At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    PhD

Gain advanced knowledge and skills for technical management positions in the plastics industry, as well as for administrative positions in government and for teaching careers in colleges and universities.

Overview

UMass Lowell's Ph.D. in Plastics Engineering program is designed to develop decision-making engineers with sound theoretical and technical research knowledge who are design- and development-oriented and have a firm engineering management background. This interdisciplinary program encompasses study in materials, design, processing, mathematics, computer science and management.

The Ph.D. program in Plastics Engineering is primarily intended for full-time graduate students; however, some students take courses on a part-time basis. Many required courses are offered at night so that engineers working at local companies can take advantage of the program.

For program-specific questions and to connect with our current students, please contact the Doctoral Graduate Coordinator.

Curriculum

Required courses may include:

  • Characterization of Polymers and Plastics
  • Physical Polymer Science
  • New Development in Polymer Manufacturing
  • Structure Product Design
  • Plastics Processing Theory I
  • Numerical and Analytical Methods
  • Computer Aided Engineering and Design
  • Current Topics Plastics Seminar
  • Engineering Electives
  • Doctoral Research Dissertation

For more information including course listings and degree pathways, visit the Academic Catalog.

Research at UMass Lowell

Our state-of-the-art laboratories are the result of the generous sponsorships by alumni and top companies in the industry.

A female UMass Lowell student seen through machinery in a Plastics Engineering lab.

UMass Lowell Plastics Engineering faculty work closely with industry and governmental organizations on plastics-related research. 

Areas of research include:

  • Plastics Product Design
  • Plastics Process Development
  • Plastics Materials and Additives
  • Plastics Mold and Die Design
  • Elastomers and Rubber
  • Testing and Characterization
  • Computer-Aided Engineering
  • Plastics Recycling
  • Polymeric Biomaterials
Explore All Research  Plastics Engineering Faculty

Funding Opportunities

UMass Lowell strives to provide financial support for all admitted Ph.D. students. This includes funding through Teaching Assistantships (TA), Research Assistantships (RA) and summer research support. Assistantships are contingent upon availability and may be subject to change.

Admissions

  • Application:
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages)
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required.
  • Test Scores: Please send test scores to EngineeringCAS using school code 4530. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for all Doctor of Philosophy programs and for the Master of Science in Engineering in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering. It is accepted but not required for other master's applicants.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

International Applicants

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • Duolingo: 115+
  • ASC English: Level 6+
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

For the TOEFL, please send your scores to EngineeringCAS using the school code B887.

Take the Next Step

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Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email: 
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu