Packaging Science MS | College of Engineering Technology

The master’s in packaging science enables you to create visually stunning, environmentally friendly packaging that’s functional and durable enough to be aesthetically pleasing and sustainable for the environmental while also withstanding the stresses of distribution and transportation.

100^%

Outcomes Rate of RIT Graduates from this degree

^$86.3K

Average First-Year Salary of RIT Graduates from this degree

^#2

Best Graduate School for Packaging Science Master’s Degrees in the US

College Factual, 2024

Overview for Packaging Science MS

Why Pursue a Masters in Packaging Science at RIT?

STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
Combination of Theoretical and Hands-on Learning Experiences: Gain comprehensive knowledge related to packaging design, package testing, product marketing, project management, and quality control.
Future-Focused Curriculum: Take dynamic courses in packaging dynamics, packaging and the environment, product packaging for end use, and distribution systems.
Flexible Options to Complete Your Degree: Choose between a thesis, capstone project, or comprehensive exam to earn your master's in packaging science.

What you can do with a degree in Packaging Science?

Learn More

Designed for packaging professionals to become experts in the packaging development process, the master's in packaging science focuses on selecting raw materials, developing environmentally friendly packaging solutions, and creating functional packaging that withstands environmental, chemical, and physical stresses during distribution and transportation. The program will also help you to keep these functional aspects in mind as you develop attractive packaging designs that are aesthetically pleasing as they pique consumer interest. This master's in packaging science combines theoretical and hands-on learning experiences that enable you to gain comprehensive knowledge related to packaging design, package testing, product marketing, project management, and quality control.

What is Packaging Science?

Packaging science is a dynamic field that integrates engineering, design, and business to develop and design product packaging for a range of consumer goods. Packaging engineers and packaging designers focus on understanding the packaging needs of a product and what it must accomplish. These needs can range from maintaining food freshness and safety, keeping products safe from damage during transportation, appealing to consumers at the point of purchase, communicating product information, sustaining transportation efficiency, complying with sustainable practices for post-use recycling and reuse, and more. It’s the role of packaging engineers and packaging designers to responsibility weigh these factors into the conceptualization, design, and development of product packaging.

Packaging Science Courses

The packaging science master’s consists of core courses, elective courses, and either a comprehensive exam, capstone project, or thesis. The total number of elective courses depends on your choice of the exam, project, or thesis option. Faculty advisors assist in selecting an option that best meets your career aspirations.

Core courses for the master's of packaging science cover topics such as packaging dynamics, packaging and the environment, product packaging for end use, and distribution systems, including supply chain management. Elective courses are approved by your advisor and must meet degree requirements. In certain circumstances, with pre-approval by the graduate advisor and where individual need indicates appropriateness, a limited number of upper-level undergraduate courses may be used to fulfill elective credit. With advisor permission, you may include independent study as part of your elective credits. However, independent study may not be used toward the required packaging core coursework. Courses selected for elective credit may be combined to create special areas of focus with the program chair's approval.

Green Belt – Lean Six Sigma

Students may elect to pursue a Green Belt certificate in Lean Six Sigma with the completion of the thesis or capstone project. Certification requires students to complete the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification training program as one of their electives. Upon completion, students must implement the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma within their thesis or capstone project.

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30% Tuition Scholarship for NY Residents and Graduates

Now is the perfect time to earn your Master’s degree. If you’re a New York state resident with a bachelor’s degree or have/will graduate from a college or university in New York state, you are eligible to receive a 30% tuition scholarship.

Learn more about Master Up NY

Careers and Cooperative Education

Typical Job Titles

Associate Specialist - Packaging Operations	Packaging Engineer	Packaging Designer
Package Developer	Product Engineer	Packaging Scientist
Package Engineering Technician	Packaging Sales	Structural Designer
Packaging and Display Sales	Packaging Development Engineer	Packaging Project Management Engineer
Display Services Specialist

Post-Graduation Salary and Career Info

Cooperative Education

What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.

