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.
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.
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.
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 on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.
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 since 1855.
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 since 1998. 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.
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.