Join a community of innovators and problem-solvers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with plastic technology with our Master’s in Plastics Engineering.

Master's in Plastics Engineering Overview

UMass Lowell’s Master of Science in Plastics Engineering (MSE) is your pathway to becoming a leader in one of the world’s most dynamic and impactful industries. You’ll gain advanced knowledge in polymer processing and testing, sustainable materials, product design and innovation, plastics manufacturing and quality control. These skills, coupled with UMass Lowell’s global reputation, will position you for leadership roles in industries such as automotive, aerospace, health care, packaging and consumer goods.

Our globally recognized program is at the forefront of plastics innovation, research and technology. The Plastics Engineering Department at UMass Lowell has cultivated a legacy of excellence, producing industry leaders who drive change in sustainability, manufacturing, materials science and design.

Whether you are a full-time student or an experienced professional seeking a part-time course load, this program will bring you up to date on the latest developments in the field.  You’ll also benefit from flexible delivery options, allowing you to take courses on-campus or online with our online Masters in Plastic Engineering program.

Plastics Engineering Curriculum

The M.S. in Plastics Engineering is a 30-credit thesis degree or a 33-credit non-thesis degree program.  

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Graduate Master’s Co-op

The Department of Plastics Engineering participates in the Graduate Master's Co-op Option in Engineering. For detailed information about the Master's Co-op Program, additional eligibility criteria, curriculum requirements, important dates, and application process, please see the Graduate Catalog Engineering Co-op page.

Requirement 1: Core Courses
Core Courses for Non - Thesis Students
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total18
PLAS.5030Mechanical Behavior of Polymers3
PLAS.5440Advanced Plastics Materials*3
PLAS.5780Advanced Plastics Processing **3
PLAS.5060Polymer Structure Properties and Applications3
PLAS.5180Plastics Product Design3

PLAS.5730

PLAS.5731
PLAS.5732

Graduate Polymer Laboratory OR

Hybrid Graduate Polymer Laboratory I (1 credit) AND Hybrid Graduate Polymer Laboratory II (2 credits)

3
Core Courses for Thesis Students
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PLAS.5440Advanced Plastics Materials*3
PLAS.5780Advanced Plastics Processing**3

PLAS.5730

PLAS.5731
PLAS.5732

Graduate Polymer Laboratory OR

Hybrid Graduate Polymer Laboratory I (1 credit) AND Hybrid Graduate Polymer Laboratory II (2 credits)

3
Total9

Requirement 2: Both thesis and non-thesis students will pick from one of the following Certificate programs and fulfill their required courses (some of the certificate course requirements may also be core requirements). Note: The Graduate Certificate in Plastics Engineering Fundamentals does not satisfy Requirement 2 for the thesis option M.S.E. Plastics Engineering Program. Acceptable certificates include:
  • Plastics Design
  • Plastics Materials
  • Plastics Processing
  • Medical Plastics Design and Manufacturing 
  • Elastomeric Materials
This will amount to 12 course credits. Please see our Plastics Engineering Certificates page for exact course options.
Total = 12
Requirement 3:
Non-Thesis: Complete the requirements for an additional number of elective plastics graduate courses such that the "total" credit hours (core courses + certificate + electives) is 33 credits. Up to two elective courses from other engineering departments may be substituted if approved by the graduate coordinator. The M.S.E. degree, and the appropriate Graduate Certificate (the area of specialization), will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of 33 credit hours of study as specified above. This non-thesis M.S.E. degree is an alternative to the more traditional 30 credit thesis option M.S.E degree.
Thesis: Complete the requirements for an additional number of elective Plastics Engineering graduate courses such that the "total" course credit hours is at least 24 credit hours (not counting thesis credits). Core Courses + Non-Core Certificate Courses + Electives Courses = 24 Credits. Up to two elective courses from other engineering departments may be substituted for Plastics Engineering courses if approved by the graduate coordinator.
Requirement 4: Thesis students only
Complete the mandatory six-credit-hour thesis requirement. The thesis research is conducted under the supervision of a three member advisory committee (see "Thesis Committee" below). Upon completion of the thesis research work, the student must prepare the written thesis manuscript and defend the work in an oral presentation such that all three committee members approve the work.
Special notes for students having a B.S. Plastics Engineering from UMass Lowell:
  • *Thesis students who have a B or higher in Polymer Materials I (PLAS.2010) and Polymer Materials II (PLAS.2020) are not required to take Advanced Plastics Materials (PLAS.5440). These students, however, must still meet the 24 course credit hour program requirement by substituting other Plastics Engineering Graduate Courses
  • **Thesis students who received a grade of B or higher in Plastics Process Engineering I (PLAS.3770) and Plastics Process Engineering II (PLAS.3780) are not required to take Advanced Plastic Processing (PLAS.5780). These students, however, must still meet the 24 -course credit hour program requirement by substituting other Plastics Engineering Graduate Courses. 
  • Non-thesis students who have a B.S. Degree in Plastics Engineering from UMass Lowell or an equivalent program may elect to test out of Advanced Plastics Materials (PLAS.5440) and Advanced Plastics Processing (PLAS.5780). However, these students must still meet the 33 credit hour program requirement by substituting other Plastics Engineering Graduate Courses.
Total credits with thesis option = 30
Total credits without thesis option = 33

Updated 11/21/24

Why Study Plastics Engineering at UMass Lowell?

Young woman works at machine

A Legacy of Leadership

For over 60 years, UMass Lowell has been a pioneer in plastics engineering education. Our graduates are found in leadership roles globally, from Fortune 500 companies to cutting-edge startups. The program’s deep-rooted reputation for producing skilled, innovative engineers makes it a trusted name among employers worldwide.