Full-time students may choose to complete cooperative education. After completing two semesters of study (a minimum of 18 credit hours), students may request approval to complete up to one year of cooperative education related to packaging.

Featured Work and Profiles

Environmental responsibility in the food sector

Daniel Johnson WXXI talks to professor Daniel Johnson in the Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science about climate-friendly food sector practices.
Read More about Environmental responsibility in the food sector
RIT student team named finalists in national packaging design challenge

Students’ packaging design is a top three finalist in the annual Paperboard Packaging Student Design Challenge. The team includes Malena Juif, a fourth-year packaging science student. “You...
Read More about RIT student team named finalists in national packaging design challenge
Packaging Pioneer Inducted into Hall of Fame for 40-Year Career

Rebecca Oesterle Rebecca Oesterle, RIT alumna and former industry leader at Energizer and Just Born Quality Confections, was honored with a spot in the Packaging and Processing Hall of Fame for her groundbreaking...
Read More about Packaging Pioneer Inducted into Hall of Fame for 40-Year Career
Excellence in Design

RIT student team Four of eight student design teams from RIT that were entered in the national Paperboard Packaging Alliance competition were awarded top placements for excellence in design. The Misfit Burst took...
Read More about Excellence in Design
Professor Guides Students in Cross-Disciplinary Packaging Innovation

Karen Proctor Professor Karen Proctor’s interdisciplinary courses in packaging science, graphic design, and industrial design at RIT offer students a unique hands-on experience, working together on real-world...
Read More about Professor Guides Students in Cross-Disciplinary Packaging Innovation

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Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Packaging Science MS

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

View Printable Curriculum

Packaging Science (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence

Course		Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
GRCS-701	Research Methods Understanding research and academic writing are foundational skills for all graduate students regardless of degree culmination. This is a graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis, with the goal of all students becoming better consumers of research, and preparing those who choose an empirical research degree culmination and future doctoral pursuits. The course provides a broad overview of the process and practices of research in applied contexts. Content includes principles and techniques of research design, sampling, data collection, and analysis including the nature of evidence, types of research, defining research questions, sampling techniques, data collection, data analysis, issues concerning human subjects and research ethics, and challenges associated with conducting research in real-world contexts. Research strategies using library sources, including academic databases and citation management, are emphasized; as are academic writing skills, including adherence to academic style. The analysis component of the course provides an understanding of statistical methodology used to collect and interpret data found in research as well as how to read and interpret data collection instruments. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).	3
PACK-730	Packaging and the Environment Consideration of packaging in a social context. Factors that enhance secondary use, recycling, recovery of resources, and proper disposal are discussed. Package design in relation to solid waste disposal and materials and energy shortages are considered. Other topics of interest are discussed. Primarily a discussion class for graduate students. Open to graduate non-majors. Lecture 3 (Spring).	3
PACK-742	Distribution Systems The course develops knowledges and application skills of the distribution packaging. Topics covered are packaging used in distribution systems, integrated packaging supply chain, modeling and analysis of the distribution systems, and score card in packaging supply chain. Emphasises are given to estimate and predict the packaging protection and to optimize the packaging distribution using various tools. The lab focuses on development and evaluation of a distribution packaging. The projects are designed to assess the packaging performance in distribution systems. (This course is restricted to students in the PACK-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).	3
PACK-763	Packaging for End Use An intensive study of package design requirements specific to use of a product at specified end points. Individual design and development of a package system and its specifications, appropriate to the needs of the product and the consumer/end user and meets the demands of the supply chain. (Prerequisites: PACK-451 or equivalent course or graduate student standing in the PACK-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).	3
PACK-783	Advanced Packaging Dynamics The study of instrumentation systems for analysis, evaluation and application of shock and vibration test methods to develop protective package designs and effective product/package interaction. A research paper is required. (This course is restricted to students in the PACK-MS program.) Lecture 3, Recitation 1 (Spring).	3
PACK-790	Research Thesis A thesis is based on experimental evidence obtained by the candidate in an appropriate topic demonstrating the extension of theory into practice. A written proposal which is defended and authorized by the faculty advisor/committee followed by a formal written thesis and oral presentation of findings are required. Typically the candidate will have completed research methods, data analysis and graduate writing strategies prior to enrolling in this course and will start the thesis process as soon as they have completed these courses to allow them to finish the thesis when they have finished their coursework. The candidate must obtain the approval of their graduate adviser who will guide the thesis before registering for this course. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer).	6
	Packaging Electives	9
Total Semester Credit Hours		30

