Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Master of Science in Packaging Science
Rochester Institute of Technology, USA
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 41,424 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* $41,424 - $54,974 | based on credits taken
Key Summary
About: The Master of Science in Packaging Science at Rochester Institute of Technology teaches materials selection, packaging design, package testing, product marketing, project management, and quality control. It covers protection against environmental, chemical, and physical hazards, structural design, and consumer-focused aesthetics. The programme requires 36 credit hours and offers a choice of exam, capstone, or thesis with faculty advising.
Career Outcomes: Graduates enter automotive, biotech and life sciences, packaged goods, food and beverage, and medical devices. Roles include Packaging Engineer, Packaging Designer, Packaging Scientist, development engineer, packaging project manager, and display specialist. They work in quality assurance and supply-chain packaging.
Designed to educate packaging professionals to become experts in the packaging development process, the MS degree in packaging science focuses on how to select raw materials, design, and create functional packaging that withstands environmental, chemical, and physical hazards during distribution and transportation, and to create aesthetically pleasing packages to pique consumer interest. Through a combination of theoretical and application-focused learning experiences, students gain comprehensive knowledge related to packaging design, package testing, product marketing, project management, and quality control.
The packaging science program consists of 36 credit hours comprised of six required core courses, elective courses, and either a comprehensive exam, a capstone project, or a thesis. The total number of elective courses depends on the student's choice of the exam, project, or thesis option. Faculty advisors assist in selecting an option that best meets a student's career aspirations.
Packaging Science (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence
First Year
- GRCS-701 Research Methods
- GRCS-702 Principles of Research Communications
- PACK-730 Packaging and the Environment
- PACK-742 Distribution Systems
- PACK-763Packaging for End Use
- Packaging Electives
Second Year
- PACK-783 Advanced Packaging Dynamics
- PACK-790Research Thesis
- Packaging Elective
Packaging Science (capstone project option), MS degree, typical course sequence
First Year
- GRCS-701 Research Methods
- PACK-742 Distribution Systems
- PACK-730 Packaging and the Environment
- PACK-763 Packaging for End Use
- Packaging Electives
Second Year
- PACK-783 Advanced Packaging Dynamics
- PACK-797 Graduate Project
- Packaging Electives
Packaging Science (comprehensive exam option), MS degree, typical course sequence
First Year
- GRCS-701 Research Methods
- PACK-742 Distribution Systems
- PACK-730 Packaging and the Environment
- PACK-763 Packaging for End Use
- Packaging Electives
Second Year
- PACK-783 Advanced Packaging Dynamics
- PACK-795 Comprehensive Examination
- Packaging Electives
RIT awards more than $37 million in merit scholarships and assistantships to graduate students each year. Scholarship awards range from 5% of tuition all the way up to full tuition. Awards are based on an applicant's academic excellence. Many things are considered when awarding scholarships - undergraduate grades, graduate placement test scores, and your research and work experience all factor in.
Graduate assistantships are offered to full-time matriculated graduate students to serve as teaching, research, or administrative assistants. Graduate Assistants receive wages (determined by the department making the appointment) in exchange for work performed. Many graduate assistants also receive tuition remission (i.e., tuition support) in addition to receiving wages for assistantship duties.
Graduate students can be awarded both scholarships and assistantships. These funding opportunities are the same for both US and international applicants.
RIT awards more than $30 million in merit scholarships and assistantships to graduate students each year. Scholarship awards range from 10% - 40% of tuition. Our median scholarship amount is around 30% of tuition or $13,000. Awards are based on an applicant's academic excellence. Many things are considered when awarding scholarships - undergraduate grades, graduate placement test scores, and your research and work experience all factor in.
Graduate assistantships are offered to full-time matriculated graduate students to serve as teaching, research, or administrative assistants. Graduate Assistants receive wages (determined by the department making the appointment) in exchange for work performed. Many graduate assistants also receive tuition remission (i.e., tuition support) in addition to receiving wages for assistantship duties.
Graduate students can be awarded both scholarships and assistantships. These funding opportunities are the same for both US and international applicants.
Optional Co-Op
Cooperative education is paid work assignments with corporations and organizations around the U.S. and abroad. Co-op allows students to spend one or more semesters employed in a full-time, paid position related to their academic program before they graduate. Many students use co-op earnings to help finance their education.
Work-Study
Graduate students studying full-time may apply to work part-time on campus. RIT has more than 9,000 jobs available yearly, and students typically work 10 – 20 hours per week. International students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa may work up to 20 hours per week on campus and 40 hours during break periods.
Industries
- Automotive
- Biotech and Life Sciences
- Consumer Packaged Goods
- Design
- Food and Beverage
- Medical Devices
- Manufacturing
- Pharmaceuticals
Typical Job Titles
- Packaging Engineer
- Packaging Designer
- Product Engineer
- Packaging Scientist
- Packaging Engineering and Merchandising Manager
- Package Engineering Technician
- Packaging Sales
- Structural Designer
- Packaging and Display Sales
- Packaging Development Engineer
- Packaging Project Management Engineer
- Display Services Specialist
Most of our programs offer "rolling" application review - there is no specific deadline for applications; applications will be accepted and reviewed throughout the year.