Polymer Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)

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.

Courses

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

Semesters

Courses

Credits

Legend# Credits
Program-specific courses
General courses

Fall 2026

Spring 2027

Fall 2027

Spring 2028

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.

Detailed Major Requirements

Careers

Process technologist
Design technologist
Research & development technologist

1 of 7

Plastics Programs in the World with ABET Accreditation

100%

Overall Job Placement

Learn Five Major Plastic Processes

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.

Launch Virtual Lab Tour

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.

Real World Ready: The Five Processes

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.

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.

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Contact

Admissions Office

DJG, Rm. 1068
+1.570.327.4761
+1.800.367.9222
admissions@pct.edu

Scholarships

As a Polymer Engineering student at Penn College, you may be elgible for 130 scholarships.

24 Program-related scholarships

106 Additional scholarships

Explore scholarships

People: Meet the Makers

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.

Learn More

Penn College News: Real World Ready

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…

In the Media

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/tomorrowmakers/1882371">Sean Stabler: Problem Solving in Polymer Engineering </a>

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.

Learn more

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.

Get Involved

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.

Learn More

ABET-Accredited Program

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.

More Information

Students must acquire their own tools and laptop computer as noted below.

Required Laptop Computer

Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.
Unless otherwise specified by your major, MacBooks and other Apple products are not recommended for coursework.
Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processor (recommended).
ARM based processors are not recommended.
16+ GB RAM (recommended). 
250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
The laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
The laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
Extended support agreement, including accidental damage protection (recommended).
Power bank suitable for your laptop (recommended).

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.

Program Review Executive Summary

Plastics & Polymer Technology educational objectives, student outcomes, and enrollment/graduation data

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