Packaging Science (capstone project option), MS degree, typical course sequence

Course		Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
GRCS-701	Research Methods Understanding research and academic writing are foundational skills for all graduate students regardless of degree culmination. This is a graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis, with the goal of all students becoming better consumers of research, and preparing those who choose an empirical research degree culmination and future doctoral pursuits. The course provides a broad overview of the process and practices of research in applied contexts. Content includes principles and techniques of research design, sampling, data collection, and analysis including the nature of evidence, types of research, defining research questions, sampling techniques, data collection, data analysis, issues concerning human subjects and research ethics, and challenges associated with conducting research in real-world contexts. Research strategies using library sources, including academic databases and citation management, are emphasized; as are academic writing skills, including adherence to academic style. The analysis component of the course provides an understanding of statistical methodology used to collect and interpret data found in research as well as how to read and interpret data collection instruments. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).	3
PACK-742	Distribution Systems The course develops knowledges and application skills of the distribution packaging. Topics covered are packaging used in distribution systems, integrated packaging supply chain, modeling and analysis of the distribution systems, and score card in packaging supply chain. Emphasises are given to estimate and predict the packaging protection and to optimize the packaging distribution using various tools. The lab focuses on development and evaluation of a distribution packaging. The projects are designed to assess the packaging performance in distribution systems. (This course is restricted to students in the PACK-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).	3
PACK-730	Packaging and the Environment Consideration of packaging in a social context. Factors that enhance secondary use, recycling, recovery of resources, and proper disposal are discussed. Package design in relation to solid waste disposal and materials and energy shortages are considered. Other topics of interest are discussed. Primarily a discussion class for graduate students. Open to graduate non-majors. Lecture 3 (Spring).	3
PACK-763	Packaging for End Use An intensive study of package design requirements specific to use of a product at specified end points. Individual design and development of a package system and its specifications, appropriate to the needs of the product and the consumer/end user and meets the demands of the supply chain. (Prerequisites: PACK-451 or equivalent course or graduate student standing in the PACK-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).	3
PACK-783	Advanced Packaging Dynamics The study of instrumentation systems for analysis, evaluation and application of shock and vibration test methods to develop protective package designs and effective product/package interaction. A research paper is required. (This course is restricted to students in the PACK-MS program.) Lecture 3, Recitation 1 (Spring).	3
PACK-797	Graduate Project The purpose of this course is to provide students the opportunity to conduct research, develop a plan and evaluation components and submit the project as a demonstration of final proficiency in the program. The topic selected by the student will be guided by the faculty teaching the class and it will require the student to coalesce and incorporate into the final project a culmination of all their course work in the program to date. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Project (Spring).	3
	Packaging Electives	12
Total Semester Credit Hours		30

Packaging Science (comprehensive exam option), MS degree, typical course sequence

