Study Abroad
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See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.
Plastics & Polymer Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)
About this program
When it comes to studying plastics and polymers, Penn College is the place to be. Our innovative program is one of just six around the globe with ABET accreditation. And our specialized labs are outfitted with industry-size equipment for training on all types of plastics production processes. Plus you’ll have the support of skilled faculty with real-world experience leading multi-million-dollar projects, publishing books and software, and writing standards for training.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
Careers
- Process engineer
- Design engineer
- Research & development engineer
Courses
At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.
Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.
- The Plastics Industry (PPT115)
- Polymer Processing Survey - Lecture (PPT118)
- Polymer Processing Survey - Lab (PPT119)
- Plastics and Elastomers (PPT128)
- Polymer Testing Lab (PPT129)
- Sustainable Materials (PPT140)
- Composites and Nanocomposites (PPT160)
- Extrusion (PPT248)
- Blow Molding (PPT251)
- Tooling Maintenance (PPT220)
- Injection Molding (PPT235)
- Rotational Molding (PPT260)
- Thermoforming (PPT270)
- Quality Principles (QAL231)
- Advanced Extrusion (PPT310)
- Mechanical Properties and Testing (PPT316)
- Polymer Synthesis and Formulation (PPT370)
- Polymer Synthesis Lab (PPT371)
- Plastics Formulation Lab (PPT372)
- Advanced Blow Molding (PPT320)
- Plastic Part Design (PPT340)
- CIM and Automation in Plastics Processing (PPT360)
- Project Management and Capstone Planning (PPT385)
- Advanced Injection Molding (PPT410)
- Mold and Die Design (PPT450)
- Designing Molds and Dies (PPT451)
- Building Molds and Dies (PPT452)
- Plastics Engineering Technology Senior Project (PPT496)
- Advanced Thermoforming and Rotational Molding (PPT420)
- Moldflow (PPT480)
- Engineering Ethics and Legal Issues (MET321)
Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.
Featured Videos
Lab Tour
Join instructor Joshua Rice, as he takes you on a tour of the labs and the five major plastics processes in the Plastics & Polymer Engineering Technology programs.
Plastics with Sydney
Meet Sidney Trunzo, a Plastics & Polymer Engineering Technology student. Get a glimpse of her training in hands-on labs. Find out why she loves her major. And learn how this ABET-accredited program prepares students, like Sidney, to take the lead in a thriving industry.
Your Future in Plastics
Dive into the wide world of plastics. Explore unique and in-demand career possibilities ranging from operations and manufacturing to research and development. And meet a trio of Penn College graduates who are making names for themselves at Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials—one of the world’s leading providers of high-performance manufacturing materials.
Maker Profiles
Faculty
Jose Perez
Plastics & Polymer Engineering Technology
Sharing his passion for plastics with the next generation of industry leaders.
Student
Olivia Ferki
Plastics & Polymer Engineering Technology
She's training for an in-demand career in industry-driven labs.
Alumni
Fletcher Ewing
Plastics & Polymer Engineering Technology
Fascination with how things work led Fletcher to a rewarding career at X, The Moonshot Factory.
Alumni
Hannah Maize
Plastics & Polymer Engineering Technology
She loves her career and the thrill of solving challenges. “I'm never bored and always learning something new,” she says.
Alumni
Bryan Robinson
Plastics & Polymer Engineering Technology
As a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt-certified process engineer, he is constantly raising the bar.
Alumni
Alexa Korinchak
Plastics & Polymer Engineering Technology
It wasn’t until after a few years of community college and a VIP plastics tour from a family friend that Alexa found something that genuinely sparked her interest.
Tour Schedule
Seeing is believing.
Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about. Academic Tours allow you to explore labs and get to the core of your future program. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into your academic area of interest, opt for a Self-Scheduled Personal Tour. Comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols are in place.
May 25
Open House
Wednesday, May 258:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Jun 26
Open House
Sunday, June 268:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Jul 23
Open House
Saturday, July 238:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Jul 29
Open House
Friday, July 298:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
More tour dates are on the way.
But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.
Need a different date?
Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.
If you can't attend any of these dates Contact Admissions at 570.320.2400
Industry Partners
Work with experts to become an expert
Penn College's strong corporate partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.
Internship
Your knowledge in practice
Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your know-how in the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)
SPE works to form and maintain a professional connection for students and leaders in the plastics industry. Other benefits include scholarships and career links. Regular activities include weekly meetings, plant tours, guest speakers, national events, and conferences.
Student Organizations at Penn College
Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
News
03.14.2022
Student-musician represents college at band festival
Years of musical education – and the obvious hard work that accompanies that level of commitment – resulted in a student’s ...
03.01.2022
Plastics News honors alumnus as industry ‘Rising Star’
Jacob W. Fry, who earned a bachelor’s degree in plastics and polymer engineering technology from Penn College in 2016, has been ...
02.01.2022
Penn College plastics grad hits ‘bull’s-eye’ with career choice
As an archer, James R. Fanelli aimed straight. As an aspiring plastics professional, he zigzagged between continents. The ...
More Information
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College. Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
Necessary equipment will be addressed in courses as needed.
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.
Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.
- Mr. Matthew Leatherman, '95, '97, Process Manager, Carlisle Construction Materials Inc.
- Mr. Steven D Morgan, '93, '95, Plastics Engineer, Bausch & Lomb
- Mr. Sean M Stabler, '04, '06, Research & Innovation Manager, SEKISUI KYDEX
- Ms. Adriana Velasquez, TS Engineer, Shell Polymers
- Mr. Ralph Wolstenholme, Vice President, Med Plast Westfield
- Mr. Adam R Wrench, PMP, '06, Process Excellence Manager, West Pharmaceutical Services