Young woman working in compounding lab.

World-Class Faculty

Our renowned faculty brings decades of industry and research experience into the classroom, ensuring you learn the latest technologies, theories and best practices. With expertise spanning polymers, advanced manufacturing and sustainability, our professors are thought leaders shaping the future of the field.

A student with safety goggles looks through machinery in a plastics engineering lab.

State-of-the-Art Research Facilities

Our cutting-edge research facilities allow you to learn hands-on with the latest materials, equipment and techniques. Our research labs are among the most advanced in the world, giving you direct access to the tools needed to drive innovation in plastic materials, sustainability and product design.

Professor Meg Sobkowicz-Kline with student in the lab.

Commitment to Sustainability

Plastics engineering is at a crossroads, and UMass Lowell is leading the development of more sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions. From biodegradable polymers to advanced recycling techniques, our program is dedicated to training engineers who will solve the global challenges of plastics and environmental sustainability.
A student works on a laptop Image by Lee Asher

Flexible Learning Options for Today's Professionals

Whether you want to enhance your current career or pivot into a new role, UMass Lowell’s MS in Plastics Engineering offers flexible options to meet your needs. Our program is available on-campus, online, or through a hybrid format, providing professionals the flexibility to earn their degrees on their own terms.

Where Our Graduates Work

  • Medtronic
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Apple
  • Millipore Sigma
  • Abbott
  • Raytheon
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Abiomed
  • DEKA Research & Development
  • Ethicon, Inc.

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

Cost Per Credit: $600
Term Registration Fee: $30

Please see online tuition and fees for more information.

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

All applications are submitted through EngineeringCAS.

  1. An application
  2. An application fee
  3. A statement of purpose
  4. Letters of recommendation
  5. Official transcripts
  6. Official test score report  - GRE required for:
    1. Computer Engineering, MSE
    2. Electrical Engineering, MSE
    3. All Ph.D. Programs

Note: All required materials must be received before the application package can be evaluated. If you need to introduce new references or add other supporting documents, log on to your application, click on “Program Materials” to update your application. Please note the new documents and references will be considered only if your application has not been reviewed for admission.  

International Students: please see the additional application requirements.

Bachelor's to Master's Students: You will not need to apply via the application portal. Visit Bachelor's to Master's page to learn about the process to transition to your desired master's program.

1. Online Application application

Applications will only be accepted through EngineeringCAS, an application service for graduate engineering programs. All application documents and test scores need to be submitted through EnginneringCAS.

Apply for Spring 2025

Apply for Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026

app-fee 2. Application Fee

The application fee is $75.

3. Statement of Purpose statement

In a separate document, submit a brief statement indicating your immediate and long-range goals, relevant work history, academic honors/awards received, any teaching experience and/or research conducted/published that may be pertinent to your graduate program. Two page recommended maximum.

Note: If you are applying to more than one program, you will need to submit a program-specific statement of purpose with each application package.

4. LOR Letters of Recommendation

Master's applicants need to submit two (2) letters of recommendation. Doctoral applicants will be asked to provide three (3). Recommendations should be from instructors who have taught you, ideally in the field to which you are applying. They may also be from employers or supervisors who are in a position to compare your performance to that of your peers. You will be asked via EngineeringCAS to provide (names and email addresses) referees during the application process and that an automated request will be sent out to your recommenders. You will be able to track the status of your recommendations and send reminders by logging back into your application.

5. TransTranscripts

Provide a complete transcript from the institution that awarded or will award you a bachelor’s degree. You may also include transcripts from other institutions at which you have taken relevant coursework. Please note that waiting for additional transcripts may delay review of your application.

You have two options for submitting transcripts:

  1. Self Report your transcript to EngineeringCAS. This will expedite your application review. Self-reported transcripts must correspond to the official transcript. The University reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission if false credentials are provided at the point of application.
  2. Send official transcripts directly to UMass Lowell, either through a secure submission or via mail to:

    University of Massachusetts - Lowell
    Graduate Admissions - GPS Center
    839 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
    Lowell, MA 01854-3941

If you received your degree from UMass Lowell, it is not necessary for you to request a transcript, we are able to provide one for you.

International transcripts must clearly indicate that you have received (or will soon receive) a four-year bachelor's degree, the equivalent of an American bachelor's degree. Please note, the Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credential evaluated. Additional information about international transcripts is available on the EngineeringCAS website. *You will need to provide an official copy prior to your first semester on campus. Self-reported transcripts must correspond to the official transcript.* The University reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission if false credentials are provided at the point of application.

*UMass Lowell will require You to provide a copy of your Official Transcripts & Scores prior to your first semester.

6. OTSROfficial Test Score Report(s)

The following programs require the GRE for admission consideration:

  • Computer Engineering, MSE
  • Electrical Engineering, MSE
  • All Ph.D. Programs

Please have ETS send your GRE scores directly to EngineeringCAS using school code 4530.

A GRE waiver may be available to qualified master’s degree candidates. Further information can be found at GRE/GMAT/MAT Waiver Forms. You may also self-report your GRE scores.*

International Students:

English Proficiency Tests: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores are required. If you have taken the TOEFL, have ETS send your scores to EngineeringCAS (school code: B887). You may also self-report your scores. If you have taken the IELTS you may self-report your scores on the application.*

The requirements for the tests are as follows:

  • TOEFL => 79
  • IELTS => 6.5

*UMass Lowell will require you to provide a copy of your Official Transcripts & Scores prior to your first semester.

Get more information about standardized tests.

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