Academics / Undergraduate Programs ¬

Packaging

Packaging comprises everything from food boxes and bags to containers that transport hazardous materials. Our Concentration in Packaging is a technical and science-based program that incorporates various aspects of packaging from materials and processes through system development and testing.
 
Degree Type: BS
Department: Engineering Management
School: Gadomski School of Engineering
 

Program Highlights

Choice in Engineering Focus

The Engineering Management major is a great option if you discover, during your study of engineering, that you are most interested in the management aspects of engineering. You’ll build a strong foundation in engineering knowledge, then develop the skills you need to manage people and processes in engineering.

The Packaging Concentration in Engineering Management studies an interdisciplinary field in which scientific and engineering principles are applied to develop and produce packages that contain, protect and preserve, transport, inform, and sell a product. Packaging engineering includes the study of products, packages, materials, containers, structures, methods, machinery, and transportation. It involves such diverse disciplines as chemistry, physics, materials science, mechanics, machine design, industrial engineering, electronics, materials handling, and other specialized skills. Total employment in the packaging industry is estimated at over a million. Engineers are employed in such areas as package engineering, development, sales, purchasing, structure design, production, research, and marketing.

Internships with Major Corporations

A required internship during your Packaging Concentration study provides you with first-hand management experience. CBU students in this concentration have interned with businesses including:

  • FedEx
  • International Paper
  • Microport Orthopedics
  • Smith & Nephew
  • Wright Medical

What You’ll Study

The Packaging Concentration requires 122 credit hours. You’ll take CBU general education and liberal arts courses, plus courses in:

  • Chemistry
  • Packaging
  • Healthcare packaging
  • Graphic Design
  • Engineering
  • Distribution Packaging
  • Cold-Chain Packaging
View Packaging Course Requirements

The Packaging Concentration provides students access to a Packaging Lab, which is certified by the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA). It is well-equipped to provide many opportunities for CBU students to pursue real world training to become ISTA Packaging Dynamics Professionals In-Training. A lab tour can be viewed on YouTube.

Careers

The average salary for Packaging Engineer I in the U.S. is $75,204 as of July 29, 2024 (salary.com), but the range typically falls between $68, 271 and $82,578. The starting salaries of CBU recent packaging graduates reached $72,000 in 2023 and $75,000 in 2024. Positions include:

  • Packaging Engineers
  • Packaging Laboratory Professionals
  • Packaging Development Engineers
  • Packaging Managers

Is Engineering Management for You?

The Engineering Management major combines two sets of skills. You’ll excel in this field if you:

  • Adapt quickly to new information or situations
  • Communicate well verbally and in written communications
  • Have good people skills
  • Can delegate well to others
  • Possess strong technical and business skills

Five Year BS/MSEM Program

The Gadomski School of Engineering also offers an Accelerated Five-Year BS/MSEM program that allows you to combine a bachelor of science (technical) with a master of science (management) degree that you can complete in five years.

Related Programs

Construction Management Healthcare Packaging Consortium
Master of Science in Engineering Management Packaging Engineering Graduate Certificate

Meet the Faculty

Dr. Pong Malasri, PE, CPLP Professional, CPP
Packaging Initiatives Coordinator, Packaging, Engineering Management
Adjunct & associated Faculty
  • Dr. Yongquan Zhou, CPP
    Lecturer & Project Packaging Engineer, FedEx
 
Ready to take the next step?