Application Requirements

This page is under revision. For current information on applying to a program in the School of Packaging, please refer to the 2024-25 Graduate Student Handbook, Application and Admissions section.

Programs

MS Online
MS On-Campus
PhD

Additional Resources

Information for Current Packaging BS Students - Shared Programs (Dual Enrollment)
Important Links
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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.

Note: For the Spring and Summer Semesters, we only accept applications for the following:

MS Online Degree Program
MS On-Campus (non-thesis) Program from students who already hold a Packaging Degree from Michigan State University.

The application deadline for Summer admission is February 15^th; for Spring admission the deadline is October 31^st.

MS ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM

Admission Requirements

The basic admission criteria are identical for the MS On-Campus and Online Degree Programs. Those requirements include:

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.

Applying to the Packaging MS Online Degree Program

We are very pleased that you are interested in graduate study in the School of Packaging at Michigan State University. Our department is committed to providing excellent graduate education.

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. For full consideration, the application for admission and all requirements must be received at least two (2) months prior for U.S. Citizens and three (3) months prior for all International students, prior to the anticipated first semesters of enrollment.

How to Apply - Application Requirements:

Application
Apply to our program and pay the application fee via MSU Admissions.

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.
Official Transcripts

Non-MSU Transcripts
Request the registrar of each college or university attended to mail all records of any previous schooling (mark sheets, transcripts, diplomas, certificates, etc.) directly to the MSU School of Packaging Graduate Program Coordinator. These records must show courses taken and grades earned and must be translated into English if the original records are in another language. A transcript of work taken at Michigan State University need not be requested. These documents must arrive in an envelope sealed by the issuing university. Documents issued to students are not acceptable. If the transcript does not indicate that the degree has been awarded, a copy of the diploma is also required. If the degree has not yet been completed, this document must be provided later. If a document is translated, it should be certified as accurate and correct by an appropriate public or school official, or sponsoring agency or government. The original record should be also included.

Do not submit your only original transcript, certificate, and/or diploma! The MSU Office of Admissions does NOT return any documents received in Central Admissions!

MSU Transcripts
Please upload a copy of MSU transcripts to your application.

Note: Admission to a graduate program requires completion of a level of education comparable/equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. Normally, Michigan State University does not accept three-year bachelor’s degrees, diplomas or certificates as comparable to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. Exceptions are made by the Office of Admissions in the case of Indian students who have earned both three-year bachelor’s degrees and two-year master’s degrees. A Post Graduate Degree is not equivalent to a Master's.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation.
Official Graduate Record of Examination (GRE)

The School of Packaging does not require GRE scores for the MS Online Program. If you have taken the GRE and wish to include them with your application, please request that ETS send your scores to MSU electronically. MSU code is 1465 and there is no subject code for Packaging; use the code for “other.”
IN ADDITION to the above, International Applicants must also provide English Language Test Scores

All international applicants and applicants whose first language is not English must be able to be proficient in English as a condition for regular admission to Michigan State University. Such applicants will be required to demonstrate their proficiency by meeting certain minimum standards.

Applicants must have all test scores sent from the testing agency directly to Michigan State University. Most testing authorities are able to send scores electronically. In the rare case that a physical copy must be sent, it should be sent to; Office of Admissions; Hannah Administration Building; 426 Auditorium Road, Room 250; East Lansing, Michigan 48824-2604. Test scores are only valid up to 2 years prior to the start of the enrollment semester. For detailed information, go to http://elc.msu.edu/.

Provisional admission status will continue until university minimum language proficiency requirements for English (regular admission proficiency) are attained. Provisionally admitted students are required to take the MSU English Language Test (MSUELT) upon arrival at MSU. The results of the MSU English Language Test determine whether students will:

- - Enroll in full-time academic courses.
  - Enroll in full-time English Language courses through the English Language Center.
  - Enroll in a combination of both academic courses and English Language courses.

