of 14 credits can be completed at the 400 level.
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic statistics.
• Have the Program Plan completed by the end of the second semester or after 15 degree credits.

Collateral Courses
Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in packaging are required to complete the following, or may show competency in these areas through waiver. These courses do not count towards the 30 required program credits:

PKG 801:  Packaging Materials
PKG 803:  Packaging Distribution and Dynamics
PKG 804:  Packaging Processes

Student Residency
Michigan State University will not be offering certain online programs to students based on their residence at the time of application for admission to Michigan State University - see State-By-State Summary https://esp.msu.edu/StateSummary.pdf 

Request More Information - Degree Program Inquiry

Applying to the Packaging MS Online Degree 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 hold a Packaging degree may begin their MS Online Degree Program either in the Fall, Spring or Summer Semesters, though Fall Semester is preferred. Students who do not hold a previous degree in Packaging will only be considered for the Fall Semester. For full consideration, the application for admission and all requirements must be received at least two (2) months prior for U.S. Citizens and three (3) months prior for all International students, prior to the anticipated first semesters of enrollment. 

Application Materials:

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