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Plastics students

Plastics Engineering Technology

Why Should You Select Plastics or Rubber as Your Major?

Our unique curriculum is one of just a handful of programs of this type feeding the third largest manufacturing industry in the country. As one of the oldest programs we’ve been able to build industry respect through decades of successful graduates. This translates to virtually 100% industry placement upon graduation with high starting salaries and a wide range of career opportunities.

More importantly, our graduates have the skillset to make a difference. Like anything else, plastic and rubber materials come with challenges. Graduates of our program have the ability and knowhow to make positive and beneficial changes. Whether it’s redesigning a part to use less material (light-weighting), reducing scrap rates, incorporating regrind, or producing life-saving medical products, there are countless ways to make the world a better place!

Unique Laddered Programs

Opportunities

The Plastics and Rubber programs at Ferris State University offer opportunities into almost every industry. From toys to aerospace and everywhere in between plastics are everywhere, which means that there are opportunities everywhere.

If you haven’t heard of a “Plastics Engineering Technologist” you’re not alone! Our graduates start their careers in a variety of roles, such as Process Engineer, Product Engineer, Project Engineer, Quality Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Design Engineer, Applications Engineer, etc.

A recent survey of alumni showed that after some time on the job titles included Director of Engineering, Plant Manager, Senior Product Engineer, Sales Manager, Business Development Manager, Senior Account Manager, etc.

Our recent group of graduates were very successful in obtaining employment at graduation. They enjoyed strong salaries with an average of $65,500 per year plus generous benefits and signing bonuses.

These graduates accepted positions at many well-known regional, national, and global companies including:

  • Nike
  • General Motors
  • Celanese
  • Faurecia
  • YanFeng Automotive
  • ADAC Automotive
  • Stone Plastics
  • Royal Technologies
  • CS Manufacturing
  • Creative Techniques, Inc.
  • Polyflex, Inc.

Unique Laddered Programs

One of the Largest Undergraduate Plastics Programs in the U.S.

The Plastics and Rubber programs at Ferris State University offer a unique experience. All students enter a common program for the first two years. During these first two years student are exposed to plastics materials, rubber materials, design, and processing for both rubber and plastics. Once the AAS graduation requirements are met, students can declare either Rubber Engineering Technology or Plastics Engineering Technology as their Bachelor of Science degree program.

In the Rubber program, students study polymer science, rubber compound design and compounding, and processing. Alumni of the program work in a variety of positions which include compound development (chemist), product design/development, and process engineering. Th program offers one of the few B.S. degrees in Rubber Engineering Technology in the world.

Out of State and International students

Out of state and Canadian students enjoy in-state tuition rates. Ferris State tuition is lower or equivalent to most Midwest State institutions. This opportunity affords students interested in the plastics and rubber industry a unique opportunity to earn practical education with reduced college debt. Additionally, the Plastics and Rubber programs have attracted many international students from countries around the world.

Ready to check it out?

We'd love to show you around and tell you more about the Plastics and Rubber programs! To schedule a personal tour with one of our Plastics or Rubber faculty members, reach out to our program coordinator, Tom Van Pernis

Plastics Program Informational Videos