AN OVERVIEW

The Bachelor of Science degree in 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 8 of the 16 packaging undergraduate courses, providing students with hands-on experience. Further knowledge can be gained by students in elective courses concentrating on specific topic areas, or through an internship experience.

THE CURRICULUM

All packaging majors must complete a core curriculum consisting of eight packaging courses which accounts for 28 of the 120 credits required for the degree, and includes more than 100 hours of practical laboratory experience. Core courses include studies in the following areas:

 Technical principles and dynamics for packaging

 Materials (glass, plastic, paper and metals in packaging)

 Computer applications

 Packaging processes

 Systems development (a team experience in development)

PACKAGING ELECTIVES

Six credits in packaging electives are required and are earned through coursework or participation in the internship or overseas study programs. A majority of students take three or more packaging elective courses to enhance their backgrounds. Packaging elective offerings include:

 Printing

 Packaging processes

 Environmental issues

 Automation

 Medical packaging

 Food packaging

 Distribution and performance testing

 Packaging economics

 Packaging laws and regulations

 Advertising

 Business law

 Financial management

 Marketing and supply chain management

 Management skills and processes

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

 Writing

Integrative studies

 Packaging core and packaging elective courses provide the 26 required CANR credits

 Calculus

 Inorganic and organic chemistry

 Physics  Statistics

Microbiology or Biological Science

Admission as Freshman Freshmen or transfer students below junior level are admitted to MSU and to the School of Packaging lower division by the MSU Office of Admissions and Scholarships using procedures, forms and standards set up by that office.   To earn a B.S. in Packaging, a student must be admitted to the School of Packaging upon reaching Junior level.  Regular Admission to the Upper Division  Admission to the upper division requires that the student has completed Chemistry 141, Mathematics 116 (or higher), and Physics 231 with a minimum grade of 2.0 in each course. In addition, the student's cumulative grade-point average must be at least 2.40.   Probationary Admission to the Upper Division Students who have reached Junior status and are not already in the School of Packaging, but are deficient in only one of the admission requirements may complete a probationary request form.  Probationary admission decisions are made by the Admissions Committee. The committee meets twice each semester (except summer) -  once near the middle of the semester and once following the assignment of final grades. Each student who is admitted on probationary status will be required to sign a Probation Contract and will be advised about action that must be taken to clear the probation and gain regular status.   MSU Office of Admissions For more information, click here to link to the Office of Admissions and Scholarships.

For More Information Contact: Jane Crowner Undergraduate Advisor The School of Packaging Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824-1223 Phone (517) 353-8966 Fax (517) 432-2036 E-mail: crowner@msu.edu   Advisor Appointment: NON-MSU STUDENTS:  call or e-mail to set up an appointment   MSU STUDENTS:  Click HERE to make an appointment.