The Plastics Engineering Department at UMass Lowell is an internationally recognized leader in plastics engineering education and research. Plastics are widely used in the manufacture of products that we use in our daily lives. The companies that manufacture these products have a need for engineers that understand how plastics materials behave so that these products can be designed, manufactured, evaluated, and reused or recycled. The curricula provide a full study of plastics materials, properties, design, and manufacturing as well as sufficient flexibility for further specialization in areas of individual interest. Co-operative learning experiences are available in many programs. These programs are designed to prepare the graduate for a professional career as a Plastics Engineer.