UMass Lowell has the largest and most established Plastics Engineering Program in the country.

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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.

Since the Plastics Engineering Program started in 1954, more than 3,000 graduates have been employed by companies throughout the United States as well as all over the world. Major plastics producers and end users recruit annually on campus. Most job openings are in manufacturing, product and process development, technical service and marketing. Some graduates go into research, academia, and consulting.

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The UMass Lowell Plastics Engineering Department offers a wide variety of course options which caters to the diverse student population. UMass Lowell grants a B.S. in Plastics Engineering for undergraduates as well as an M.S. in Plastics Engineering and a Ph.D. in Plastics Engineering for students with a range of B.S. engineering and science degrees. There are also Graduate Certificate programs that can be applied toward a post-graduate degree for students wishing to continue their education. Follow the links below for more information:

Please consult any applicable licensure requirements for this program.