Certificate Programs

Graduate Certificates in Plastics Engineering

The UMass Lowell Department of Plastics Engineering offers six graduate certificates in a wide variety of topics.

About Graduate Certificates

All Plastics Engineering graduate certificates are comprised of four courses (12 graduate credits) designed to provide specific knowledge and expertise vital to today's changing and complex needs in the workplace. In all cases courses may be applied toward a degree program provided they meet transfer credit requirements.

Note: Courses used as credit towards one Plastics Engineering Certificate may not count towards another Plastics Engineering Certificate.

Requirements to Complete a Graduate Certificate

The four courses must be completed within a five year period with a minimum 3.000 grade point average, and with no more than 3 credits below a B. Courses completed for one certificate may not be used for another certificate, but can be used for the graduate degrees.

Certificate Application Process

Individuals must complete a simplified application, provide an official undergraduate transcript indicating that a baccalaureate degree has been awarded. Admission to the program is open to candidates with a B.S. in engineering or a related field. There is $75 application fee and the graduate record exam (GRE) is not required for admission.

For more information visit the Plastics Engineering Department website.

Plastics Engineering Fundamentals

Contact:
Amy Peterson, Ph.D.
Email: Amy_Peterson@uml.edu
Phone: 978-934-2937
This 12-credit certificate program is designed for students who have attained a baccalaureate degree and want more plastics materials, process, and design background. To enable students with full-time jobs to complete the certificate program, these courses are offered during the evening or on-line(*).
Required Courses (six credits)
Elective Courses (choose two - total of six credits):

Medical Plastics Design and Manufacturing

Contact:
Amy Peterson, Ph.D.
Email: Amy_Peterson@uml.edu
Phone: 978-934-2937

The use of plastics in medical products and medical devices is rapidly increasing. The Plastics Engineering Department at UMass Lowell is continuing its leadership role in Plastics Engineering Education by responding to industry's need for Medical Plastics training. This 12 credit program will provide knowledge needed for the development of new "engineering intensive" medical products which combine complex material compositions, designs, and manufacturing processes. The certificate program is intended for medical professionals, engineers and technologists working in the medical products industry.

Required Courses (six credits):

Elective Courses (choose two - total of six credits):

  • PLAS.5540 Medical Device Design II
  • PLAS.5790 Problems in Biomaterials (Directed Study)
  • PLAS.6750 Biomaterials II
  • CHEN.5550 Biopharmaceutical GMP and Licensing (offered by the Chemical Engineering Department)
  • BMBT.5000 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology (Offered by the Biomedical Engineering program)
  • PLAS.5030 Mechanical Behavior of Polymers
  • PLAS.5180 Plastics Product Design
  • PLAS.5020 Medical Device Development and Regulation
  • PLAS.5550 Medical Device Processing 

Plastics Design

Contact:
Amy Peterson, Ph.D.
Email: Amy_Peterson@uml.edu
Phone: 978-934-2937

The certificate program is designed for students who have attained a bachelor’s degree and need more plastics design background. 

Required Courses (six credits):

Elective Courses (choose two - total of six credits):

Plastics Materials

Contact:
Amy Peterson, Ph.D.
Email: Amy_Peterson@uml.edu 
Phone: 978-934-2937

This 12 credit certificate program is designed for students who have attained a Bachelor's degree and need more plastics materials background. 

Required Courses (six credits):

  • PLAS.5440 Advanced Plastics Materials
  • PLAS.5060 Polymer Structure, Properties, and Applications

Elective Courses (choose two - total of six credits):

Plastics Processing

Contact:
Amy Peterson, Ph.D.
Email: Amy_Peterson@uml.edu
Phone: 978-934-2937

This 12-credit certificate program is designed for students who have attained a bachelor's degree and need more plastics processing background. 

Required Courses (six credits):

Elective Courses (choose two - total of six credits):

Elastomeric Materials

Contact:
Amy Peterson, Ph.D.
Email: Amy_Peterson@uml.edu
Phone: 978-934-2937

This 12-credit certificate program is designed for students who have attained a bachelor's degree and are interested in learning more rubbers/elastomers.

Required Courses (six credits):

Elective Courses (choose two - total of six credits):

  • PLAS.5060 Polymer Structure, Properties, and Applications
  • PLAS.5440 Advanced Plastics Materials
  • PLAS.5490 Product Design with Elastomers
  • PLAS.5500 Processing with Elastomers
  • PLAS.5780 Advanced Plastics Processing
  • PLAS.5960 Plastics, Elastomers and Additives from Renewable Resources
Updated 12/14/23

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