Master of Science in Packaging

Packaging is a multidisciplinary degree that incorporates elements of engineering, chemistry, biology and business.  Packaging interacts with all elements of the supply system necessary to deliver products to consumers in a safe, high quality, sustainable state.  It involves materials selection, package design, production, distribution and marketing based on consumer needs and desires.

Each day, we trust our health and safety to the packaging of goods from around the world.  We rely on packaging to transport the items of our daily lives–food, pharmaceuticals, appliances, cosmetics–to name only a few.  Corporations and industries invest heavily in packaging to transport large quantities of their products in a safe and wholesome way.

Graduates of Michigan State University’s packaging program are specialists with strong analytic and technical skills.  They are trained scientists in high demand internationally by every major industry, including:

·   Food, drug/pharmaceutical/medical devices

·   Automotive/electronic/aerospace

·   Cosmetics/personal care, consumer goods

·   Industrial equipment, chemical supplies

·   Agricultural

·   Packaging products: manufacturers, converters, and distributors

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the Gulf region’s most significant flexible packaging suppliers, supplying more than 26,000 tons of packing material to support the flow of exported goods.  The Dubai Port is the eighth largest container port in the world through which nearly nine million TEU’s (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) move each year.  The city plans for a huge cargo terminal to be ready by 2018.  The need for skilled professionals who can design, expedite, and evaluate packaging containers in this critical trade region grows each year.

Graduates of the MSU Dubai packaging program will acquire knowledge and develop a skill base in the social, scientific, environmental, and business areas associated with packaging, including the following elements:

·   Barrier characteristics of packaging systems and materials

·   Product and/or package damage in the physical distribution environment

·   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

·   Packaging in business and marketing

·   Recycling, environmental impacts of packaging

·   Automatic identification and traceability

·   Sustainability and environmental

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Classes start August 2010    Register online  dubai.msu.edu

Packaging Program Description and Strengths

The packaging master's degree is a multidisciplinary program that incorporates elements of engineering, chemistry, biology, and business. Students studying at MSU in Dubai will earn a Master of Science degree in Packaging, the same degree as awarded in East Lansing.

The School of Packaging M.S. degree will increase both the breadth and depth of student’s knowledge in packaging, as well as in related areas such as:

·   Distribution and logistics

·   Materials and systems

·   Environmental impact

The Dubai program includes extensive coursework, both classroom and on-line, to prepare students for the application of packaging expertise in business and industry.  In addition, the student will have the opportunity to do research and interact with industry.  Graduate students in packaging have undergraduate degrees in packaging or related disciplines. Engineering, food and science-related degrees are most prevalent, but business degrees are common among the many other appropriate degrees.  Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in packaging are required to successfully complete collateral courses, PKG 801, 803 and 804, in addition to the basic Master of Science requirements.  These three courses provide a framework of knowledge needed to succeed at the graduate level. Applicants to the graduate program are expected to have one year of college-level chemistry, physics, and a semester of calculus.  Some fellowship monies are available for students who have completed their application by June 1, 2010

Packaging Program Strengths

Students will learn from world renowned faculty who are recognized as leaders in their respective areas.  The faculty is heavily involved in state-of-the-art research and development of educational materials to satisfy a broad clientele basis. 

Courses in advanced packaging materials, permeability and shelf life, and advanced packaging dynamics will provide students with a broad technical background.  Students also have the ability to select packaging electives based on their area of interest as well as courses in other programs such as retailing and advertisement, supply chain management, and marketing.  

The School of Packaging has an alumni base of about 7,000 people worldwide, and its alumni association is one of the strongest at MSU.  Graduating students will become part of this network with all the benefits associated with it.  The School of Packaging believes in a sustainable future, and has as a mission to improve the quality of life for people worldwide.

The university requirements for formal admission to the graduate school are found at:

The Graduate School: Apply for Admission

To apply, go to: https://admissions.msu.edu/application/app.asp?AL=DG

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