Packaging

The Packaging program at Michigan State University is a comprehensive and innovative curriculum designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the packaging industry. This program integrates principles of engineering, business, and design to equip students with a broad understanding of the packaging lifecycle, from conceptualization to production and environmental sustainability. Students will explore various packaging materials, including plastics, paper, glass, and metals, gaining insights into their properties, manufacturing processes, and applications across different industries. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through labs and projects, enabling students to develop practical skills in packaging design, testing, and quality control. Additionally, students will learn about packaging machinery, automation, and the integration of new technologies such as smart packaging and sustainable materials. The curriculum emphasizes innovation and critical thinking, encouraging students to develop environmentally friendly packaging solutions that meet industry standards and consumer demands. Throughout the program, students will also study supply chain management, regulatory considerations, and marketing strategies related to packaging. Michigan State University's strong partnerships with industry leaders provide students with internship opportunities and real-world experience to enhance their professional development. Graduates of the Packaging program are well-prepared for careers in packaging design, manufacturing, testing, quality assurance, and research and development across various sectors such as food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and industrial products. The program aims to cultivate industry-ready professionals who are capable of addressing the challenges of modern packaging with creativity, technical knowledge, and a commitment to sustainability.

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Packaging major is met by completing Packaging 486. That course is referenced in item 3. below.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the Packaging major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the School of Packaging may complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that consists of the following courses:  Chemistry 141,143 and 161; or Food Science 342 or Microbiology and Molecular Genetics 201.  The completion of Chemistry 143 and 161 satisfies the laboratory requirement.  Chemistry 141, 143 and 161; Food Science 342 or Microbiology and Molecular Genetics 201 may be counted toward both the alternative track and the requirements for the major referenced in item 3. below.
   
   The completion of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources mathematics requirement may also satisfy the University mathematics requirement.
2. The requirements of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Bachelor of Science degree.
   
   Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	All of the following courses (57 credits):
   	CEM	141	General Chemistry						4
   	CEM	143	Survey of Organic Chemistry						4
   	CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I						1
   	MTH	132	Calculus I						3
   	MTH	133	Calculus II						4
   	PKG	101	Principles of Packaging						3
   	PKG	102	Introductory Packaging Seminar						2
   	PKG	221	Packaging with Glass and Metal						2
   	PKG	315	Packaging Decision Systems						3
   	PKG	322	Packaging with Paper and Paperboard						4
   	PKG	323	Packaging with Plastics						4
   	PKG	410	Distribution Packaging Dynamics						4
   	PKG	411	Package Development Technology						3
   	PKG	432	Packaging Processes						4
   	PKG	485	Packaging Development						3
   	PKG	486	Packaging Senior Capstone (W)						3
   	PHY	231	Introductory Physics I						3
   	PHY	232	Introductory Physics II						3
   b.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   	FSC	342	Food Safety and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Program						3
   	MMG	201	Fundamentals of Microbiology						3
   	A course used to fulfill this requirement may not be used to fulfill a requirement in the Packaging Science concentration.
   c.	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   	STT	200	Statistical Methods						3
   	STT	201	Statistical Methods						4
   	STT	315	Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Business						3
   	STT	351	Probability and Statistics for Engineering						3
   d.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   	MKT	327	Introduction to Marketing						3
   	SCM	303	Introduction to Supply Chain Management						3
   	A course used to fulfill this requirement may not be used to fulfill a requirement in the Packaging Value Chain Management concentration.
   e.	One of the following concentrations (18 credits):
   	Packaging Science
   	1.	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   		PKG	452	Medical Packaging					4
   		PKG	455	Food Packaging					3
   	2.	Completion of 6 credits of electives in packaging. Enrollment in a packaging internship completed under PKG 493 (up to 3 credits) and enrollment in a packaging overseas study program completed under PKG 491 (up to 3 credits) may be used towards this requirement with advisor approval.
   	3.	Completion of 9 credits of electives from the following with at least one course at the 300-level or above:
   		BMB	200	Introduction to Biochemistry					4
   		CE	221	Statics					3
   		FSC	211	Principles of Food Science					3
   		FSC	325	Food Processing: Unit Operations					3
   		FSC	342	Food Safety and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Program					3
   		FSC	401	Food Chemistry					3
   		FSC	421	Food Laws and Regulations					3
   		FSC	440	Food Microbiology					3
   		MMG	201	Fundamental of Microbiology					3
   		MMG	301	Introductory Microbiology					3
   		MMG	302	Introductory for General and Allied Health Microbiology					1
   		STT	464	Statistics for Biologists					3
   		STT	465	Bayesian Statistical Methods					3
   		Other courses with department approval.
   		Courses used to fulfill a concentration requirement may not be used to fulfill requirement 3. b. above.
   	Packaging Value Chain Management
   	1.	The following course (3 credits):
   		PKG	465	Packaging Value Chain					3
   	2.	Completion of 6 credits of electives in packaging. Enrollment in a packaging internship completed under PKG 493 (up to 3 credits) and enrollment in a packaging overseas study program completed under PKG 491 (up to 3 credits) may be used towards this requiremement with advisor approval.
   	3.	Completion of 9 credits of electives from the following:							3
   		EC	301	Intermediate Microeconomics					3
   		EC	302	Intermediate Macroeconomics					3
   		EC	360	Private Enterprise and Public Policy					3
   		FI	320	Introduction to Finance					3
   		GBL	323	Introduction to Business Law					3
   		MGT	325	Management Skills and Processes					3
   		MKT	327	Introduction to Marketing					3
   		SCM	303	Introduction to Supply Chain Management
   		Other courses with department approval.
   		Courses used to fulfill a concentration requirement may not be used to fulfill requirement 3. d. above.

