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
Tyler Engel
Tyler Engel
(AQS-24 Project Manager, Northrop Grumman)
When I first came to Virginia Tech my goal was to earn a degree in engineering, but early on I realized it was not for me. I learned about the Packaging Systems and Design program here at the Virginia Tech from my advisor who advertised it as engineering mixed with business and science.
I attended an information session where Dr. Horvath gave a presentation on the effects of deckboard placement on a pallet for sports drink bottles. It was so interesting to see how they were able to save the company money by slightly changing the position of the boards. I knew that this was something I wanted to pursue as a career.
This program will give you hands-on experience that remains relevant once you enter the real world. The small class sizes will enable you to develop relationships with your classmates and professors that will last well beyond the graduation stage. The best times I’ve had at Virginia Tech have been because I chose the Packaging program.
Earning a degree from the Packaging Systems and Design program at Virginia Tech opened the door to many opportunities. There is an incredible diversity of positions that are available to graduates across multiple job industries. Whether your interests lie in sustainability, supply chain optimization, marketing, or packaging innovations, there are many employers looking to hire the expertise this program imparts. 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
