Degree Programs

PhD Program

The official program of study leading to a PhD consists of completing required course work and research credits, passing of a comprehensive examination, completion of a research program and a satisfactory written dissertation based on the research, and successful defense of the dissertation, which includes a public seminar and a final oral examination. These elements of the program are described below, along with other requirements that must be met to successfully complete the program of study. Study in the PhD program generally focuses on material science applications in packaging, food packaging, medical packaging, mass transport applications, the dynamics and physical distribution aspects of packaging, human factors in packaging, and/or sustainability of packaging systems. Learn more.

MS Thesis/Non-Thesis On-Camps Programs

The official program of study leading to an MS consists of completing required course work and credits.

MS Plan A: Thesis requires completion of a research program (6-8 credits of PKG 899 research) and a satisfactory written thesis based on the research, and successful defense of the thesis, which includes a final oral examination.
MS Plan B: Non-Thesis requires completion of coursework and a Capstone Paper.

Completion of the MS degree normally requires about 2 years of full-time study, longer if collateral courses must be taken. Learn more.

MS Non-Thesis Online Program

The School also offers a MS Plan B: Non-Thesis (Online) program. Online students usually study on a part-time basis, and have a somewhat more limited selection of classes available, but it is possible to complete the degree without coming to the campus. This program is intended primarily for professionals working in the field of packaging. Program requirements for the MS Plan B: Non-Thesis (Online) program are identical to those for the MS Plan B: Non-Thesis (Residential) program. Learn more.

MS Packaging Leadership

The Master of Science in Packaging Leadership for Professionals is a course-intensive, online program offered by the School of Packaging in partnership with the business and communication arts and sciences programs at MSU. The MS program enables professionals with leadership aspirations to not only expand their knowledge related to technical aspects of packaging but to also strengthen their proficiencies in interdisciplinary fields in which students engage in one of four tracks.