by our College Data Analytics TeamWith a major in Paper Science and Engineering, you will learn everything there is to know about the development and production of the many types of paper products.
Students take classes in topics such as chemistry, advanced math, physics, engineering, environmental science, the physical and chemical properties of wood, and manufacturing to understand how trees make the transformation from pulp to paper. This degree will allow you to develop new ways of manufacturing paper products that may improve quality and efficiency.
In 2021-2022, paper science & engineering was the 364th most popular major nationwide with 43 degrees awarded. This year's Best Paper Science & Engineering Schools ranking compares 2 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom paper engineering rankings further below.
Students who choose to pursue a degree in Paper Science and Engineering should have a strong background in science, specifically chemistry. You will learn about the different chemical and property changes that occur as wood becomes paper. Students should also have a strong background in mathematics. Critical thinking skills will help students analyze issues within the manufacturing products and help devise solutions that will improve productivity.
Paper Science and Engineering professional often work full time in offices or laboratories. These environments allow professionals to use computer software when solving engineering issues or performing research and development tasks.
In order to gain experience in the field, students should pursue an internship or summer job or participate in a cooperative engineering program offered by certain colleges. This experience will make students more competitive when searching for a job.
While many graduates hold a bachelor's degree, some decide to pursue a master's degree as well. This will give professionals the option to teach classes, conduct extensive research and develop, and potentially pursue careers with a higher salary.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Specific paper engineering careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are many different paper engineering degree levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a in paper science & engineering to something that takes less time like a . Depending on the paper science & engineering degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to paper engineering, with approximately 54.0% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for paper engineering workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 57.8% |
| Master’s Degree | 15.4% |
| Doctoral Degree | 10.8% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 4.4% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 3.8% |
94.6% of paper engineering workers have at least a bachelor's. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in paper science & engineering have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which paper engineering career you choose.
Paper Science and Engineering graduates often have jobs with paper product manufacturers or lumber companies. This allows professionals to work closely with raw materials and oversee the production of products.
Want a job when you graduate with your paper engineering degree? Paper Science & Engineering careers are expected to grow 7.1% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to paper science & engineering.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 190,000 | 5.5% |
| Engineers | 141,000 | 6.4% |
| Engineering Professors | 54,600 | 14.7% |
| Chemical Engineers | 35,100 | 7.3% |
As you might expect, salaries for paper engineering graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for paper science & engineering graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers paper engineering grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $148,970 |
| Chemical Engineers | $114,470 |
| Engineering Professors | $113,680 |
| Engineers | $99,410 |
With over 9 different paper engineering degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased paper engineering school rankings to help you with this.
Paper Science & Engineering is one of 41 different types of Engineering programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Paper Science & Engineering | 43 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 44,794 |
| Electrical Engineering | 26,528 |
| Civil Engineering | 20,655 |
| Computer Engineering | 16,954 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 13,222 |
