A Paper Science and Chemical Engineering degree program provides students with an interdisciplinary education that incorporates both engineering and science. This major is designed for students interested in working in the paper, pulp, packaging, and related process industries. Through a combination of paper engineering, chemistry, and other technical courses, students gain an in-depth understanding of the science and technology behind the manufacture of paper, pulp, composite materials, bioproducts and new advanced materials.
The goal of a Paper Science and Chemical Engineering program is to prepare graduates for careers in research, development, production, process engineering, quality control, operations management, technical service, or environmental compliance within industries that harness wood, agricultural and plant fibers into everyday products. Specific career paths include working as a chemical, pulp, paper or process engineer involved in areas such as plant operations, manufacturing, process design and development, product development, technical support, or quality control. Graduates may also find opportunities in consulting, technical sales, research and development, or environmental health and safety roles. Some even use their skills and training to start their own businesses.
The technical coursework in a Paper Science and Chemical Engineering curriculum covers subjects such as wood science and fiber morphology, pulping and bleaching processes, papermaking and converting operations, pulp and paper testing and characterization methods, chemistry applied to pulping and bleaching, process design and control, mass and energy balances, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, separations, reaction kinetics, process dynamics and control, and allied fields of chemistry, biology and microbiology. Students gain hands-on lab experience operating and performing experiments on modern pilot scale papermaking, pulping and converting equipment. Computer applications involving process modeling, simulation, and instrumentation and process control are also incorporated.
In addition to technical pulp and paper courses, the curriculum includes core engineering science classes in calculus, physics, statistics, and thermodynamics. Students also take general education courses in communications, economics, and the humanities to attain a well-rounded education. The program is engineered to provide students with opportunities for industrial internships which allow them to apply their classroom and lab knowledge and training to real-world production and process situations. Many employers seek out interns and co-op graduates to recruit as full-time hires after graduation due to their relevant work experience.
The educational emphasis on an interdisciplinary blend of science, engineering, technology and business/management uniquely equips Paper Science and Chemical Engineering graduates for success in industry. They are educated to seamlessly integrate technical, operational and business considerations for addressing the cutting-edge opportunities and challenges facing the pulp, paper and biochemical industries worldwide. Graduates have the versatility to work beyond traditional pulp and paper mills and find roles in new advanced materials, biorefinery and bioproduct sectors. Typical job functions include improving processes, developing and applying new technologies, managing operations, performing quality and environmental compliance activities, conducting applied research, adapting processes for new product development, implementing automation and control systems, undertaking capital project management, and supporting regulatory functions.
With a growing global population and corresponding rise in consumption of paper and paper-based products, an aging workforce in traditional forest products industries, the emergence of new biobased materials and related advanced manufacturing opportunities, and the need to develop more sustainable processes, there exists significant demand and career prospects for Paper Science and Chemical Engineering graduates. Megathemes around the bioeconomy, circular economy and renewable/biobased materials are driving growth. The future looks bright for addressing technical and operational challenges through multidisciplinary problem solving with a systems perspective taught within these engineering programs. Graduates possess skills needed to transition industries to renewable resources and technologies while ensuring efficient, environmentally responsible operations well into the future. The combination of scientific rigor and hands-on training uniquely equips program alumni for strategic leadership roles that enhance both business viability and environmental responsibility within diverse technology-driven industries.