• Complete MSU’s application for admission online, including the required personal statement.
• Pay the $75 nonrefundable application fee (drawn on U.S. funds) using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or an electronic check.
• Request that all secondary schools, colleges or universities attended and examination boards send original or attested copies of all transcripts, diplomas, mark sheets and certificates directly to Michigan State University in an official, sealed envelope. In addition, where the original documents are not issued in English, an official English translation of each document must be provided.
• Have the testing agency (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, MSUELT or MELAB accepted) provide proof of English proficiency directly to MSU if your first language is not English. MSU's TOEFL code is 1465. International students are encouraged, though not required, to submit SAT or ACT scores. The SAT code is 1465; the ACT code is 2032.
• Do not send letters of recommendation, photographs, portfolios or additional personal essays. Doing so will delay processing of your application.
• In order to obtain the documents needed to file for a student visa (I-20 or DS-2019), admitted students must show adequate proof of financial support. Upon acceptance, admitted students will be required to upload a signed affidavit of support and bank statement with the name of the account holder in English through your admissions account. Please do not send financial documents in paper form at the time of application.

Scholarships

• Global Spartan Scholarship
• Professorial Assistantship

The Packaging program at Michigan State University is a comprehensive academic offering designed to prepare students for a versatile career in the packaging industry. This program combines principles of engineering, business, and design to equip graduates with the skills necessary to innovate and optimize packaging solutions across various sectors, including consumer goods, healthcare, and industrial products. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics such as materials science, packaging design, manufacturing processes, sustainability, and packaging automation. Students engage in hands-on projects and internships that provide practical experience in real-world settings, fostering problem-solving abilities and technical expertise. Michigan State University uniquely emphasizes sustainable packaging practices, aiming to develop environmentally responsible solutions that meet industry demands for reducing waste and carbon footprint. The program also offers specializations in areas like flexible packaging, rigid packaging, and packaging machinery, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career interests. Collaboration with industry partners ensures that the content remains current and aligned with market trends, and alumni of the program often hold leading roles in packaging companies, design firms, and manufacturing organizations. MSU's strong research focus also offers opportunities to participate in cutting-edge projects related to biodegradable packaging, smart packaging technologies, and innovations in packaging materials. Graduates of the Packaging program are well-positioned for careers in packaging development, quality assurance, supply chain management, and product innovation, making a meaningful impact on both the economic and environmental aspects of the industry.