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  1. Home
  2. School of Engineering
  3. Academic Programs
A professor at Penn State Behrend assists students in the plastics lab.

Plastics Engineering Technology

Plastics are everywhere. That means a B.S. in Plastics Engineering Technology will put you in demand in nearly any industry sector that interests you: automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, consumer products, computers—even toys!

Why Penn State Behrend?

Behrend’s B.S. in Plastics Engineering Technology is one of just a handful of accredited programs in the nation. You’ll get valuable hands-on experience using processing equipment, raw plastic materials, and lab testing equipment in our plastics processing lab, the largest undergraduate educational facility of its type in the country.

You’ll also conduct research with award-winning faculty, apply engineering concepts to personalized projects, and have the opportunity to work directly on a real-world industry project. And all of your engineering courses will be taught by faculty members, not graduate assistants. Small class sizes and a faculty open-door policy mean that when you need help, you’ll get it.

Plastics Engineering Technology Program
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What Will I Study in Plastics Engineering Technology?

In lecture coursework and hands-on lab experiences, you’ll learn about plastics materials as well as how to design and produce plastic components and products. You’ll study materials properties and applications, polymer structure and characterization, sustainability, plastics processing and packaging, computer-aided design, and novel and emerging technologies.

To see the full Plastics Engineering curriculum, visit the Undergraduate Bulletin.

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Who Hires Plastics Engineering Technology Majors?

Plastics engineers and technologists are likely to remain in demand in a wide range of industries. Our recent graduates are working at companies including Apple, Nike, Toyota, Tesla, NASA, ExxonMobil, Shell, Rubbermaid, 3M, Bausch & Lomb, and Bayer.

Typical entry-level positions include project, manufacturing, design, tooling, plastics, quality, processing, technical, or R&D engineer.

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More to Love

You can advance your degree and your job opportunities with a minor or certificate. Popular options among Plastics Engineering Technology students are minors in Technical Sales or Operations and Supply Chain Management, or the certificate in Medical Plastics—all share coursework with the PLET program and can be completed during your four years of study at Behrend.

Request info about the Plastics Engineering Technology major

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map. 

Plastics Engineering Technology

  • Objectives and Outcomes
  • PLET Faculty
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PROGRAM CHAIR

Brian Young
213M Burke
814-898-6149
[email protected]

Apply to Behrend
Learn More
Pennsylvania Plastics Industry

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: Pennsylvania Plastics Industry

Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET

The Plastics Engineering Technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable program criteria.

See Also

  • Curriculum
  • University Bulletin
  • Plastics Processing Lab
  • Fasenmyer Engineering Design Conference
  • Plastics Engineering Technology Co-op Program
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Behrend highlighted

Penn State Behrend

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, offers the learning opportunities of a major research university in a welcoming, student-centered campus environment.
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