As the world's most widely used polymer, polyethylene is foundational to the world around us. It helps us create everything from shoes to medical equipment. Because of that, it's a great pathway for a specialized, and widely available, career in engineering technology.
Finding the answer, to the problem on Drake and Paige's whiteboard, is a part of your makeup. It’s what drives you everyday to be the best, in your school work, on the field, or on stage.
If you’re looking for a unique engineering career loaded with job opportunities, we’d recommend exploring polymer engineering.
The use of polymers is a core component to life as we know it. Polymers have the ability to make our lives better. For you, understanding polymers could set the foundation for significant improvements in recyclability to add your contribution to the circular economy. Or, it could set the table for a career engineering and creating products that have a daily impact on the world around us. Regardless of the path you choose, Penn College polymer engineering graduates report:
$75,934
Year 1 Average Earnings for Graduates
100%
Overall Job Placement Rate for Graduates
1 in 7
ABET Accredited Plastics Programs in the World
The use of polymers is a core component to life as we know it. Polymers have the ability to make our lives better.
For you, understanding polymers could set the foundation for significant improvements in recyclability to add your contribution to the circular economy. Or, it could set the table a career engineering and creating products that have a daily impact on the world around us.
Regardless of the path you choose, polymer engineering graduates report:
Polymers shape the world around us. At Penn College, we primarily study plastics, classified as a type of polymer. The development of polymers, under the umbrella of materials science, has led to many advancements in the material world we interact with everyday.
Through the use of highly engineered polymers, our shoes help us run faster and jump higher than ever before.
Sutures, IV tubes, prosthetics, and hernia & brain patch applications are all made with polymer materials.
Polymers used in housing insulation significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.
New automobiles can be made with up to 50% plastic materials, significantly reducing fuel consumption.
Could you see yourself following in the footsteps of alumni like you? Maybe you’re driven to innovation, like Fletcher at X, The Moonshot Factory. Alexa helps Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials create the best materials to improve the things we use everyday. Or maybe you’d like to impact the world like Matt, working with Jibu to combat the water crisis in East Africa. Jeremy, in his work with Colortech, has helped increase bio-based polymer production by 300% which replaces synthetic polymer use. Morgan and Zach aspire to use their undergraduate degree to pursue responsible plastic use, through optimized processes and graduate studies.
But that’s their path. What will your path be? With your knowledge, and natural curiosity, you can start a journey at Penn College today.
Alumni
Polymer Engineering
Fascination with how things work led Fletcher to a rewarding career at X, The Moonshot Factory.
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
After earning his associate’s from Penn College and bachelor’s and master’s degree at Penn State, Matt dove into an exciting career in the aerospace industry.
Alumni
Polymer Engineering
When she graduated, Morgan left the college with a bachelor’s degree in plastics & polymer engineering technology, insights gained through three industry internships, three plastics conferences, two global experiences, a wealth of campus involvement, and a job waiting for her at TE Connectivity.
Alumni
Polymer Engineering
Automated Manufacturing & Machining
After two Penn College degrees, making great products through sustainable use of polymers drives Jeremy daily.
Student
Polymer Engineering
Guided by the skills he gained in the bachelor's program, Zachary plans to dive even deeper into the field of polymers by pursuing a master's degree in the field.
At Penn College, our Corporate Tomorrow Makers believe, alongside us, in our mission of delivering you a Future Made by Hand. They provide scholarships, internships, and careers once you graduate.
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…