Plastics and Polymer Technology
A graduate in Plastics and Polymer Technology will have a working knowledge of plastic materials and processing techniques, such as injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, blow molding, rotational molding, and composite manufacturing.
Graduates have a diverse set of skills and abilities that could prepare them for "green" careers focused on energy, renewable energy, and the environment. Read more...
Program Specs
- Application/Major Code: PS – view in catalog
- School: Industrial & Engineering Technologies
- Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
About the curriculum
Program Educational Objectives
Classes
View the classes you will be attending in the College Catalog.
Accreditation & Industry Connections
After graduation
Continue Education
Graduates of the PS major can continue their education and expand their job skills in the plastics industry. The first two years of both the PS and BPS majors share a majority of the same courses, allowing for easy transfer into the four-year BPS degree without loss of credits.
Career Opportunities
List of jobs via the College Catalog.
Graduates from plastics programs are in high demand to fill plastics industry career positions in manufacturing operations, process technology, supervision, research and development, product and machine design, and many more.
Earnings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics median annual wages of salaried Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic were $34,730 in May 2010. The middle 50 percent earned between $27,690 and $42,550. The lowest 10 percent had earnings of less than $22,580, while the top 10 percent earned more than $51,290.
According to our most recent graduate survey the average starting salary for Plastics and Polymer Technology graduates range from approximately $45,000 to $50,000.
Industries with the highest published employment and wages for this occupation are:
| Industry | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing | 22,840 | $16.90 | $35,150 |
| Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing | 12,710 | $16.39 | $34,100 |
| Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing | 9,610 | $19.10 | $39,740 |
| Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 8,290 | $16.74 | $34,830 |
| Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | 7,700 | $19.94 | $41,470 |
*Statistics reported in May 2010
Transfer Procedures
View general transfer procedures via the College Catalog.
Tools, Uniforms & Supplies
Tools
Necessary equipment will be addressed in courses as needed.
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
Clubs & Activities
Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)
View the entire student organizations listing or Greek Life listing.
Plastics & Polymer Technology Advisory Committee
Advisory committees, which act as recommending bodies to the faculty and administration, consist of in-field professionals who act as partners in the development of curriculum. Their curricular and equipment advice as well as their industry connections and internship opportunities are invaluable to our students and to the growth of our institution.
