FAQs for Parents

What about your PSD major makes it different than other engineering type programs?

PSD combines creative design, engineering principles, and various sciences to develop innovative packaging solutions that protect products, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. Students learn to balance function, aesthetics, and cost - a skill that is in high demand across every industry.

What role does packaging play in global industry?

Packaging connects every part of the global economy — from food and medicine to electronics and e-commerce. PSD majors ensure product packaging is safe, efficient to ship, and appealing to consumers. Our graduates make tangible impacts on how products move through the world.

What kind of student thrives in the PSD program?

Students who enjoy combining creativity with problem-solving and who want to make a real-world impact — thrive in our PSD major. Whether they lean toward creative design, engineering, science, business, or sustainability, there’s room to grow and specialize. Almost any interest from engineering to sustainable ecosystems can find a niche in the packaging industry.

What student clubs or organizations are available for PSD majors?

The Packaging Club and the SBIO/S3 Student Club are both active organizations that connect students in our department with networking events, field trips, and outreach opportunities.

How long will it take my child to graduate?

Majority of PSD students graduate within the usual 4-year university timeframe. Even when students transfer into our program, the average time to graduation is only 4.2 years.

What size are the PSD classes?

Most classes in the PSD major average 30-35 students. This small class size allows our faculty to get to know every student under their instruction and have the time to help each student on a personal level.

Will my child need to find an internship or co-op?

While it's not a requirement for graduation, most PSD students participate in at least one internship or co-op. While all PSD graduates have a high employment rate (90% have a career within 6 months of graduating), this rate is even higher when students graduate with an internship or co-op on their record. Some PSD graduates even get job offers from the companies at which they interned.

Are laboratories required?

Majority of PSD classes also include laboratories. Our department's focus on experiential learning and hands-on opportunities are one of the factors that make this major so interesting and captivating for our students. 

Can my child work while taking classes?

Yes. In fact, there are many opportunities each semester to work for our department as a technician in one of our state-of-the-art laboratories. They gain experience with industry equipment and standards and earn money while also studying.

What sort of reseach opportunities are there for PSD students?

Many of the PSD classes include research projects for our undergraduate students to participate in. These projects are often sponsored by industry companies with packaging questions. Students are partnered with faculty members to investigate a real-world problem and solve it within the semester's timeframe.

Are there scholarships available?

Our department has $57,000 in scholarships to award each year. Your child can apply for them directly once they're a PSD major. They will be assigned an advisor who will be able to keep them informed as to which scholarships they qualify for each year.

Will my child have the opportunity to work with real industry partners or clients?

Yes! Our PSD students often collaborate with companies on design projects, testing programs, and real-world research. This gives them practical experience and strong connections in the industry before graduation.

What salary can my child expect to make with this degree?

The average starting salary of PSD graduates is $78,000. Some jobs start out lower, particularly those focused on design, instead of engineering or manufacturing, but rarely does a graduate make less than $65,000, and we've had graduates with job offers for $90,000.

What is the employment rate for graduates of this major?

Graduates of our program have a 90% employment rate within six months of graduation. This rate increases if the student has participated in a internship or co-op.

What sort of job titles will my child be applying for with a PSD degree?

There are numerous jobs that packaging majors qualify for: packaging engineer, packaging designer, researcher, production supervisor, structural designer, supply chain engineer, sales manager, industrial engineer, and many others!

What kind of career advising or support does your department offer?

PSD students receive individualized academic and career advising from faculty and staff who know the packaging industry well. We also host networking events, career fairs, and industry panels each semester.

How does the PSD major prepare my child for leadership and/or entrepreneurial roles?

Our students graduate with strong technical knowledge, communication skills, and systems thinking — as well as experience in real-world problem-solving and research. They'll be ideally situated for leadership in global industries or launching innovative packaging solutions on their own.

How do employers view a PSD degree from Virginia Tech?

Employers recognize Virginia Tech as one of the leading packaging programs in the country. Our graduates are known for being well-prepared, hands-on problem solvers who can step directly into impactful roles. Majority of our PSD majors (90%) have high-paying careers within six months of graduation.