You may not enroll in full-time academic courses until you meet the university's minimum language proficiency requirement for English. Enrollment in English Language Center courses is NOT negotiable. Any questions regarding the university's minimum language proficiency requirements for English can be answered by the English Language Center; elc@msu.edu; 517-353-0800; https://elc.msu.edu/

English Language Tests for International Students
Due to cancellations of many international English language proficiency tests, MSU will be temporarily accepting the following tests for international students applying for Spring 2022 and Fall 2022: Duolingo English Test, the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator tests.

The English-Language requirement is automatically waived if:

1. the applicant has been awarded a Bachelor's degree earned in the U.S.
2. the applicant has been awarded a Master's degree earned at an AAU Institution on a U.S. Campus. For a list of AAU members, go to https://www.aau.edu/who-we-are/our-members

MS ON-CAMPUS DEGREE PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The following are required for admission consideration:

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

Applying to the MS On-Campus Degree Program

We are very pleased that you are interested in graduate study in the School of Packaging at Michigan State University. Our department is committed to providing excellent graduate education.

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.

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

To apply for the MS On-Campus Degree Program the following are required:

Application
Apply to our program and pay the application fee via MSU Admissions.

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.
Transcripts
Official Transcripts (Non-MSU)
Request the registrar of each college or university attended to mail all records of any previous schooling (mark sheets, transcripts, diplomas, certificates, etc.) directly to the MSU School of Packaging Graduate Program Coordinator. These records must show courses taken and grades earned and must be translated into English if the original records are in another language. A transcript of work taken at Michigan State University need not be requested. These documents must arrive in an envelope sealed by the issuing university. Documents issued to students are not acceptable. If the transcript does not indicate that the degree has been awarded, a copy of the diploma is also required. If the degree has not yet been completed, this document must be provided later. If a document is translated, it should be certified as accurate and correct by an appropriate public or school official, or sponsoring agency or government. The original record should also be included. Do not submit your only original transcript, certificate, and/or diploma! The MSU Office of Admissions does NOT return any documents received in Central Admissions!

MSU Transcripts
Please upload a copy of MSU transcripts to your application.

Note: Admission to a graduate program requires completion of a level of education comparable/equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. Michigan State University does not accept three-year bachelor’s degrees, diplomas or certificates as comparable to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. Exceptions are made by the Office of Admissions in the case of Indian students who have earned both three-year bachelor’s degrees and two-year master’s degrees. A Post Graduate Degree is not equivalent to a Master's.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation
Official Graduate Record of Examination (GRE)

The School of Packaging does not require GRE scores for the MS On-Campus Program. If you have taken the GRE and wish to include them with your application, please request that ETS send your scores to MSU electronically. MSU code is 1465 and there is no subject code for Packaging; use the code for “other.

For students applying for the MS Thesis Program, the GRE scores are highly encouraged. Many faculty (serving as your research advisor) will use GRE scores in deciding whether students have adequate background (for instance computational scores for math intensive labs), so not having the GRE can eliminate you from their consideration. As such, we recommend that you take it, but no longer require it.

IN ADDITION to the above, international applicants must also provide:

Affidavit of Support
International students must submit the Statement of Financial Proof (Affidavit of Support) for the academic year you are applying for. Additional information is found under "financial proof" at International Applicants | The Graduate School.

Financial proof must be provided in order to comply with U.S. Government regulations. Final admission will not be granted until the Office of Admissions is satisfied that all documents are complete and correct. At that time, your immigration document will be issued.
English-Language Scores
All international applicants and applicants whose first language is not English must be able to be proficient in English as a condition for regular admission to Michigan State University. Such applicants will be required to demonstrate their proficiency by meeting certain minimum standards.

Applicants should have all test scores sent from the testing agency directly to Michigan State University. Most testing authorities are able to send scores electronically. In the rare case that a physical copy must be sent, it should be sent to; Office of Admissions; Hannah Administration Building; 426 Auditorium Road, Room 250; East Lansing, Michigan 48824-2604.

Provisional admission status will continue until university minimum language proficiency requirements for English (regular admission proficiency) are attained. Provisionally admitted students are required to take the MSU English Language Test (MSUELT) upon arrival at MSU. The results of the MSU English Language Test determine whether students will:

- Enroll in full-time academic courses.
- Enroll in full-time English Language courses through the English Language Center.
- Enroll in a combination of both academic courses and English Language courses.

