Students follow a sequence of mathematics, science, college writing, and fundamental engineering courses in their freshman and sophomore years. Plastics Engineering courses begin with the freshman-level Introduction to Plastics Engineering. Basic plastics materials, processing and design - with their hands on laboratories - are taught in the sophomore and junior years. The senior year includes advanced courses and a student-selected capstone project. Relevant clusters of humanities and social science courses are included with the context of engineering education to create well-rounded graduates.

Although optional, most student participate in the co-op work experiences program. The co-op program helps undergraduates to define their interests and future career paths. More information is available at Co-ops and Internships.

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

For questions about the program, please contact:

During the senior year, students are required to complete three technical electives. These graduate level courses allow students to focus on polymer materials, processing, or design. For elective course numbers and detailed descriptions visit the UMass Lowell online Academic Catalog.

As an alternative and with the proper approval, students can take an upper level technical course offered by another department in the College of Engineering.

Co-op as a Technical Elective

Two different co-op experiences can satisfy the requirements for one technical elective. For this option, the student must pursue two different co-op experiences and complete the corresponding co-op assessment course for each experience.

Minor in Business Administration For Plastics Engineers

Because many engineers manage people and projects, having understanding of business practices is important. 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 Aministration by taking only four additional courses. (Microeconomics and two approved technical electives count for the B.S.E. and minor). These extra business courses can be completed 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 for Plastics Engineers.

Minor in Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology

Plastics materials are an essential part of modern medical devices. There are many excellent career options for plastics engineers in the biomedical technology field. The Colleges of Sciences and Health Sciences have 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 laboratory. 

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 designs and processes. Polymer materials play an important role in renewable energy systems, produce wind and solar power, are used in smart grid technologies, and are employed in the manufacture of biofuels. 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 fulfill 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:

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 Plastics Engineering with one additional year of full-time study.

• During the senior year, undergraduates may take two graduate-level courses (6 credits) or three graduate-level courses (9 credits), depending on their choice of M.S.E. program, which then can be used to satisfy both the B.S.E. and M.S.E degree requirements.
• Since many courses taken for the B.S.E. are waived, the M.S. program enables a greater concentration on advanced plastics engineering topics.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible to enter this course of study, students must file a formal Graduate Admissions 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.

Students in this program may be eligible for fellowships and research assistantships, during the master's program.

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

For questions about the program, please contact:
Associate Professor Amy M. Peterson, Ph.D.
Associate Chair for Master’s Studies
Amy_Peterson@uml.edu, 978-934-2937