Polymer Technology
About this program
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.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
1 of 7
Plastics Programs in the World with ABET Accreditation
100%
Overall Job Placement
5
Learn Five Major Plastic Processes
Careers
- Process technologist
- Design technologist
- Research & development technologist
Courses
At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.
Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.
- PPT118Polymer Processing Survey - Lecture
- PPT119Polymer Processing Survey - Lab
- MSC127Introduction to Polymer Science
- MSC128Introduction to Polymer Science Lab
- PPT129Polymer Testing Lab
- QAL131Introduction to Quality Control
- EET124Engineering, Technology & Society
- PPT220Tooling Maintenance
- PPT170Automation Basics in Polymer Processing
- PPT248Extrusion
- PPT270Thermoforming
- PPT251Blow Molding
- PPT140Sustainable Materials
- PPT160Composites & Nanocomposites
- PPT236Injection Molding
- PPT260Rotational Molding
- QAL231Quality Principles
Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.
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.
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.
Feb 21
Undergraduate Open House
Saturday, February 219 AM - 3 PM
Apr 26
Undergraduate Open House
Sunday, April 269 AM - 3 PM
Maker Profiles
Alumni
Alexa Korinchak
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
Dalton Smith
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
Hannah Maize
Polymer Engineering
She loves her career and the thrill of solving challenges. “I'm never bored and always learning something new,” she says.
Faculty
Jose Perez
Polymer Engineering
Sharing his passion for plastics with the next generation of industry leaders.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Penn College News
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Company renews commitment to Penn College polymer program
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Two retired Penn College faculty granted emeritus status
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Penn College offers certificate pathway for high school students
In the Media
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.
More Information
Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, 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.
Necessary equipment will be addressed in courses as needed.
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
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.
- 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