Packaging
Master of Science
Online
Course Delivery
30
Total Credits
$1000
Credit Hour
20 months
Minimum Duration
Program Overview
The mission of the Masters of Sciences within the School of Packaging at Michigan State University is to educate packaging professionals and to create innovative solutions that enhance or maintain product quality, increase packing efficiency and reduce waste. In doing so, we contribute to the economic development and quality of life of citizens within the State of Michigan and across the world through highly relevant educational experiences and cutting-edge research. More than half of all packaging graduates employed in the U.S. come from Michigan State. Throughout more than six decades of dynamic development, the MSU School of Packaging has built significant research expertise and earned national and international recognition in physical distribution and protective packaging. The School of Packaging was the first to develop a graduate Master's degree program in Packaging Science and still today is the only one offering a Ph.D. in Packaging Science.
Program Outcomes
Through the core required courses, Master of Science (MS) in packaging students will gain in-depth knowledge in three major packaging areas: plastics packaging, distribution dynamics, and permeability and shelf-life. Electives offer the ability to further explore specific areas of interest, either in packaging-specific offerings or through coursework in related areas. Michigan State University online students will gain experience in applying mathematics, science and technology to packaging-related problems, assessing the suitability of packaging materials and designs for specific applications, and in critically evaluating new knowledge presented in the scientific literature.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the MSU School of Packaging are sought after by employers in the United States and internationally. Few graduate students leave the packaging MS online program without at least one job offer in hand. Graduates with advanced graduate degrees are more likely to go into education, research, or management positions than those with bachelor's degrees, and less likely to go into production positions. A wide variety of types of companies employ graduates with advanced degrees.
A Top-Ranked Education
- 63rd among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #8 Best Online Master's in Business Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
Dr. Amy Radford-Popp
Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director for the School of Packaging
She serves as the administrative supervisor of graduate studies, overseeing all components of graduate education, and promoting academic quality and integrity. Her role oversees the full life-cycle of our graduate student experience including: the recruitment of new and prospective students, student support and advising, the promotion of professional identity development, scholarship management, and experiential learning opportunities, to persistence efforts and preparation for graduation. As an inclusive leader and advocate, she prioritizes the importance of creating a culture of inclusion, belonging, wellness, and respect. Dr. Radford-Popp holds a Ph.D. in higher, adult and lifelong education from Michigan State University.
Course Information
Core
PKG 805 - Advanced Packaging Dynamics (3 Credits)
PKG 815 - Permeability and Shelf Life (3 Credits)
PKG 825 - Polymeric Packaging Materials (4 Credits)
Elective
Complete 15 credits in Packaging courses at the 400-800 level or above.
More than half of the 30 credits required for the degree must be at the 800-level or above.
Demonstrate an understanding of basic statistics.
Pass a Final Capstone Project.
Admissions Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
- A bachelor's degree in packaging or related field
- 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
- Completed coursework
One year of college physics, one year of college chemistry, including introductory organic chemistry, one semester of calculus. 3.0 (B) grade point average in last two years of undergraduate program. - Résumé
- Taken the GRE
- A written personal statement
- 3 letters of recommendation. Provide contact information for your recommenders and the MSU application system will provide instructions to them.
- Official transcripts from all previous schools
To apply to this program:
- Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
- Submit all required materials in the application portal.
- GRE scores are requested but may be waived.
For full consideration, the application for admission, application fee, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, and other required documents must be received by the school at least two months prior to the anticipated first semester of enrollment.
Key Dates
Rolling Applications
Students can start the program in any semester. We recommend applications are submitted at least one month prior to the start of the semester to allow time for processing.
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$1000
$1000
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.
Program Overview
The mission of the Masters of Sciences within the School of Packaging at Michigan State University is to educate packaging professionals and to create innovative solutions that enhance or maintain product quality, increase packing efficiency and reduce waste. In doing so, we contribute to the economic development and quality of life of citizens within the State of Michigan and across the world through highly relevant educational experiences and cutting-edge research. More than half of all packaging graduates employed in the U.S. come from Michigan State. Throughout more than six decades of dynamic development, the MSU School of Packaging has built significant research expertise and earned national and international recognition in physical distribution and protective packaging. The School of Packaging was the first to develop a graduate Master's degree program in Packaging Science and still today is the only one offering a Ph.D. in Packaging Science.
Program Outcomes
Through the core required courses, Master of Science (MS) in packaging students will gain in-depth knowledge in three major packaging areas: plastics packaging, distribution dynamics, and permeability and shelf-life. Electives offer the ability to further explore specific areas of interest, either in packaging-specific offerings or through coursework in related areas. Michigan State University online students will gain experience in applying mathematics, science and technology to packaging-related problems, assessing the suitability of packaging materials and designs for specific applications, and in critically evaluating new knowledge presented in the scientific literature.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the MSU School of Packaging are sought after by employers in the United States and internationally. Few graduate students leave the packaging MS online program without at least one job offer in hand. Graduates with advanced graduate degrees are more likely to go into education, research, or management positions than those with bachelor's degrees, and less likely to go into production positions. A wide variety of types of companies employ graduates with advanced degrees.
A Top-Ranked Education
- 63rd among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #8 Best Online Master's in Business Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
Dr. Amy Radford-Popp
Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director for the School of Packaging
She serves as the administrative supervisor of graduate studies, overseeing all components of graduate education, and promoting academic quality and integrity. Her role oversees the full life-cycle of our graduate student experience including: the recruitment of new and prospective students, student support and advising, the promotion of professional identity development, scholarship management, and experiential learning opportunities, to persistence efforts and preparation for graduation. As an inclusive leader and advocate, she prioritizes the importance of creating a culture of inclusion, belonging, wellness, and respect. Dr. Radford-Popp holds a Ph.D. in higher, adult and lifelong education from Michigan State University.
Course Information
Core
PKG 805 - Advanced Packaging Dynamics (3 Credits)
PKG 815 - Permeability and Shelf Life (3 Credits)
PKG 825 - Polymeric Packaging Materials (4 Credits)
Elective
Complete 15 credits in Packaging courses at the 400-800 level or above.
More than half of the 30 credits required for the degree must be at the 800-level or above.
Demonstrate an understanding of basic statistics.
Pass a Final Capstone Project.
Admissions Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
- A bachelor's degree in packaging or related field
- 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
- Completed coursework
One year of college physics, one year of college chemistry, including introductory organic chemistry, one semester of calculus. 3.0 (B) grade point average in last two years of undergraduate program. - Résumé
- Taken the GRE
- A written personal statement
- 3 letters of recommendation. Provide contact information for your recommenders and the MSU application system will provide instructions to them.
- Official transcripts from all previous schools
To apply to this program:
- Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
- Submit all required materials in the application portal.
- GRE scores are requested but may be waived.
For full consideration, the application for admission, application fee, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, and other required documents must be received by the school at least two months prior to the anticipated first semester of enrollment.
Key Dates
Rolling Applications
Students can start the program in any semester. We recommend applications are submitted at least one month prior to the start of the semester to allow time for processing.
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$1000
$1000
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.
The MSU Value Promise
You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.
As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years.
MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.
MSU has been offering online degree programs for over 20 years. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.
MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.
MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.
MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.
Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.