Chemical and Paper Engineering

Master of Science in Paper and Printing Science (M.S.)

Get ready to accelerate your career by putting the finishing touches on your academics career. The paper and printing science program offers you technical skills and research and practical Â鶹´«Ã½ for refining and sustaining your career strategy in this evolving field.

Chemical and Paper Engineering
Â鶹´«Ã½
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5462 USA
(269) 276-3500

Is the 30-credit-hour master's in paper and printing science right for me?

If you want to advance your theoretical knowledge in paper and printing sciences while gaining the lab experiences you need to advance your career, then the WMU master's program may be right for you. With both a thesis and non-thesis option, you'll be able to earn your master's degree on your terms.

Admissions and requirements

You are not required to submit GRE scores to apply to WMU, but submitting scores can support your application. Graduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, typically within two to four weeks after all documents have been received. Each application receives a holistic review; the committee considers all the credentials of an applicant and does not base our decision on any one item. There are other factors that also impact decisions, including the pool of applicants, open seats, etc. You are encouraged to complete your application as soon as you can.

How can I fund my graduate degree?

Graduate education can be expensive. At Western, we strive to help make it affordable. You can fund your graduate degree through federal aid, loans, scholarships, grants, research assistantships, teaching assistantships and more.
Find graduate funding

What will I do in the paper and printing science master's program?

As a graduate Â鶹´«Ã½ in paper and printing science, you will choose between a thesis and non-thesis option.

Thesis option

  • Core courses in color printing and substrates, material instrumental analysis, and advanced paper processes, plus research seminar credits 
  • Master's thesis credits
  • A statistics or design of experiments course
  • Approved electives

Non-thesis option

  • Core courses in color printing and substrates, material instrumental analysis, and advanced paper processes, plus research seminar credits 
  • A statistics or design of experiments course
  • Additional courses approved by the graduate advisor
Meet the faculty

Teaching, research and program focus

Graduate degree programs are designed to provide theoretical and laboratory experiences which are basic to the development of professional competence. WMU’s laboratories and pilot plants are the only ones in the world at an academic institution that makes paper, prints it and recycles it to paper again. New product and process development is at the core of our faculty research efforts, including:

  • Printed electronics
  • 3-D printing of manufactured articles
  • Novel inks
  • Specialty paper coatings

Paper Pilot Plants

The WMU Pilot Plants provide workforce and facility solutions for research, product development and education. We serve both the public and educational communities within the paper, printing and allied industries. Through our public partnerships, we provide a valued workforce supplement as well as open access to pilot plant facilities and personnel. 

Visit the Paper Pilot Plants
Students and staff in Paper Pilot Plants

Fast track your learning with an accelerated degree

WMU undergraduate Â鶹´«Ã½s can access more learning and save time in our accelerated master’s program. Weave graduate courses (up to 12 credits) into your undergraduate degree in chemical or paper engineering from WMU, and save time earning both your B.S. and M.S. in paper and printing science.
Contact Dr. Jim Springstead, program advisor