Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, Minor
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Degree/Program Type
- minor
- Format
- In-person
- Course Info
- Curriculum Guide
- College
- College of Engineering and Polymer Science
- School/Department
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering
Program Contact
- Dean's Office: College of Engineering and Polymer Science
-
Auburn Science and Engineering Center
330-972-6978
Overview
There are many ways to shape your journey at The University of Akron. Adding a minor is a great way to complement your major and expand your future opportunities.
The Minor in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering gives you a valuable specialization in a fast-growing field. Polymers are everywhere—from tires, paint, and clothing to computer chips, biomedical devices, and airplanes. This minor prepares you for jobs in rubber, plastics, paint, adhesives, and composites. It’s also a great foundation for graduate study in soft matter across STEM fields.
You’ll study and learn in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering’s world-class labs and research facilities. When you graduate, you’ll have a standout credential and connections to the vibrant polymer industry in Northeast Ohio and across the country.
This minor includes two core courses in the fundamentals of polymer science and engineering, one hands-on elective through research or a lab course, and three advanced electives you can choose based on your interests.
The Minor in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering is a great fit for STEM majors who want to deepen their knowledge of polymer science and engineering. It's especially valuable for students majoring in engineering, natural sciences or math.
Admissions Requirements
Students who meet The University of Akron’s admission requirements and choose engineering as their major are directly admitted into the College
If you're coming from high school, your high school records will help determine the best first-semester courses for you
Career Outcomes
The Minor in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering prepares you for careers in the growing polymer industry. Products include plastics, rubber, adhesives, composites, paints and fibers. Polymers are used across many industries like aerospace, consumer goods, textiles, electronics, energy, construction and health care. They also play a key role in emerging areas such as additive manufacturing, organic electronics and renewable energy.
YES, some things just set us apart.
Learn from Leading Polymer Experts
Our faculty are among the largest groups of polymer experts in the country, with over 300 patents issued or pending, including many commercialized worldwide.
State-of-the-Art Labs & Industry-Connected Learning
Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, access to 25 polymer research labs, industry collaborations, advising, career services, tutoring, design teams, student organizations, and the University’s renowned Co-op and Placement Program. You can specialize in sustainability, processing or biomaterials.
Leader in Polymer Science & Plastics Engineering
The University of Akron is ranked the number one university in the U.S. for polymer science and plastics engineering by global ranking site EduRank.
Engineering Excellence since 1913.
We’ve been reaching new heights for more than a century — and we’re not slowing down.
Learn Through Experience
Our engineering students learn through experience. Our famed co-op program, one of the oldest in the country, provides students with paid industry experience. On average, students earn $47K over three co-op rotations, all while completing their degree. Within six months of graduation, our 2024 College graduates launched careers, pursued graduate school, or entered military service, with an average starting salary of $72K.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research opportunities and senior capstone projects empower students to innovate, apply classroom knowledge, and strengthen collaboration skills in professional settings.
Exceptional Education
We offer an exceptional education. Our expert professors are not only leaders in their fields but are also deeply committed to your success. They are passionate about helping you achieve great things and are dedicated to supporting every student's journey in engineering.
Design Teams & Student Organizations
Build medical devices, robots, race cars, rockets and more on our design teams, which rank among the best in the nation and world in competition. Students can also join one of our many student organizations such as the Polymer Student Organization, Engineers for a Sustainable World, UA’s student chapter of the American Chemical Society Rubber Division, National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Women Engineers and more.
“I chose UA specifically for its top-ranked Polymer Science & Polymer Engineering program. During my campus tour, I was captivated by the Chihuly ‘rock candy’ statue. This sparked my interest in the field and solidified my decision to pursue my degree at UA.”
"I chose to major in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering because of its unique combination of science and engineering. The program opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities by preparing students to think like both scientists and engineers while providing hands-on research experience and valuable connections to Akron's rubber industry."
“Choosing to minor in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering is one of the best decisions I made at UA. It helps set me apart from others and opened many opportunities for me, including more interviews for my co-op and full-time position.”
