Packaging Systems and Design
Dr. Laszlo Horvath and student.
Areas of Study
The world of packaging is diverse and multifaceted. Packaging comes in many types and uses many materials. Some packaging companies make these materials, some convert materials into packaging, some fill packaging with products, and some provide consulting or logistics services. Students in the Packaging Systems and Design degree acquire multi- and interdisciplinary knowledge to be successful in this exciting career.
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Packaging Science and MaterialsPackaging science focuses on development and selection of packaging materials that can increase the shelf-life and safety of food and medical products, and create packaging solutions that reduce the environmental footprint of plastic packaging using novel materials such as bio-based plastics.
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Packaging Design and BusinessThe packaging design area focuses on understanding how customers make their purchasing decisions, how colors, graphical elements and text affect their perception of the packages in order to create packages that effectively attract the customers and sell the product.
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Packaging Engineering and TechnologyThe packaging engineering area focuses on designing packages that can protect the goods throughout their travel across the global supply chain. This area covers the different distribution channels, design for shock, vibration, compression, and how to create safe and stable unit loads.
Our Program
Dr. Laszlo Horvath teaching class.
Small Class Sizes = Personal Connection
Our small class sizes provide an opportunity to our students to build more personal connections with our faculty. In addition, our unique mentoring program assigns a faculty member to every packaging student to provide industry connections and career guidance throughout their time at Virginia Tech.
Student talking to employer
Industrial Connections
Our close collaboration with industry allows our students to find internships, Co-ops, and employment after graduation. Our extensive network includes major packaging companies such as PCA, International Paper, Smurfit Kappa, Newell, and CHEP as well as packaging users such as Amazon, L'Oreal, Coca-Cola, and Tesla among many others.
Students getting hands on experience
Hands-On Experience
The best way to translate the knowledge obtained in the class to real life is to use them to solve real-life packaging problems. Thus, all of our packaging students have a chance to be involved in hands-on packaging projects even during Freshman year including working in our packaging research center, undergraduate research in our chemistry labs, internal summer internships, and industry sponsored senior design projects.
Our Alumni
Mackenzie McMillan
Mackenzie McMillan
(Packaging Engineer, Diageo)
In my role as a Packaging Engineer at Diageo, I have the opportunity to support a variety of innovation and supply optimization programs in the beverage alcohol industry. This role allows me to work with and test many different packaging mediums that run across various manufacturing and bottling sites. Through the commercialization process, we work to deliver quality, innovative, and sustainable packaging by developing and executing qualifications of packaging components. It is rewarding to be able to work on global leading brands and to see your projects through from initial scope to a commercialized product on shelf. I could not have asked for a better collegiate experience than I had with the Packaging Systems and Design Program at Virginia Tech. The unique curriculum and opportunities it provided enabled me to obtain a position that aligned to my career aspirations and will allow me to continue to develop professionally in the packaging industry. Go Hokies!
After Graduation
Choosing to be part of the Packaging Systems and Design program is not only about the time here, but the opportunities that will be presented to you after graduation. There are abundant career opportunities in the packaging industry. Our program has a 90% employment rate, and our graduates earn on average between $65,000 and $85,000 per year upon graduation. Companies who hire our students cover a wide range of sectors from beauty products to defense companies including Amazon, International Paper, Packaging Corporations of America, HP, Northrop Grumman, L’Oreal, and many others.
Recent job titles for our graduates
Recent employers for our graduates
Word cloud of positions our alumni hold.
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If you would like to learn more about the Packaging Systems and Design degree, contact our academic advising center.
Dana McGuire