English language tests for international students: Due to cancellations of many international English language proficiency tests, MSU will be temporarily accepting the following tests for international students applying for Spring 2022 and Fall 2022: Duolingo English Test, the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator tests

The English-Language requirement is automatically waived if:

1. the applicant has been awarded a Bachelor's degree earned in the U.S.
2. the applicant has been awarded a Master's degree earned at an AAU Institution on a U.S. Campus. For a list of AAU members, go to https://www.aau.edu/who-we-are/our-members

PHD ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

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

Applying to the PhD Program

Application Requirements for the Packaging PhD program:

Application
Apply to our program and pay the application fee via MSU Admissions.

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.
Supplemental Application/Questionnaire
Complete the School of Packaging Supplemental Application and upload it to your application.
Transcripts
Admission to a graduate program requires completion of a level of education comparable/equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree.

Note: Normally, Michigan State University does not accept three-year bachelor’s degrees, diplomas or certificates as comparable to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. Exceptions are made by the Office of Admissions in the case of Indian students who have earned both three-year bachelor’s degrees and two-year master’s degrees. Do not submit your only original transcript certificate, and/or diploma! The MSU Office of Admissions does NOT return any documents received in Central Admissions.

Non-MSU Transcripts
Request the registrar of each college or university attended to mail all records of any (Non-MSU) previous schooling (mark sheets, transcripts, diplomas, certificates, etc.) directly to the MSU Office of Admissions or the MSU School of Packaging Graduate Program Coordinator. These records must show courses taken and grades earned and must be translated into English if the original records are in another language. These documents must arrive in an envelope sealed by the issuing university. Documents issued to students are not acceptable. If the transcript does not indicate that the degree has been awarded, a copy of the diploma is also required. If the degree has not yet been completed, this document must be provided at a later time.

MSU Transcripts - please upload a copy of MSU transcripts to your application.
Letters of Recommendation
Three (3) letters of recommendation
Official Graduate Record of Examination (GRE) Score

For students applying for the PhD Program, the GRE scores are highly encouraged. Many faculty (serving as your research advisor) will use GRE scores in deciding whether students have adequate background (for instance computational scores for math intensive labs), so not having the GRE can eliminate you from their consideration. As such, we recommend that you take it, but no longer require it.

Please request that ETS send your scores to MSU electronically. MSU code is 1465 and there is no subject code for Packaging; use the code for “other.”
Major Professor at MSU
Admission is contingent on acceptance of the applicant by a faculty member willing to serve as the applicant’s major professor. Applicants are encouraged to correspond with faculty working in their areas of interest who they would like to have as their major professor, to let faculty know of their interest and qualifications. Acceptance by a major professor does not guarantee admission or funding. Go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/packaging/our-team/ for a list of faculty and their information.

IN ADDITION to the above, international applicants must also provide:

Affidavit of Support (Statement of Financial Proof)
International students must submit the Statement of Financial Proof (Affidavit of Support) for the academic year you are applying for. Additional information is found under "financial proof" at International Applicants | The Graduate School.

Financial proof must be provided in order to comply with U.S. Government regulations. Final admission will not be granted until the Office of Admissions is satisfied that all documents are complete and correct. At that time, your immigration document will be issued.
English-Language Scores
All international applicants and applicants whose first language is not English must be able to be proficient in English as a condition for regular admission to Michigan State University. Such applicants will be required to demonstrate their proficiency by meeting certain minimum standards.

Provisional admission status will continue until university minimum language proficiency requirements for English (regular admission proficiency) are attained. Provisionally admitted students are required to take the MSU English Language Test (MSUELT) upon arrival at MSU. The results of the MSU English Language Test determine whether students will:

Enroll in full-time academic courses.
Enroll in full-time English Language courses through the English Language Center.
Enroll in a combination of both academic courses and English Language courses.

English Language Tests for International Students
Due to cancellations of many international English language proficiency tests, MSU will be temporarily accepting the following tests for international students applying for Spring 2022 and Fall 2022: Duolingo English Test, the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator tests.