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.
Your coursework will cover classes specific to your area of specialization along with foundational concepts and lessons that invite fresh perspectives.
4
Semesters
24
Courses
64
Credits
Fall 2026
8 courses 15 credits
75% program-specific courses
Spring 2026
6 courses 17 credits
50% program-specific courses
Fall 2027
5 courses 16 credits
60% program-specific courses
Spring 2027
5 courses 16 credits
80% program-specific courses
Please Note: The outlined curriculum assumes a fall semester start for students completing a full credit load schedule without additional developmental math requirements. Students beginning in the spring and summer, taking less than a full load, and/or requiring developmental coursework follow an altered curriculum sequence. Speak to your academic advisor or school office with questions.
1 of 7
Plastics Programs in the World with ABET Accreditation
100%
Overall Job Placement
5
Learn Five Major Plastic Processes
Join instructor Vii Rice on a tour of the labs and the five major plastics processes in the Plastics & Polymer Engineering Technology programs.
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.
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.
In this video, you’ll discover the difference between extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, and rotational molding. See the tools and technology that go into each process. And the picture the vast array of products made with polymers.
Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.
As a Polymer Engineering student at Penn College, you may be elgible for 136 scholarships.
Alumni
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
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
Polymer Engineering
She loves her career and the thrill of solving challenges. “I'm never bored and always learning something new,” she says.
Faculty
Polymer Engineering
Sharing his passion for plastics with the next generation of industry leaders.
Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your know-how in the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.
International publication features retired polymer professor
February 23, 2026
Professor Emeritus Kirk M. Cantor is the cover story in the latest issue of Plastics Review, a weekly trade e-magazine published by TechnoBiz, a Thailand-based…
Penn College participates in manufacturing career day
December 16, 2025
The Penn College Workforce Development polymers team recently attended the Da Vinci Science Center’s Manufacturing Career Connection Day in Allentown. More than…
Company renews commitment to Penn College polymer program
October 23, 2025
An industry leader has extended its long-standing commitment to the polymer engineering program at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Novatec Inc. – the…
Two retired Penn College faculty granted emeritus status
October 14, 2025
The Pennsylvania College of Technology Board of Directors approved two retired faculty for emeritus status during its Oct. 9 board meeting. Kirk M. Cantor,…
Penn College offers certificate pathway for high school students
September 11, 2025
With the support of a National Science Foundation grant, Pennsylvania College of Technology is offering a pathway for high school students to earn 32 college…
Plastics pros attend extrusion seminar at Penn College
June 24, 2025
Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Plastics Innovation & Resource Center recently hosted 21 industry professionals – representing 12 companies and seven…
Penn College offers injection molding workshop
June 17, 2025
Nine industry professionals recently spent three days immersed in the Injection Molding Processing Fundamentals Workshop at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s…
Penn College hosts rotational molding workshop
May 30, 2025
Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Plastics Innovation & Resource Center trained 14 industry professionals representing 10 companies during a recent…
Grant boosts Penn College’s partnership efforts in Lehigh Valley
May 29, 2025
Pennsylvania College of Technology has been awarded a $50,000 state grant to enhance economic and educational development in the Lehigh Valley. Supported,…
College lab named in honor of West Pharmaceutical Services
April 11, 2025
Pennsylvania College of Technology has recognized the support of longtime partner West Pharmaceutical Services Inc., a global leader in innovative solutions for…
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.
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.
Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 60+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.
Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable Program Criteria. This program is accredited under the Plastics & Polymer Technology name.
Students must acquire their own tools and laptop computer as noted below.
Students must receive a “C” (2.0) or higher in all PPT, MSC, and QAL courses; if a lower grade is earned in any of these courses, the course must be repeated.
The A.A.S. in Polymer Technology is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable Program Criteria.
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.
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.
Polymer Technology Advisory Committee Members
Ms. Heather Fennell
Technical Service Engineer
Shell Chemical LP
Mr. Matthew Leatherman
Process Manager
Carlisle Construction Materials Inc.
Mr. Steven D Morgan
Plastics Engineer
Bausch & Lomb
Mr. Sean M Stabler
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
Process Excellence Manager
West Pharmaceutical Services
Assistant Professor, Plastics & Polymer Technology, Co-Department Head
Assistant Professor, Plastics & Polymer Technology, Co-Department Head
Instructor, Plastics & Polymer Technology
Instructor, Plastics & Polymer Technology
Polymer Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Polymer Processing
Certificate
Automated Manufacturing Technology
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Welding Technology
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Apprenticeship Technology
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Machine Tool Technology
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Metal Fabrication Technology
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Non-Destructive Testing
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Ultrasonic Inspection for Non-Destructive Testing
Competency Credential
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Welding & Fabrication Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Welding
Certificate
Civil Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Radiographic Inspection for Non-Destructive Testing
Competency Credential