Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Packaging at Michigan State University is designed to educate packaging professionals and create innovative solutions that enhance or maintain product quality, increase packing efficiency, and reduce waste. The program contributes to the economic development and quality of life of citizens within the State of Michigan and across the world through highly relevant educational experiences and cutting-edge research.

Program Outcomes

Through the core required courses, Master of Science (MS) in packaging students will gain in-depth knowledge in three major packaging areas: plastics packaging, distribution dynamics, and permeability and shelf-life. Electives offer the ability to further explore specific areas of interest, either in packaging-specific offerings or through coursework in related areas. Students will gain experience in applying mathematics, science, and technology to packaging-related problems, assessing the suitability of packaging materials and designs for specific applications, and critically evaluating new knowledge presented in the scientific literature.

Career Outlook

Graduates of the MSU School of Packaging are sought after by employers in the United States and internationally. Few graduate students leave the packaging MS online program without at least one job offer in hand. Graduates with advanced graduate degrees are more likely to go into education, research, or management positions than those with bachelor's degrees, and less likely to go into production positions. A wide variety of types of companies employ graduates with advanced degrees.

Course Information

Core Courses

• PKG 805 - Advanced Packaging Dynamics (3 Credits)
• PKG 810 - Packaging Professional Seminar (3 Credits)
• PKG 815 - Permeability and Shelf Life (3 Credits)
• PKG 825 - Polymeric Packaging Materials (4 Credits)

Electives

• Complete 15 credits in Packaging courses at the 400-800 level or above.
• More than half of the 30 credits required for the degree must be at the 800-level or above.

Further Requirements

• Pass a Final Capstone Project.
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic statistics.

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

• A bachelor's degree in packaging or related field
• 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
• Completed coursework: one year of college physics, one year of college chemistry, including introductory organic chemistry, one semester of calculus. 3.0 (B) grade point average in last two years of undergraduate program.
• Résumé
• Taken the GRE
• A written personal statement
• 3 letters of recommendation.
• Official transcripts from all previous schools

Tuition & Fees

• $1000 per credit

Cost of Attendance

The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 30
• Credit Hour: $1000
• Minimum Duration: 21 months
• Delivery Method: Hybrid, Online
• Program Type: Master's Programs

Rankings and Recognition

• 29th among Best Public Universities in America U.S. News & World Report, 2025
• Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
• #1 in Packaging Sciences Programs College Raptor, 2025