Exciting challenges are taking place in the plastics engineering world. Rapid scientific and technical innovations are part of the increased demand for various devices made with plastics. Engineers who can generate rapid, efficient, scientific and technical solutions for today's increasingly sophisticated markets are in strong demand. Medical device manufacturing, packaging, computer systems, communication devices, automobiles and residential housing are all dependent on plastics.
Interested?
Graduates of UW-Stout's Plastics Engineering program will pursue careers in materials science, product design, research and development, mold and/or tool design, failure analysis, process simulation, quality sciences, experimental design and/or manufacturing.
The Plastics Engineering program is a calculus-based program that progresses from solid foundations in mathematics through analysis and design. The program includes a strong emphasis on laboratory activities and student engineering design projects, with a particular focus on plastics materials and processing. The program prepares students to understand the components necessary to bring the region's plastics industries to the forefront in the design, development, and manufacture of plastic products.
UW-Stout offers the only undergraduate Plastics Engineering program in the UW System.
Educational Objectives
The Plastics Engineering program develops graduates who are:
- In demand by plastics industry employers
- Recognized for their ability to apply engineering expertise
- Recognized for their leadership and teamwork skills
- Continuing to develop professionally
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Apply the principles of mathematics and science to the solution of practical problems
- Apply concepts of engineering analysis
- Design plastic products and manufacturing systems using contemporary methods
- Communicate effectively
- Function as a team facilitator or member
- Integrate sound management principles into the engineering process
- Practice the profession at the highest ethical standards
- Implement technology with an awareness of important societal issues
- Recognize the need for and have the ability to engage in life-long learning
- Understand global and cultural issues
- Synthesize coursework and develop an integrated understanding of the scientific and engineering principles underlying structure, properties, processing, and performance of plastic
Mission Statement
The Plastics Engineering program provides an approach to learning that combines theory, practice and experimentation to address the changing needs of society. The university's career focus uses applied learning, scientific theory and research to solve real world problems, and collaborates with business and industry to grow the region's economy.
Preparing for UW-Stout
Students must have an aptitude for science and mathematics. We encourage you to take as many upper level math and science courses in high school as possible, including mathematics through algebra and trigonometry, physics and chemistry. Early development of computer skills is also very helpful.
Entrance Options
UW-Stout has transfer agreements with UW Colleges and several Minnesota pre-engineering programs. With planning you can transfer to the Plastics Engineering program without a loss of credits.
Starting Out
The plastics industry's problems are not only technical in scope, they are also social and economic. Plastics engineers must therefore have a broad education.
The first two years of the program include English composition, communication, and other general education offerings, as well as mathematics, physics, and engineering fundamentals.
At the end of your sophomore and/or junior year you will complete an off-campus plastics industry internship or co-op opportunity. Toward the end of your program, you'll integrate all your previous coursework into a capstone course.
Entry Positions
Plastics engineers are uniquely suited to meet the needs of many industries. The ability to tackle materials and processing issues in a wide range of plastics industries provides the engineer with considerable flexibility in their choice of employment. Located in West Central Wisconsin, UW-Stout is an hour east of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. A large number of companies in the region have a demonstrated need for plastics engineers.