Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, MPSPE, Online
Quick Facts
Credit Hours: 30 | Estimated Time to Completion: [PLACEHOLDER] | Cost Per Credit Hour: $500 | Start Dates: Fall
Program Details
- Location
- Wayne Campus, Akron Campus
- Level
- graduate
- Degree/Program Type
- MPSPE Master of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering / major
- Format
- online
- Course Info
- Course Sequence
- College
- College of Engineering and Polymer Science
- School/Department
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering
Program Contact
- Dr. Fardin Khabaz
-
Associate Professor of Polymer Engineering and Chemical, Biomolecular & Corrosion Engineering
330-972-5410
Program Overview
The University of Akron Online offers a Master of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering (MPSPE) for STEM graduates seeking technical, business, and legal expertise. The program combines polymer science and engineering coursework with business and intellectual property concepts to prepare professionals for leadership roles in technology-driven industries.
Designed to bridge the gap between a traditional MBA and a research-focused master's degree, the MPSPE helps students develop the skills needed to make technology-minded decisions as managers, supervisors, and team leaders. Students learn from faculty in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, the College of Business, and the School of Law.
The 100% online program is ideal for professionals interested in polymer and polymer-related industries, consulting, technology commercialization, and venture capital. Students also gain access to a global network of more than 10,000 alumni working in leadership positions throughout the polymer industry.
What You'll Learn
Gain the technical and professional skills needed to lead in polymer-related careers.
Skills Gained
Polymer materials analysis
Polymer processing and characterization
Technical communication
Research and problem-solving
Project management
Business analytics
Technology commercialization
Intellectual property awareness
Strategic decision-making
Core Practice
Evaluate polymer technologies and materials
Analyze technical and business challenges
Communicate scientific information to diverse audiences
Manage technology-driven projects
Assess intellectual property considerations
Support innovation and commercialization efforts
Key Topics
Polymer chemistry and physics
Polymer characterization
Polymer processing
Rheology and materials evaluation
Business analytics
Project management
Intellectual property
Emerging technologies
Technology commercialization
Career Outcomes
Prepare for highly rewarding careers at the intersection of polymer science, technology, and organizational leadership.
Job Titles
Technical project manager
Product development manager
Polymer industry consultant
Technology commercialization specialist
Product manager
Materials specialist
Innovation manager
Intellectual property analyst
Business development manager
Technical sales manager
Where You’ll Work
Polymer manufacturers
Advanced materials companies
Chemical producers
Product development organizations
Consulting firms
Venture capital firms
Technology commercialization organizations
Manufacturing companies
Additional Program Information
Polymer Science & Polymer Engineering Curriculum
The 30-credit curriculum combines polymer science, engineering, business, and law to prepare professionals for leadership in technical industries.
Polymer Science and Engineering Core
Complete 18 credit hours of technical coursework covering polymer chemistry, polymer physics, characterization, processing, research methods, problem-solving, and technical communication. These courses build the scientific and engineering foundation needed to understand polymer materials and emerging technologies.
Business and Law Foundations
Complete 9 credit hours of business and law coursework focused on business analytics, project management, and intellectual property. This interdisciplinary component helps students understand the commercial, operational, and legal factors that influence innovation and technology development.
→ View business and law requirements
Electives and Degree Customization
Complete 3 credit hours of elective coursework in polymer science, polymer engineering, or business. Electives allow students to tailor the program to their interests while exploring topics that support their professional goals.
Culminating Learning Experience
Complete a culminating experience focused on an emerging polymer technology. Students apply technical, business, and legal concepts to evaluate opportunities, challenges, and real-world considerations associated with innovation and commercialization.
Interdisciplinary Learning
Engineering, Business, and Law
Develop expertise across polymer science, business, and intellectual property law through a curriculum designed to support technology-minded decision-making.
Global Network
Connected to Industry Leaders
Join a community of more than 10,000 alumni who provide leadership across the global polymer industry.
Rankings
Recognized Among Top Online Universities
UAkron Online has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s top online universities, reflecting a strong commitment to quality and student success.
Admissions Information
Review admission requirements and application materials needed to begin the Master of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering program.
To apply, you'll need:
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline
- Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Official academic transcripts
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
The University of Akron's standard admission requirements will be applied during the application review process. There is no formal application deadline; students will be admitted in the earliest available semester following review.
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis for graduate programs.
- Ohio resident tuition: $500 per credit hour
- Online students benefit from a reduced out-of-state surcharge of $1 per credit hour
→ View tuition and fees for graduate students
→ Estimate your cost of attendance
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a variety of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Graduate student loans
- Scholarships
The University of Akron provides financial aid to a significant number of graduate students each year.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers support throughout the process, including assistance with FAFSA completion, understanding your aid package, and planning for educational costs.
To apply, you'll need:
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline
- Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Official academic transcripts
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
The University of Akron's standard admission requirements will be applied during the application review process. There is no formal application deadline; students will be admitted in the earliest available semester following review.
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis for graduate programs.
- Ohio resident tuition: $500 per credit hour
- Online students benefit from a reduced out-of-state surcharge of $1 per credit hour
→ View tuition and fees for graduate students
→ Estimate your cost of attendance
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a variety of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Graduate student loans
- Scholarships
The University of Akron provides financial aid to a significant number of graduate students each year.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers support throughout the process, including assistance with FAFSA completion, understanding your aid package, and planning for educational costs.
Online Polymer Science & Polymer Engineering Faculty & Staff
Learn from internationally recognized faculty with deep expertise in polymer materials, technology development, and innovation management.
Online Polymer Engineering Degree FAQs
A Master of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering (MPSPE) is a graduate degree that combines advanced materials knowledge with engineering principles to prepare professionals for technical leadership roles. The University of Akron's program also incorporates business and intellectual property coursework, creating a broader perspective on innovation and commercialization. Students gain technical expertise while developing the professional skills needed to lead projects and teams.
The program is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline. It is particularly valuable for engineers, scientists, and technical professionals seeking leadership opportunities in polymer-related industries. Students gain a broader understanding of how technical innovation intersects with business strategy and intellectual property. The curriculum supports career growth in both technical and management-focused roles.
Graduates work across polymer manufacturing, advanced materials, product development, consulting, and technology commercialization. Career paths may include project management, product development, innovation leadership, business development, and technical consulting. Some professionals also work with venture capital firms, technology transfer organizations, and intellectual property-focused teams. Career outcomes often depend on previous experience, technical specialization, and industry focus.
Salary potential varies based on industry, experience, and role. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, materials engineers earn a median annual salary of approximately $108,000, while industrial production managers earn approximately $121,000 and engineering managers earn approximately $168,000. Graduates may also pursue positions in product development, technical consulting, technology commercialization, and business leadership, where compensation can vary significantly based on responsibilities and experience. The interdisciplinary nature of the MPSPE can support advancement into both technical and management-focused roles.
The MPSPE was designed to bridge the gap between technical and business education. Unlike an MBA, the program maintains a strong foundation in polymer science and engineering. Unlike a traditional research-focused master's degree, it incorporates business analytics, project management, and intellectual property coursework. This combination prepares graduates to evaluate technology, lead teams, and support innovation within technical organizations.
Earn Your Master's in Polymer Science Online
The most effective technical leaders understand both how technologies work and how organizations succeed. Develop the interdisciplinary expertise needed to bridge the two.