Packaging Science (B.S.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • Clemson offers one of seven packaging science undergraduate degree programs in the U.S.
  • You will be required to complete a four- to six-month co-op assignment.
  • Eligible students can begin graduate course work in their senior year to earn their master’s.
  • Our student Packaging Science Club attends the national PACK EXPO every year.
ABOUT.

What do air, cars, laptops, plants, knee-replacements and lunch have in common? They all can be and are packaged! Students majoring in packaging science learn all about the design, engineering, science, innovation, research and business that make up this diverse industry. For more then 20 years, Clemson has been thinking outside of the box and producing career-ready graduates who are ready to solve the problems of tomorrow. Clemson is one of just seven schools in the U.S. that offer a degree in packaging science. Our program is unique as it blends together biology, chemistry and physics so when you graduate you can fill a need within industry. Since this is a very hands-on major, you’ll get to work with package design and graphics, food and health care packaging and advanced materials.

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

Packaging science majors first complete basic course work in science and math before delving into the intricacies of packaging design, materials, polymers and distribution. A strong science and math background is essential for success. Clemson offers four emphasis areas including:

  • Distribution, transportation and engineering technology
  • Materials
  • Food and health care packaging
  • Package design and graphics

Our faculty are very in-touch with the ever-changing needs of industry. Industry partnerships have helped stock the laboratories with equipment for you to use. You will have access to each of the labs as an enhancement to your classroom learning.

Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program
Get a jump-start on your graduate degree with Clemson’s accelerated five-year combined bachelor’s/master’s program.

Curriculum:

Popular Minors:

  • Art
  • Chemistry
  • Business Administration
  • Environmental Science and Policy
  • Food Science
  • Marketing
  • Microbiology

Similar Majors:

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

Majoring in packaging science at Clemson gives you the opportunity to get involved with the industry. Students are required to put themselves outside the classroom and inside factories, labs and other facilities. You leave Clemson knowledgeable on the issues of the packaging science world and confident in your ability to find a career in this field of study.

Internships and Research Projects:

CO-OP:
Each student in the packaging science major is required to complete a Cooperative Education experience. Co-op assignments are coordinated through the college’s Student Services Center and the Michelin® Career Center.
WORKSPACE:
The Harris Smith Building was the first LEED Gold certified building on campus. It is home to the Sonoco Institute for Packaging Design and Graphics, which brings together packaging science and graphic communications majors.
CAPSTONE:
As a senior, you’ll complete a capstone project that truly brings real-world problems to students for solution. Our students have taken on challenges and issues important to new startup companies and established billion-dollar companies.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

82%

Employed

8%

Grad School

4%

Seeking Employment

6%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • Sonoco — Packaging Engineer
  • Kraft — Packaging Engineer
  • Procter & Gamble — Research and Development

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • Medical University of South Carolina — M.D.
  • Clemson University — MBA
  • Clemson University — Master’s

Common Career Areas**

  • Private Research Projects
    • Package Development 
    • Packaging Machinery
    • Food Processing Lab
  • Contract Package Testing
    • Distribution Testing
    • Shelf Life Evaluation
    • Material Testing
    • Material Identification, Characterization and Comparison
  • Graphic Design
    • Design and Development
*Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin® Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
**Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
FIND OUT MORE.

Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

Katie Black, Student Recruitment Coordinator
888-472-5433 — hulse@clemson.edu