Rochester Institute of Technology in one several schools across
the county to offer a degree program in packaging.

Product containment is a multi-billion dollar industry, so it’s no surprise that Universities across the country are introducing comprehensive Bachelor and Masters of Science degrees in packaging.

Packaging sciences programs do vary slightly from school to school, but one thing is the same across the board – this is a sci-tech and core-class heavy degree.

Universities urge potential students to take as many advanced math, chemistry, writing, speech and computer courses as possible at the high school level in order to prepare for the demands of the packaging degree program.

Rather than focusing mainly on scientific studies or mainly on communication/marketing studies, a packaging science degree demands students become masters of both fields of study.

The University of Wisconsin – Stout says “Industry’s packaging problems are not only technical. They are also social and economical.”

Students wishing to earn their BS in Packaging are required take courses in data analysis, public speaking, physics, micro- and macro- economics, marketing, microbiology and many more. Not to mention the eight or more packaging specific courses that are required.

Students must also complete internships or co-ops in order to develop real world skills and professional contacts.

The course work is intense, and certainly not for everyone, but the rewards can be impressive. The University of Wisconsin – Stout touts a 100 percent placement rate for the 2010-2011 class, with a median starting salary of $53,000 per year.

Obviously, hiring companies are paying close attention to the trends and challenges in the packaging industry – and they are looking for well educated and qualified individuals to help them navigate the future.

Below is a list of just some of the schools offering a Bachelor or Masters of Science in Packaging:

University of Wisconsin – Stout
Michigan State
Clemson University
Rochester Institute of Technology
University of Florida
Indiana State
Rutgers University