Study Abroad
Gain global experience
See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.
Plastics & Polymer Technology
Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
About this program
Play a part in bringing new product ideas to life. And learn how to do it within Penn College’s leading-edge plastics and polymer program. Explore the structure, properties, and applications of various materials. Then get hands-on experience with all five major plastic processing techniques. In industry-driven labs with expert faculty leading the way, you’ll learn how to thrive in this innovative career path.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
Careers
- Process technologist
- Design technologist
- Research & development technologist
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 & Elastomers (PPT128)
- Polymer Testing Lab (PPT129)
- Sustainable Materials (PPT140)
- Composites & Nanocomposites (PPT160)
- Extrusion (PPT248)
- Blow Molding (PPT251)
- Tooling Maintenance (PPT220)
- Injection Molding (PPT235)
- Rotational Molding (PPT260)
- Thermoforming (PPT270)
- Quality Principles (QAL231)
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.
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.
Sep 10
Open House
Saturday, September 108:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Sep 23
Open House
Friday, September 238:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Oct 9
Open House
Sunday, October 98:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Oct 28
Open House
Friday, October 288:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Nov 5
Open House
Saturday, November 58:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Nov 18
Open House
Friday, November 188:30 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
Maker Profiles
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.
Alumni
Dalton Smith
Plastics & Polymer Engineering Technology
His interest in plastics and polymers began in high school while working with his father at Shop-Vac where he first explored injection molding.
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.
Faculty
Jose Perez
Plastics & Polymer Engineering Technology
Sharing his passion for plastics with the next generation of industry leaders.
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.
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.
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 60+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
News
07.26.2022
Pre-College Programs move campers miles ahead
A second week of Pre-College Programs, providing an absorbing midmonth bill of fare, winningly delivered eight more options for ...
07.18.2022
Aspiring (and inspiring) young manufacturers visited by state cabinet official
The acting secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development visited campus on Monday to talk with ...
06.27.2022
Rep. Keller’s ‘District Energy Day’ includes stop on campus
U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-12th, met with local elected officials and representatives of Pennsylvania’s oil and gas industry ...
More Information
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits ). 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