Program Components

Specific Requirements

The program requires the completion of core courses and elective courses. As outlined in the academic programs catalog, the program requirements include:

Core Courses

Students will complete 20 credits of packaging essential topics in packaging sustainability, global trends and regulations, materials, distribution and dynamics, processes, professional seminar, and stability & recyclability regarding environmental impact.

Credits	Course	Typically Offered
3	PKG 470: Packaging Sustainability	Spring
4	PKG 801: Packaging Materials	Fall
2	PKG 803: Packaging Distribution and Dynamics	Spring
2	PKG 804: Packaging Processes	Spring
3	PKG 810: Professional Seminar	Fall
3	PKG 875: Sustainability and Recyclability of Packaging Materials	Fall (odd years)
3	PKG 891: Global Sustainability Trends and Regulations	Fall, Spring, Summer

Concentrations and Elective Track Options

Students choose a minimum of 10 credits from a variety of elective track options including: business, supply chain management, sustainable solutions, or packaging design.

Business

Credits	Course	Typically Offered
3	CAS 835: Brand & Image Communication	Spring
2	SCM 801: Introduction to Global Business & Supply Chain	Fall, Summer
3	ACC 870: Principles of Financial & Managerial Accounting	Fall, Spring
2	MGT 873: Strategic Decision Making	Fall, Spring, Summer

Packaging Design

Credits	Course	Typically Offered
3	PKG 411: PKG Development Technology	Fall, Spring
3	PKG 430: PKG for Fast Moving Consumer Goods	Fall
3	PKG 421: Virtual Design & Prototyping	Spring
3	PKG 444: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for Packaging	Fall, Spring, Summer
3	PKG 450: Automotive & Industrial PKG	Fall, Summer
4	PKG 452: Medical Packaging	Fall
3	PKG 456: Packaging and Shelf Life of Perishable Food	Fall
3	PKG 480: Packaging Laws and Regulations	Spring
3	PKG 805: Advanced PKG Dynamics	Spring
3	PKG 814: Packaging for Food Safety	Summer
3	PKG 815: Permeability & Shelf Life	Spring
4	PKG 825: Polymeric Packaging Materials (need to have PKG 801 prerequisite)	Fall
3	PKG 840: Anti-Counterfeit and Product Protection Strategy	Summer
3	FSC 810: International Food Laws & Regulations	Fall, Spring
3	FSC 811: US Food Laws & Regulations	Fall, Spring
1-3	VM 834: Current Issues in Food Safety	Fall, Spring, Summer

Supply Chain Management

Credits	Course
3	PKG 465: PKG Value Chain	Fall, Spring
2	SCM 801: Introduction to Global Business & Supply Chain	Fall, Summer
3	SCM 803: Introduction to Supply Chain Analytics	Fall, Summer
2	SCM 805: Basic Elements of Strategic Sourcing	Fall, Spring
2	SCM 806: Basic Elements of Logistics & Warehousing	Fall, Spring
2	SCM 807: Basic Elements of Operations Management	Fall, Spring

Sustainable Solutions

Credits	Course	Typically Offered
3	PKG 465: PKG Value Chain	Fall, Summer
3	PKG 480: Packaging Laws and Regulations	Spring
3	PKG 880: Life Cycle Assessment	Spring, even years
3	CSUS 465: Environmental and Natural Resources Law	Fall
1-6	CSUS 890: Independent Study in Community Sustainability	Fall, Spring, Summer
1-9	CSUS 891: Special Topics in Community Sustainability	Fall, Spring, Summer
1-3	AFRE 891: Special Topics in Agriculture, Food, & Resource Economics	Fall, Spring, Summer

Who Should Apply:

Working professionals who are looking for a packaging focused alternative to an MBA
New packaging professionals looking to up-skill for promotions
Non-packaging professionals transitioning into packaging roles
First/mid-level managers who are interested in packaging leadership

Why Apply?

100% online program
Prepare to lead and innovate
Develop expertise in Packaging Sustainability
Create optimal packaging solutions
Integrate global trends and regulations

Application Requirements

An earned bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA from an accredited educational institution. Education must be comparable to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree.
A minimum of 3 years of professional work experience
Submit 3 reference letters
Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended
Resume or CV