Students follow a sequence of courses beginning with basic mathematics and science, followed by their application to courses in engineering science and engineering design. Relevant clusters of studies in the humanities and social sciences are included within the context of engineering education to create well-rounded graduates.

The department offers several tracks for students with different levels of preparation in mathematics and English. It may take some students five years to complete their degree.

For the latest information regarding curriculum, please see the UMass Lowell online Academic Catalog.

For detailed information about the requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Plastics Engineering degree, please use the following link to the UMass Lowell online Academic Catalog: Requirements for a B.S. in Plastics Engineering.

• Degree Pathways
• Educational Objectives & Learning Outcomes
• Course Listing

The Plastics Engineering Department offers electives that have a technical focus, a materials focus, or a design focus. For electives course numbers and detailed descriptions visit the UMass Lowell Academic Catalog. For an overview read below. 

Technical Electives

During the second semester of senior year, students are required to take a "technical" elective. Students can select a course from the course list below. Some courses are available only when there is sufficient demand. As an alternative, students can take an upper level technical course offered by another College of Engineering Department if it is approved by the Plastics Engineering chairperson and the student's advisor.

Materials Electives

During the first semester of the junior year, Plastics Engineering students in the class of 2009 and beyond are required to take a "materials" elective. Students can select a course from the course list below. Some courses are available only when there is sufficient demand. Students can take an upper level design course offered by another College of Engineering Department (e.g. material science, composites….) if it is approved by the Plastics Engineering chairperson and the student's advisor.

Design Electives

During the first semester of senior year, students are required to take a "design" elective. Students can select a course from the course list below. Some courses are available only when there is sufficient demand. Students can take an upper level design course offered by another College of Engineering Department if it is approved by the Plastics Engineering chairperson and the student's advisor.

For the latest plastics course information, including course descriptions, degree pathways and more please visit the UMass Lowell Academic Catalog.

Minor in Business Administration

Many engineers become managers of people and projects. As a result, it is important for engineers to have an understanding of business practices. The Department of Plastics Engineering has worked closely with the Manning School of Business to develop an optional, streamlined business program. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Plastics Engineering have the option of attaining a minor in business administration by taking only four additional courses. These extra business courses can be taken during the normal school year or during the summer.

For detailed information about the requirements for the minor in business administration, please use the following link to the UMass Lowell online Academic Catalog: Requirements for a Minor in Business Administration.

Minor in Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology

Plastics materials are an essential part of modern medicine, high technology design, fabrication and integration of plastics to create devices. There are many excellent career options for plastics engineers in the biomedical technology field. The College of Engineering, along with the College of Sciences and the School of Health and Environment, has developed a strong minor program for those students interested in the field of biomedical engineering. The minor curriculum consists of eight courses, including a biology lab. The minor in Biomedical Engineering is also a great option for students preparing to enter medical school.

For detailed information about the requirements for the Minor in Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology, please use the following link to the UMass Lowell online Academic Catalog: Requirements for a Minor in Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology

Minor in Energy Engineering

Climate change, energy independence and sustainability are some of the most critical issues of our time. The modern engineer must consider energy generation, usage and efficiency in all design and processes. Materials have an important role to play in the frontier renewable energy technologies such as wind power, solar power, biofuels, and smart grid technologies. The Plastics Engineering Department along with the other engineering departments have developed a strong minor program for students interested in adding energy technologies to their skill portfolio. The minor curriculum consists of seven courses, two of which are already required for the B.S. in Plastics Engineering. The additional five courses can be selected to fill elective requirements.

For detailed information about the requirements for the Minor in Energy Engineering, please use the following link to the UMass Lowell online Academic Catalog: Requirements for Minor in Energy Engineering.

For admissions information, visit the UML admissions site:

For the latest requirements, course descriptions and more please consult the UMass Lowell online Graduate Catalog.

Fast Track to a Graduate Degree

To encourage outstanding undergraduate students to continue their studies toward an advanced degree, the College of Engineering and Graduate Admissions offer a program of accelerated study leading to the dual degrees of a bachelor of science in engineering and a master of science in engineering. Students taking full advantage of the combined program ordinarily finish the master of science in engineering degree at the end of the fifth year of study.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible to enter this course of study, students must file a formal Graduate School application in the junior or senior year. Applicants for this program are not required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or pay an application fee. Upon the recommendation of their advisor and with the approval of the Department of Chemical Engineering Graduate Admissions Committee and the dean of the Graduate School, students may be admitted as provisional graduate students during the second semester of the senior year.

Degree Requirements

Undergraduates may take up to two courses (6 credits) during the senior year that may be used to satisfy both the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.

Students in this program may be eligible for financial assistance, i.e. fellowships, research and teaching assistantships, during the fifth year of study. Acceptance of this assistance and the attendant responsibilities may delay the completion of the program beyond the five years.

For the latest requirements, course descriptions and more please consult the UMass Lowell online Graduate Catalog.