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Plastics & Polymer Technology
Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
About this program
Plastics and polymers have the power to transform tomorrow. And you do too. Pursue an associate’s at Penn College and build the technical talent to ignite change in a field with endless possibilities.
Thanks to plastic parts, rockets can lift off with lower energy consumption. Because of plastic biodegradable food containers, landfill waste can be dramatically reduced. And with more plastic integrated into vehicle designs, we can save fuel and carbon emissions.
At Penn College, you’ll get extensive hands-on experience with all the major processes in industry-driven labs. Soak up real-world lessons from faculty who’ve worked in the field. And build the technical talent to help imagine smarter, more sustainable solutions across all industries.
Effective Fall 2024 this program will become Polymer Technology.
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 Vii Rice 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.
Jun 24
Open House
Saturday, June 24 8:30 AM - 2 :30 PM
Jul 29
Open House
Saturday, July 29 8:30 - 2 :30 PM
Maker Profiles
Alumni
Alexa Korinchak
Polymer Engineering
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
Polymer Engineering
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
Polymer Engineering
She loves her career and the thrill of solving challenges. “I'm never bored and always learning something new,” she says.
Faculty
Jose Perez
Polymer Engineering
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.
Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET
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
06.01.2023
Plastics professionals benefit from Penn College workshop
Fifteen employees from six companies benefited from instructional material and hands-on reinforcement during the recent Plastic Materials & Processing Fundamentals workshop at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
05.15.2023
Alumnus/employee profiled in trade magazine as 'Rising Star'
Nathan A. Rader-Edkin, a Penn College graduate who returned to campus as program manager for the Plastics Resource & Innovation Center, is featured among an industry publication's "Rising Stars" of 2023.
05.13.2023
Plastics graduate honored with Distinguished Alumni Award
Pennsylvania College of Technology honored Sean Stabler with a Distinguished Alumni Award at one of its Spring 2023 Commencement ceremonies, held May 12-13 at the Community Arts Center. Stabler is vice president of innovation for Sekisui Kydex, in Bloomsburg.
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