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

Packaging, Master of Science

Master of Science

Online

Course Delivery

30

Total Credits

$1000

Credit Hour

20 months

Minimum Duration

The MSU Value Promise

Next Steps