Course		Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
GRCS-701	Research Methods Understanding research and academic writing are foundational skills for all graduate students regardless of degree culmination. This is a graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis, with the goal of all students becoming better consumers of research, and preparing those who choose an empirical research degree culmination and future doctoral pursuits. The course provides a broad overview of the process and practices of research in applied contexts. Content includes principles and techniques of research design, sampling, data collection, and analysis including the nature of evidence, types of research, defining research questions, sampling techniques, data collection, data analysis, issues concerning human subjects and research ethics, and challenges associated with conducting research in real-world contexts. Research strategies using library sources, including academic databases and citation management, are emphasized; as are academic writing skills, including adherence to academic style. The analysis component of the course provides an understanding of statistical methodology used to collect and interpret data found in research as well as how to read and interpret data collection instruments. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).	3
PACK-742	Distribution Systems The course develops knowledges and application skills of the distribution packaging. Topics covered are packaging used in distribution systems, integrated packaging supply chain, modeling and analysis of the distribution systems, and score card in packaging supply chain. Emphasises are given to estimate and predict the packaging protection and to optimize the packaging distribution using various tools. The lab focuses on development and evaluation of a distribution packaging. The projects are designed to assess the packaging performance in distribution systems. (This course is restricted to students in the PACK-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).	3
PACK-730	Packaging and the Environment Consideration of packaging in a social context. Factors that enhance secondary use, recycling, recovery of resources, and proper disposal are discussed. Package design in relation to solid waste disposal and materials and energy shortages are considered. Other topics of interest are discussed. Primarily a discussion class for graduate students. Open to graduate non-majors. Lecture 3 (Spring).	3
PACK-763	Packaging for End Use An intensive study of package design requirements specific to use of a product at specified end points. Individual design and development of a package system and its specifications, appropriate to the needs of the product and the consumer/end user and meets the demands of the supply chain. (Prerequisites: PACK-451 or equivalent course or graduate student standing in the PACK-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).	3
PACK-783	Advanced Packaging Dynamics The study of instrumentation systems for analysis, evaluation and application of shock and vibration test methods to develop protective package designs and effective product/package interaction. A research paper is required. (This course is restricted to students in the PACK-MS program.) Lecture 3, Recitation 1 (Spring).	3
PACK-795	Comprehensive Examination A written comprehensive exam is one of the non-thesis methodologies for completion of the MS degree. Students will demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the theories and foundation principles. This course will include a review of the main concepts of each of the core subjects and at the conclusion of the course the student will take a written examination and must receive a passing grade of at least 80 percent to be successful. Students will have one additional opportunity to pass this examination if their initial attempt results in a failing grade. (Faculty adviser approval required). (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Comp Exam 3 (Fall, Summer).	0
	Packaging Electives	15
Total Semester Credit Hours		30

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is available on-campus only.

Offered	Admit Term(s)	Application Deadline	STEM Designated
Full‑time	Fall	Rolling	Yes

Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Packaging Science MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

Complete an online graduate application.
Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
Satisfy prerequisite requirements and/or complete bridge courses prior to starting program coursework.
Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
Submit two letters of recommendation.
Entrance exam requirements: None
Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required. Details are below.

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.

TOEFL	IELTS	PTE Academic
79	6.5	56

International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.

How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.

A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree

Additional Information

Prerequisites

Applicants must have completed at least one semester of physics (mechanics focus), one semester of calculus, one year of chemistry (including organic chemistry), statistics, and basic computer literacy.

Bridge Courses

Applicants who do not have an equivalent bachelor’s degree in packaging science will be evaluated and the appropriate undergraduate bridge courses will be prescribed. These courses may not be used for credit toward the MS degree.

Faculty

Events

February 5

Packaging and Graphic Media Science Career Fair
May 16

Graphic Media Day

November 6, 2024

Students recognized for excellence in graphics and research at national flexographic printing challenge

Undergraduate students at Rochester Institute of Technology took top placements at the Flexographic Technical Association Flexo Forum in Kansas City this Spring. Their project, Aş Evi, was part of the Phoenix Challenge, an annual student design competition, and was recognized for Excellence in Research, Excellence in Graphics, and Excellence in Execution categories.
January 26, 2024

Environmental responsibility in the food sector

WXXI talks to Daniel Johnson, interim department chair, Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science, about climate-friendly food sector practices.
November 2, 2022

RIT alumna inducted into Packaging and Processing Hall of Fame

This fall, Rebecca Oesterle ’09 MS (packaging science) was one of four industry leaders inducted into the Packaging and Processing Hall of Fame, for contributions to the industry and education over her 40 plus-year career at Energizer, and at Just Born Quality Confections.