Polymer/Plastics Engineering
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of synthesized macromolecular compounds and their application to specific engineering uses, including the development of industrial materials with tailored properties, the design of lightweight structural components, the use of liquid or solid polymers, and the analysis and control of polymerization processes.
- Schools offering
- 9
- Annual completions
- 99
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $91k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of synthesized macromolecular compounds and their application to specific engineering uses, including the development of industrial materials with tailored properties, the design of lightweight structural components, the use of liquid or solid polymers, and the analysis and control of polymerization processes.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and engineering managers | $168k | +3.8% | Bachelor's degree |
| Engineering teachers, postsecondary | $106k | +8.1% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Materials engineers | $108k | +5.7% | Bachelor's degree |
| Chemical engineers | $122k | +2.6% | Bachelor's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$91k
Top colleges for Polymer/Plastics Engineering
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS | 0 | 22 | 22 |
| Western Washington University | Bellingham, WA | 0 | 18 | 18 |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College | Erie, PA | 0 | 18 | 18 |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Lowell, MA | 0 | 16 | 16 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout | Menomonie, WI | 0 | 15 | 15 |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport, PA | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, OH | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Greater Allegheny | McKeesport, PA | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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