Polymer Science and Engineering
Why choose Polymer Science and Engineering?
Polymer Science and Engineering is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the structure and processing of polymeric materials and how these relate to properties and performance. The degree program provides a wealth of opportunities for our students to engage in the field beyond the classroom. There are a variety of pioneering research and design topics for students to explore, including aerospace composites, optoelectronic materials, and personal protection for military and sporting goods, among others.
What Will I Learn?
Through coursework in multiple STEM disciplines, upper-level courses, and a senior engineering design experience, the program prepares students to achieve the following program educational objectives:
- Advance professionally with increasing leadership and responsibility beyond entry level in polymer industries or related fields;
- Build capability to work effectively in multidisciplinary team settings to achieve organization objectives;
- Contribute to societal benefits in an environmentally and ethically responsible manner; and
- Engage in life-long learning through professional activities and training, the pursuit of advanced degrees, and individual professional development.
Although not required by the program, many students participate in industrial research internships and university research experiences for undergraduates during the summers. Recent examples of locations are
- Chevron Oronite
- Ascend Performance Materials
- Future Labs
- U.S. Corps of Engineers
- National Institute of Standards and Technology
- Alchemy Nanotechnologies
- Princeton University
- Vanderbilt University
- University of California – Santa Barbara
- Case Western Reserve University
Polymer Science and Engineering students participate in a year-long senior design project that culminates with the development of a new or improved polymer product or polymer related process. Performed in groups, these projects are collaborative and industrially relevant. This is an integral part of an engineering education.
Students can also participate in faculty led groups that are involved in cutting edge, externally funded research and development projects. When involved in research projects, students learn the skills, techniques, and methods necessary to solve challenging technical problems. This experience enhances scholarship, internship, and future employment opportunities.
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Polymer Science and Engineering is fully accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Each student completing the degree will demonstrate mastery of the following competencies as established by ABET:
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Internationally recognized faculty mentors for all students
Each faculty member of the School of Polymer Science and Engineering has developed an innovative and vigorous research program that attracts governmental and industrial funding. Students participate along with faculty on these exciting and relevant research projects that build lasting student-mentor relationships.
Availability
| Degree Plan | Availability |
|---|---|
| Polymer Science and Engineering BS | Hattiesburg |
- Materials/Polymer Scientist or Engineer
- Technical Service
- Research and Development Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Consulting
- Quality Engineer
-
Tyler Woldanski, 2018
Lockheed-Martin - Brice Harkey, 2016
Graduate Student, Vanderbilt University
- Jarred Tramell, 2017
Scientist, Pall Corporation - Brittany Thompson, 2019
Graduate Student, University of Colorado - Boulder
- Robert Bennett, 2017
R & D Chemist, Tex-Cote - Joseph Turner, 2019
Technical Service Engineer, Heritage Plastics