MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PACKAGING - DUBAI

Now accepting applications for Fall 2009. Please click here to download an application.

Packaging is a multidisciplinary degree program that incorporates elements of engineering, chemistry, biology and business.   Packaging affects and interacts with all components of the 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.

The School of Packaging offers an M.S. degree that allows students to increase both the breadth and depth of their knowledge in packaging, as well as expand their knowledge in related areas. Students choosing the Plan A (Thesis) M.S. program will include a substantial research experience in their learning. Students choosing the Plan B (non-Thesis) M.S. program will have a less extensive research experience, and will take more coursework in packaging. The M.S. degree in Packaging is a technical degree which gives students the background necessary to manage projects, coordinate supply chain activities and successfully interact with all elements (R&D, operations, marketing, purchasing, quality, and distribution) of the product delivery system.

Many of the students who enroll in the packaging program have completed undergraduate degrees in a discipline other than packaging. Engineering and science-related degrees are most prevalent, but business degrees are not uncommon, and other degrees have included printing technology, product design, and many more. Employment prospects at the graduate level are excellent.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging or a related field.
• 3.0 (B) grade point average in last two years of undergraduate program.
• One year of college physics.
• One year of college chemistry, including introductory organic chemistry.
• One semester of calculus.
• Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
• Three letters of recommendation.

International students whose native language is not English must also submit test scores demonstrating adequate knowledge of the English language (TOEFL).

M.S. CURRICULUM

Core Courses

The formal program for the M.S. degree consists of a minimum of 30 acceptable course credits.  Students will take a minimum of 16 credits of the total required for the master's degree in courses at the 800 levels.  Sixteen of the 30 credits must be taken in packaging courses, special problems and/or research.  Students must complete PKG 827 and either PKG 804 or PKG 815.  Up to 9 credits in appropriate course work can be transferred from another accredited graduate program.

The Master of Science degree in Packaging provides a broad education with specialized training in one of the areas of study listed below. 

• Product and/or package damage in the physical distribution environment.
• Barrier characteristics of packaging systems and materials.
• Quality preservation and storage stability of packaged products.
• Mechanical properties of packaging materials and systems.
• Food packaging and healthcare packaging.
• Global distribution.
• Fresh perishables packaging.
• Automotive and industrial packaging.
• Tracking and traceability.
• Sustainability and environmental.

Students may begin their graduate programs in the fall semester (late August). For full consideration, MS students should apply before May 15th for admission for the following fall semester. Online applications are available at www.dubai.msu.edu

For more information, contact:

Dr. Bruce R. Harte, Dubai Coordinator
School of Packaging
Michigan State University
+1(517) 355-4555 (phone)
+1(517)353-8999 (fax)
e-mail: harte@msu.edu
web: www.packaging.msu.edu