College of Agriculture & Natural Resources School of Packaging

Application Deadlines

• October 31^st
• February 15^th

The School of Packaging accepts applications for Fall Semester for all of our graduate programs.  

PhD and MS On-Campus Degree Programs
For consideration of MSU scholarships and fellowships, Packaging Doctoral applications are due October 31^st for the following Fall Semester. After this date, we accept applications without financial consideration, until February 15^th.

MS Online Degree Program
February 15^th for the following Fall Semester.

MS Leadership for Professionals Program
October 31st for Spring Semester, and February 15th for Fall Semester.

Slate Student Portal

https://explore.msu.edu/apply
Applicants can submit and check on the status (completeness) of their applications by logging into their student portal.

Complete the Online Application for Admission to Graduate Study, paying the application fee by credit card number, electronic check, or money order.

International Students: Please print your name on the application exactly as it appears in your passport. The information will be used to complete the necessary visa documents, so matching your passport information is critical.

Before Applying

Application materials must be submitted by February 15 for the following Fall Semester. On time submission of application and supporting materials is required for full consideration.  International students are encouraged to apply and submit requirements as early as possible.

Admission Requirements

PhD Degree Program
To be admitted to the PhD Degree Program in Packaging on regular status, a student must have:

• • Completed a master's degree program in packaging, or in a related science or engineering area, for which a thesis was required, or a completed bachelor's degree in packaging or related science or engineering area with significant intensive research experience such as having peer-reviewed journal publications as the main author, or conducting several semesters of research work.
  • A grade–point average of at least 3.4 for the bachelor's or master's degree program.
  • Acceptable scores on the GRE General Test.
  • A PhD applicant must find a faculty member willing to serve as their major advisor before admission can be offered. Faculty information can be found at https://packaging.msu.edu/our-team.

Provisional admission may be granted to an applicant who does not meet the above requirements but shows outstanding potential.

MS Degree Programs
The following are required for admission consideration to both on-campus and online MS Degree Programs:

• • Bachelor's degree in packaging or a related field
  • 3.0 (B) grade point average in last two years of undergraduate program
  • One year of college physics
  • One year of college chemistry, including introductory organic chemistry
  • One semester of calculus

Applicants to the graduate program are expected to have a year of college level chemistry (including introductory organic chemistry), a year of college level physics, and a semester of calculus. Prospective students who do not have this background are encouraged to take equivalent courses at a community college or university in their locale prior to coming to Michigan State University, as completion of these courses is ordinarily required before admission to the MS program.

Students who do not hold a previous degree in Packaging will only be considered for the Fall Semester. Students who do hold a Packaging degree may apply for Fall or Spring Semester.  Students who hold a Packaging degree may begin their MS Online Degree Program either in the Fall, Spring or Summer Semesters, though Fall Semester is preferred. Students who do not hold a previous degree in Packaging will only be considered for the Fall Semester. 

Collateral Courses
MS students who do not have an undergraduate degree in packaging are required to complete the following, or may show competency in these areas through waiver. These courses do not count towards the 30 required program credits:

• • PKG 801:  Packaging Materials
    Physical and chemical properties of packaging materials; design, manufacture, performance and evaluation of packages.
  • PKG 803:  Packaging Distribution and Dynamics
    Transportation environment, distribution packaging design and testing
  • PKG 804:  Packaging Processes
    Integrated study of packaging and production operations, quality control, organization and control of machines. Interrelationship of products, packaging, machinery layout and efficiency, and quality issues.

MS Non-Thesis (online) program application requirements are the same as the MS Non-Thesis (on-campus) program with the following exceptions:

• • Financial proof is not required.
  • An I-20 will not be sent.
  • International students can request Health Insurance waivers under certain circumstances at https://oiss.isp.msu.edu/health-wellness-and-safety/us-healthcare-insurance for the full instructions and information.

MS Packaging Leadership for Professionals

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

• • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Minimum of 3 years professional experience
  • Resume or CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended