B.S. Plastics Engineering

If you are interested in an industry that has a worldwide impact – now and in the future – plastics engineering is the right fit for you. UW-Stout's Bachelor of Science degree in Plastics Engineering (PLE) will teach you product and mold design, materials science and advanced processing techniques. Hands-on experiences will prepare you to create biodegradable and compostable plastics. You'll be ready to develop innovations in medical, automotive and other plastic products.

The Plastics Engineering program is a calculus-based program that progresses from solid foundations in mathematics through analysis and design. Our industry-experienced faculty has developed a math- and a science-based curriculum grounded in plastics materials science and mechanical engineering principles.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Plastics Engineering is designed to prepare engineers as experts in the design and manufacturing of plastic components. Plastics engineers work with other professionals in the design of products, particularly to ensure efficiency and quality when manufacturing. First class testing and processing facilities allow plastics engineering students to learn how to setup, optimize and validate processes to meet high quality standards. Plastics engineers also work to design and program automated systems capable of manufacturing and assembling plastic products. Through advanced knowledge of plastics materials, engineering design rules, and computer simulation software, plastics engineers play a vital role in automotive and recreational vehicle components, medical devices, consumer electronics, and everything else made of plastic.

To be admitted to the program, students must have graduated in the top 40 percent of their class or, for high schools that do not rank, have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or receive a composite score of 22 or greater on the ACT or equivalent score or greater on the SAT (ACT is preferred). In addition, an ACT math score of at least 22 or equivalent score on the SAT is required.

UW-Stout’s Plastics Engineering degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). It is the only nationally accredited plastics engineering degree in the Midwest, and one of only two in the United States. Many opportunities exist for paid cooperative experience with local and regional companies, as well as national and international companies. These experiences are extremely beneficial when applying for full-time engineering positions, and are an essential component to the undergraduate plastics engineering experience at UW-Stout.