Shape Your Future
Our Plastics Engineering Technology bachelor's degree program is designed to equip
you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the dynamic and rapidly growing
field of plastics engineering. With a curriculum that combines theoretical foundations
with extensive hands-on experience, our program prepares you for a successful career
in the plastics industry.
Our Plastics Engineering Technology program offers a comprehensive education in the
design, processing, testing, materials, tooling, and development of plastic applications.
From lightweighting and scrap rate reduction to the production of life-saving medical
products, you will learn the latest technologies and methodologies used in the industry,
so you are ready to meet the demands of today's employers and build a rewarding career.
Hands-on Learning
We believe doing is the best way to learn. Our state-of-the-art labs and facilities
provide you with numerous hands-on learning opportunities. You'll get your hands dirty
with real-world projects, use cutting-edge and industry-standard equipment, and participate
in internships that offer invaluable practical experience.
Legacy of Excellence
As Michigan's only bachelor's degree program in plastics, Ferris State has the respect
of the industry. We have helped develop leaders and innovators more than 50 years.
As a result, you can expect a virtually 100% placement rate in the industry after
graduation.
Endless opportunities
Plastics is one of the world's largest industries. There simply are not enough graduates
to fill the demand. But Ferris State students do far more than just fill job openings.
They are inspiring innovation, driving efficiency, and elevating the entire industry.
Career Outlook
Median Salary
$99,380 per year
Growth
12% Nationally (much faster than average)
More career data
Program Details
Meet an Expert
Tom Van Pernis
Program Coordinator, Associate Professor
(231) 591-2634
[email protected]
Schedule a Tour
Tour the plastics facilities with Professor Van Pernis to see first-hand how Ferris
State will accelerate your education forward.
Schedule Now
“Plastics Engineering Technology at Ferris State stood out as a program where I could
get hands-on learning. It has been an amazing experience. What I have gained from working for the university, being a community servant and
all my opportunities to learn and grow have brought me the skills I will need to succeed
in post-graduate learning and my career.”
Haley Dobbyn, 2024 Plastics Engineering Technology graduate
The Plastics Labs
Cutting-edge Facilities and Equipment
If you're going to accomplish big things in the real world, you need to learn on real-world
equipment. Our learning laboratory will put the best tools in your hands so you are
ready to tackle your career in the industry right away.
Schedule a tour of the Plastics Lab to see what's in store for you as a Ferris State
Bulldog.
Request a Tour
Processing Lab
The Ferris State Processing Lab is one of the best equipped in the country. Get hands-on
experience with injection molding, thermoforming, extrusion, and more while also using
a wide variety of auxiliary equipment such as dryers, granulators, and cavity pressure
monitoring systems.
Decorating and Assembly
In our Decorating & Assembly Lab you build your skills with ultrasonic welding, heat
staking, solvent bonding, pad printing, hot stamping, and more. You will also experiment
with a wide range of surface treatment methods.
Robotics Lab
In the Robotics Lab, you will learn how to program and optimize Cartesian and 6-axis
robots that are instrumental in the production of plastics products.
Rubber Lab
In the rubber lab you will compound rubber material, test its properties, and produce
rubber products.
Testing Lab
In the Testing Lab, you learn how to run industry-standard tests, such as impact,
tensile, flexural, heat deflection, and melt index. You will also utilize this equipment
in processing courses to observe how changing variables affects the mechanical properties
of plastics products.
Tooling Lab
The Tooling Lab is where you will take your Mold and Product Design courses. You build
your knowledge of blueprint reading, mold component identification, and computer mold
filling analysis.
What You Will Study
Be Ready for Anything
From developing life-saving medical equipment to manufacturing innovative automotive
parts, your career in the plastics industry will require you to be adaptable and prepared
for almost anything. Plastics students at Ferris State develop versatile set of skills
so they remain at the forefront of the industry, even as technology, materials, and
processes evolve.
- The latest plastics processing technology
- Robotics
- Product and tooling design
- Material performance and testing
- Current industry trends
- Project management
Latest Program News
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