The interdisciplinary packaging science program, leading to a bachelor of science degree, provides educational opportunities for students seeking careers in the multifaceted packaging industry. Graduates are prepared for initial employment in such areas as package development, sales, purchasing, structural design, production, research and marketing.

The program was developed as a result of a close and long-established relationship between the packaging industry and RIT. This multibillion-dollar industry exhibits dynamic growth and provides employment for thousands of men and women with wide-ranging skills and expertise.

Packaging is increasingly related to total marketing concepts; it has even greater dependence on new developments in materials and processes. Therefore, the industry requires management personnel with creativity and a strong background in business, engineering and science.

Program educational objectives

Graduates from the packaging science program will demonstrate:

• a professional work ethic and a commitment to lifelong learning through the clear ability to achieve increasing technical/management responsibility.
• the ability to lead and participate in teams that act as change agents and innovators in the packaging field and related organizations.
• the ability to design effective and efficient new packaging systems, as well as improve the performance of existing packaging systems.
• the ability to communicate at all levels of an organization and articulate the economic and organizational importance of packaging to companies.

Program characteristics

The program is:

• Career-oriented—Graduates are ready to enter the work force in a position of responsibility.
• Interdisciplinary—Students become familiar with the many facets of packaging through courses in several RIT colleges.
• Flexible—Students have ample opportunity to customize their programs with minors, according to interest.
• Representative of industry needs—Curriculum content is developed with the assistance of an industry advisory board, consultants from industry and educational specialists.
• Adaptable to a modified cooperative education plan—Co-op can be scheduled at the student’s convenience, following the development of appropriate skills.

Faculty

Faculty members have outstanding academic credentials and industry experience. They serve in professional and trade associations at the national level, are frequent guest speakers and consult in their fields of expertise.

Industrial Advisory Board

National industry leaders compose the Industrial Advisory Board, through which they contribute professional and technical expertise to undergraduate programs. This strengthens and develops the program to reflect the dynamics and growth of the industry.

Cooperative education

The packaging science program requires each student to complete six months, or two quarters, of cooperative education, in addition to the program’s course work, to meet graduation requirements.