Overview

The Plastics Engineering programme at the University of Massachusetts Lowell provides a comprehensive foundation in polymer science and manufacturing technology. This Master of Science in Engineering is designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles within the global plastics and materials industries.

Students can choose between a 30-credit thesis track or a 33-credit non-thesis option to suit their academic goals. The curriculum is highly flexible, offering delivery through on-campus instruction or a fully online format. This ensures that both full-time students and working professionals can access world-class engineering education.

The department is a recognised leader in the field, focusing on modern challenges such as environmental sustainability and advanced manufacturing.

Why Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell?

The university has been a pioneer in this discipline for over sixty years, establishing a global reputation for excellence. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art research laboratories that are among the most advanced in the world. These facilities support innovation in biodegradable polymers and recycling techniques.

Instruction is delivered by renowned faculty members who bring extensive industry experience and research expertise to the classroom. The institution maintains strong links with global corporations, ensuring the curriculum remains aligned with industrial needs. This combination of heritage and modern technology creates a unique learning environment.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 28398 per year
National fee: USD 28398 per year
Local fee: USD 16186 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Mechanical Behavior of Polymers
Plastics Materials
Plastics Processing
Polymer Structure Properties and Applications
Plastics Product Design
Polymer Laboratory
Hybrid Graduate Polymer Laboratory

Careers with Plastics Engineering

Graduates from this programme are highly sought after for roles in the automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and packaging sectors. Many alumni secure positions as plastics engineers, design innovators, or manufacturing managers. The average salary for professionals in this field remains highly competitive within the engineering sector.

Prominent organisations that employ graduates include Apple, Raytheon, and Johnson & Johnson. Other notable employers include Medtronic, Procter & Gamble, and Millipore Sigma. The programme’s strong reputation ensures that graduates are well-positioned for career advancement in both established firms and emerging startups.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Advanced Plastics Materials

Advanced Plastics Processing

Graduate Polymer Laboratory

Mechanical Behavior of Polymers

Polymer Structure Properties and Applications

Plastics Product Design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-04 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

30-33

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Lowell, United States

Disciplines

Chemical Engineering Materials Science Chemistry View 230 other Masters in Materials Science in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

B.S. in Plastics Engineering or a related engineering or science field

Pre-requisite math requirements of Differential Equations
Official transcript from previously earned degrees

Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score (Applicants may request to waive the GRE requirement if they have completed any one of the Plastics Engineering Graduate Certificates and have maintained a 3.50 GPA for this Certificate, earned a B.S. in a relevant science or engineering program at an ABET accredited institution with a 3.00 GPA, or earned a graduate degree in a relevant science or engineering program from an accredited U.S. institute
Students for whom English is not a national language must also submit a score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

28398 USD / year

≈ 28398 USD / year
Out-of-State

28398 USD / year

≈ 28398 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16186 USD / year

≈ 16186 USD / year

Living costs

Lowell

United States

1130 - 2341 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Plastics Engineering.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Lowell

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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