5 Best Master’s in Plastics Engineering in 2024
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Plastics are necessary in today’s world. Among many other everyday products, it is used in toys, cars, packaging, home appliances, medical equipment, and electronics. Behind the scenes of these everyday items lies a complex world of Plastics Engineering, where scientists and engineers work tirelessly to innovate and improve materials, processes, and applications.
A Master’s in Plastics Engineering is a rare program usually covered in other major engineering areas like Materials Engineering and Polymer Science. This degree program offers advanced knowledge and skills in everything from revolutionizing product design to addressing environmental concerns. It also empowers you to develop and implement transformative Engineering initiatives in various sectors, including the automotive and healthcare industries.
Let’s take a look at the five best master’s programs in Plastics Engineering and what they have to offer:
School | Program | Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Standout Program feature/s | Available Online? |
University of Massachusetts Lowell | Master of Science in Engineering in Plastics Engineering | $600 per credit hour | 85% | – Affordable tuition – Offers various graduate certificates | YES |
University of Wisconsin – Madison | Master of Engineering in Engineering: Polymer Engineering | $1,300 per credit hour | 29% | – Access to the Polymer Engineering Center – Can be completed 100% online | YES |
Pittsburg State University | Master of Engineering Technology: Plastics Technical Emphasis | $393 per credit hour | 94% | Offers Thesis-based and Coursework-only pathways | YES |
Lehigh University | Master’s in Polymer Science and Engineering | $61,180 per year | 49.5% | Majority of the faculty are active in various polymer science and engineering research initiatives | NO |
University of Akron | Master of Science in Polymer Engineering | $462.50 per credit hour | 83% | Houses the National Polymer Innovation Center (NPIC), one of the largest research centers in the field | NO |
5 Best Master’s in Plastics Engineering
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, MA
Master of Science in Engineering in Plastics Engineering
Tuition | $600 per credit hour |
Credit Hours | 36 |
The University of Massachusetts Lowell offers an advanced and research-based MS in Engineering program with a Plastics Engineering focus. This affordable 12-course graduate program in plastics education combines online learning with hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories for career advancement and unique networking opportunities.
The curriculum helps you gain in-depth knowledge of polymeric material systems, engineering, and thermoplastics. Upon graduation, you’ll be familiarized with common plastics manufacturing processes, screw design, and processing parameters, preparing you to lead engineering practices.
One of the main features of this online Master’s in Plastics Engineering program is its versatility. You can pursue graduate certificates that go with the program and your interests. Here are some of the graduate certificates you can pursue:
- Elastomeric Materials
- Medical Plastics Design & Manufacturing
- Plastics Design
- Plastics Engineering Fundamentals
- Plastics Materials
- Plastics Processing
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Madison, WI
Master of Engineering in Engineering: Polymer Engineering
Tuition | $1,300 per credit hour |
Credit Hours | 30 |
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a rigorous and competitive MEng in Polymer Engineering with a curriculum focused on addressing today’s plastic challenges. The program covers traditional plastics and specialty polymers, which have growing applications in biomedical, pharmaceutical, electronics, and nanotechnology.
This program is best for students who have full-time work because it can be completed 100% online. Despite its online format, you’ll learn from the same on-campus faculty and have the same opportunities as traditional students, including financial aid and access to the Polymer Engineering Center.
Some of the required courses in this online program include Polymer Characterization, Engineering Design with Polymers, and Transport Phenomena in Polymer Processing. Students can customize their learning by choosing electives with the guidance of academic advisors.
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS
Master of Engineering Technology: Plastics Technical Emphasis
Tuition | $393 per credit hour |
Credit Hours | 33 |
Pittsburg State’s Master of Engineering Technology offers a specialized Plastics Technical emphasis where students delve into the intricacies of Plastics Engineering and the newest field technologies. It is intended for students seeking a terminal degree in Plastics Engineering.
There are two options to earn the degree: a Thesis-based and a Course-based pathway. The thesis option prepares students for doctoral programs, while the course-based option focuses on practical skills for plastics industry careers without a research-intensive thesis component.
Regardless of which path you choose to complete the master’s degree, you’ll delve into topics such as Composite Materials and Testing and Design of Experiments. Even if you are an online student, you’ll gain access to various networking events on campus.
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
Master’s in Polymer Science and Engineering
Tuition | $61,180 per year |
Credit Hours | 30 |
Lehigh University’s Master in Polymer Science and Engineering is an on-campus program designed for students seeking a research-intensive program (MS). It also offers a practical pathway (MEng).
Qualified MS students will have access to collaborative research projects relevant to Plastics Engineering, including chemical engineering, materials science, and mechanical engineering. On the other hand, MEng students will have various opportunities for practical learning experiences, including internships and portfolio development.
Lehigh’s polymer science and engineering faculty is known for their expertise and active research initiatives in various areas. The majority of its professors are engaged in emulsion polymerization, kinetics, latex surface properties, micromolding, and optoelectronics, among other initiatives.
University of Akron
Akron, OH
Master of Science in Polymer Engineering
Tuition | $462.50 per credit hour |
Credit Hours | 30 |
The University of Akron’s MS in Polymer Engineering is known for guiding students through study and research under faculty supervision. Advanced program courses include Rheology of Polymer Fluids, Polymer Chemistry, and Thermodynamics.
In addition to its intensive curriculum, students will have access to one of the US’s largest polymer research and teaching centers, the National Polymer Innovation Center (NPIC). The school also offers a strong faculty dedicated to cutting-edge research, 21st-century education, and an accelerated pathway to graduation.
Although it is one of the best master’s degrees in Plastics Engineering in terms of academics, it may not be the best option for those seeking funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plastics Engineering?
Plastics Engineering is among the rarest standalone programs in Engineering. It’s often under the umbrella of Engineering Technology and Chemical Engineering programs or Polymer Engineering.
Plastics Engineering involves designing, developing, processing, and manufacturing plastic products. It involves disciplines like Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Polymer Science to create useful products.
What do Plastics Engineers do?
Plastic engineers collaborate with clients from design to manufacturing to create efficient, cost-effective products while maintaining necessary properties and functionality. While specific job description will vary by position, the most common duties may include:
- Material Selection: choose polymers based on product application, environment, and contact factors, considering chemical, heat, corrosion, durability, and weight properties while staying within budget.
- Manufacturability Design: involves optimizing manufacturing processes, materials, product complexity, and secondary processes to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
- Program Management: employ cutting-edge methods for facilitating efficient communication, tracking progress, and ensuring timely product delivery with proper functionality and quality.
How much do Plastics Engineers make?
The average annual salary of plastics engineers greatly varies on several factors. This includes industry, position, educational background, and geographical location. However, it is known that those who have completed a master’s degree will earn more than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
According to Zip Recruiter, the highest-paid plastics engineers are found in California, with salaries ranging from 81K to 104K. The national average annual salary of these engineers is $65,265.
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