Program Overview

MS PKG Leadership for Professionals

The Master of Science in Packaging Leadership for Professionals is a course-intensive, online program offered by the School of Packaging in partnership with the business and communication arts and sciences programs. The MS program enables professionals with leadership aspirations to expand their knowledge related to technical aspects of packaging and strengthen their proficiencies in interdisciplinary fields.

In Collaboration With:

• Agriculture Food Resource Economics
• Business
• Community Sustainability
• Food Science and Food Safety
• Strategic Communication
• Supply Chain Management

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of core courses and elective courses.

Core Courses

Students will complete 20 credits of packaging essential topics in packaging sustainability, global trends and regulations, materials, distribution and dynamics, processes, professional seminar, and stability & recyclability regarding environmental impact.

• Credits | Course | Typically Offered ---|---|--- 3 | PKG 470: Packaging Sustainability | Spring 4 | PKG 801: Packaging Materials | Fall 2 | PKG 803: Packaging Distribution and Dynamics | Spring 2 | PKG 804: Packaging Processes | Spring 3 | PKG 810: Professional Seminar | Fall 3 | PKG 875: Sustainability and Recyclability of Packaging Materials | Fall (odd years) 3 | PKG 891: Global Sustainability Trends and Regulations | Fall, Spring, Summer

Concentrations and Elective Track Options

Students choose a minimum of 10 credits from a variety of elective track options including: business, supply chain management, sustainable solutions, or packaging design.

Business

• Credits | Course | Typically Offered ---|---|--- 3 | CAS 835: Brand & Image Communication | Spring 2 | SCM 801: Introduction to Global Business & Supply Chain | Fall, Summer 3 | ACC 870: Principles of Financial & Managerial Accounting | Fall, Spring 2 | MGT 873: Strategic Decision Making | Fall, Spring, Summer

Packaging Design

• Credits | Course | Typically Offered ---|---|--- 3 | PKG 411: PKG Development Technology | Fall, Spring 3 | PKG 430: PKG for Fast Moving Consumer Goods | Fall 3 | PKG 421: Virtual Design & Prototyping | Spring 3 | PKG 444: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for Packaging | Fall, Spring, Summer 3 | PKG 450: Automotive & Industrial PKG | Fall, Summer 4 | PKG 452: Medical Packaging | Fall 3 | PKG 456: Packaging and Shelf Life of Perishable Food | Fall 3 | PKG 480: Packaging Laws and Regulations | Spring 3 | PKG 805: Advanced PKG Dynamics | Spring 3 | PKG 814: Packaging for Food Safety | Summer 3 | PKG 815: Permeability & Shelf Life | Spring 4 | PKG 825: Polymeric Packaging Materials (need to have PKG 801 prerequisite) | Fall 3 | PKG 840: Anti-Counterfeit and Product Protection Strategy | Summer 3 | FSC 810: International Food Laws & Regulations | Fall, Spring 3 | FSC 811: US Food Laws & Regulations | Fall, Spring 1-3 | VM 834: Current Issues in Food Safety | Fall, Spring, Summer

Supply Chain Management

• Credits | Course | Typically Offered ---|---|--- 3 | PKG 465: PKG Value Chain | Fall, Spring 2 | SCM 801: Introduction to Global Business & Supply Chain | Fall, Summer 3 | SCM 803: Introduction to Supply Chain Analytics | Fall, Summer 2 | SCM 805: Basic Elements of Strategic Sourcing | Fall, Spring 2 | SCM 806: Basic Elements of Logistics & Warehousing | Fall, Spring 2 | SCM 807: Basic Elements of Operations Management | Fall, Spring

Sustainable Solutions

• Credits | Course | Typically Offered ---|---|--- 3 | PKG 465: PKG Value Chain | Fall, Summer 3 | PKG 480: Packaging Laws and Regulations | Spring 3 | PKG 880: Life Cycle Assessment | Spring, even years 3 | CSUS 465: Environmental and Natural Resources Law | Fall 1-6 | CSUS 890: Independent Study in Community Sustainability | Fall, Spring, Summer 1-9 | CSUS 891: Special Topics in Community Sustainability | Fall, Spring, Summer 1-3 | AFRE 891: Special Topics in Agriculture, Food, & Resource Economics | Fall, Spring, Summer

Who Should Apply

• Working professionals looking for a packaging-focused alternative to an MBA
• New packaging professionals looking to up-skill for promotions
• Non-packaging professionals transitioning into packaging roles
• First/mid-level managers interested in packaging leadership

Why Apply

• 100% online program
• Prepare to lead and innovate
• Develop expertise in Packaging Sustainability
• Create optimal packaging solutions
• Integrate global trends and regulations

Application Requirements

• An earned bachelors degree with a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA from an accredited educational institution
• A minimum of 3 years of professional work experience
• Submit 3 reference letters
• Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended
• Resume or CV

Application Deadline

• October 31st
• February 15th

Program Cost

• The cost of the program is approximately $1000 per credit
• The program is a 30-credit minimum program

Timeframe for Completion

• Students have up to 5 years to complete the program
• Most working professional students take one 3 to 4 credit course per semester and 2 or 3 courses in the summers (if time allows)