A graduate in Plastics and Polymer Technology will have a working knowledge of plastic materials and processing techniques, such as injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, blow molding, rotational molding, and composite manufacturing.
Graduates have a diverse set of skills and abilities that could prepare them for "green" careers focused on energy, renewable energy, and the environment.
Program Specs
- Application/Major Code: PS – view in catalog
- School: Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies
- Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
- Total Credits: 65
About the curriculum
Classes
View the classes you will be attending in the College Catalog.
Accreditation & Industry Connections
Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET (www.abet.org)
Objectives and Outcomes
After Graduation
Continue Education
Graduates of the PS major can continue their education and expand their job skills in the plastics industry. The first two years of both the PS and BPS majors share a majority of the same courses, allowing for easy transfer into the four-year BPS degree without loss of credits.
Career Opportunities
Process setup technician, new product development technician, quality control technician, customer service technician, sales service technician. Experienced Plastics and Polymer Technology graduates commonly serve in supervisory roles in industry.
Graduates from plastics programs are in high demand to fill plastics industry career positions in manufacturing operations, process technology, supervision, research and development, product and machine design, and many more.
Earnings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic was $39,230 in May 2017. The top 10 percent earned more than $59,420.
Industries with the highest published employment for this occupation are:
| Industry | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing | 28,560 | $19.46 | $40,490 |
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (3321, 3322, 3325, 3326, and 3329 only) | 16,870 | $19.32 | $40,180 |
| Machinery Manufacturing (3331, 3332, 3334, and 3339 only) | 15,600 | $20.56 | $42,770 |
| Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing | 12,080 | $21.17 | $44,030 |
| Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing | 11,200 | $18.16 | $37,770 |
Statistics reported in May 2017
Transfer Procedures
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College. Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
Tools, Uniforms & Supplies
Tools
Necessary equipment will be addressed in courses as needed.
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
Clubs & Activities
Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)
View the entire student organizations listing or Greek Life listing.
Plastics & Polymer Technology Advisory Committee
- 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, Business Development Engineer, Arkema Inc.
- 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
Advisory committees, which act as recommending bodies to the faculty and administration, consist of in-field professionals who act as partners in the development of curriculum. Their curricular and equipment advice as well as their industry connections and internship opportunities are invaluable to our students and to the growth of our institution.
