Polymer Engineering Technology

Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)

When it comes to studying polymers, Penn College is the place to be. Here, you’ll join a community of tomorrow-minded leaders determined to make the world better than they found it.

Thanks to extensive training in hands-on labs and support from experienced, passionate faculty, you’ll learn how to make your mark in a field that has the potential to spark positive change.

Whether that’s designing life altering medical devices or re-imagining smarter aerospace solutions, you’ll be empowered to raise the bar in a field with endless possibilities. And when you train in our ABET accredited program, you can rest assured knowing that your technical skills will take you where you want to go.

Careers

Process engineer
Design engineer
Research & development engineer

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Program Overview

Your coursework will cover classes specific to your area of specialization along with foundational concepts and lessons that invite fresh perspectives. Check out the breakdown below.

B Bachelor of Science

47 courses

129 credits

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See detailed program requirements

Special Equipment Needs

Accredited by ABET Details

Scholarships

As a Polymer Engineering student at Penn College, you may be elgible for 137 scholarships.

31 Program-specific scholarships

106 Additional scholarships

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Labs/Facilities

Lab Tour

Join instructor Vii Rice on a tour of the labs and the five major plastics processes covered in the Plastics & Polymer Engineering Technology program.

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100%

Overall Job Placement

$65K

Average Graduate Salary

1 of 7

Plastics Programs in the World with ABET Accreditation

The Five Processes

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.

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 500 students attended from Lehigh Valley schools.

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 largest U.S.-owned manufacturer of resin conveying, drying and complete material-handling systems for the plastics processing industry – has renewed for two years its entrustment of resources used by polymer students.

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, polymer engineering, and Keith A. Vanderlin, graphic design and art, received this recognition.

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 credits and a certificate in polymer processing at no cost.

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 states – for its annual Extrusion Seminar & Hands-On Workshop.

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 Plastics Innovation & Resource Center. Sponsored by Engel Machinery Inc., the three-day course offered a comprehensive overview of injection molding technology.

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 Rotational Molding & Advanced Materials Workshop. Sponsored by M. Holland Co., the two-day session focused on establishing the link between material preparation, molding and final part quality. It also explored the latest advancements in industry-available materials.

Your Class in 60 Seconds: Sustainable Materials

Explore this future-minded course created to inform the next generation of engineers and consumers. In the class, Sustainable Materials, students examine how the choices they make have the power to shape the world for years to come. Through research, analysis, and large-group discussions, students address common misconceptions related to sustainability and dive into thought-provoking topics impacting the exciting field of plastics and polymer engineering technology.

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, in-part, by the efforts of state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14, chair of the Senate Minority Policy Committee, and state Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-134, majority chair of the House Education Committee, the grant provides backing to develop and grow workforce, economic and educational partnerships within the region.

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 injectable drug administration, with the naming of a lab in the school’s Electrical Technologies Center.

Two pop-up recruiting tables set for Thursday April 08, 2025

An additional Pop-Up Employer Information Table has been added to Thursday's schedule at Penn College. Earlier, Friends in Action's appearance was announced. Now, TRINSEO will also be on campus looking to recruit students. Residential construction and polymer engineering students are encouraged to visit.

Real World

See how Polymer Engineering Technology students gain real-world exposure and experience.

People

Meet the Makers

Get to know our community by exploring this collection of student, alumni, and faculty stories.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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Accreditation

Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria.

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Student/Program Outcome Information

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Special Equipment Needs

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Laptop Computer Required Windows 10 or higher (recommended). 64-bit, 3.0 GHz or greater, 4 or more cores (Intel or AMD) (required). 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).  16+ GB RAM (required); 32+ GB RAM (recommended).  1 GB GPU minimum Graphics Card (required); 4 GB GPU (recommended). Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).  Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).  Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).  Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).  Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.

Transfer Procedures

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This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/admissions/transfer/Transferring-Credits). Exceptions must be approved the school dean.

External Scholarship Opportunity

The SPE organization awards hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to students pursuing careers in plastics and polymers. Multiple Penn College students have won scholarships in recent years. Learn more

Alternative Credit

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.

Advisory Committee

Polymer Technology Advisory Committee

Ms. Heather Fennell, 2018, Technical Service Engineer , Shell Chemical LP
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