MS Leadership for Professionals
The Master of Science in Packaging Leadership for Professionals is a course-intensive, online program offered by the School of Packaging in partnership with the business and communication arts and sciences programs at MSU. The MS program enables professionals with leadership aspirations to not only expand their knowledge related to technical aspects of packaging but to also strengthen their proficiencies in interdisciplinary fields in which students engage in one of four tracks: business, supply chain management, sustainable solutions, or packaging design.
In Collaboration With:
- Agriculture Food Resource Economics
- Business
- Community Sustainability
- Food Science and Food Safety
- Strategic Communication
- Supply Chain Management
Specific Requirements
The program requires the completion of core courses and elective courses. As outlined in the academic programs catalog, the program requirements include:
Core Courses
Students will complete 20 credits of packaging essential topics in packaging sustainability, global trends and regulations, materials, distribution and dynamics, processes, professional seminar, and stability & recyclability regarding environmental impact.
| Credits | Course |
| 3 | PKG 470: Packaging Sustainability |
| 4 | PKG 801: Packaging Materials |
| 2 | PKG 803: Packaging Distribution and Dynamics |
| 2 | PKG 804: Packaging Processes |
| 3 | PKG 810: Professional Seminar |
| 3 | PKG 875: Sustainability and Recyclability of Packaging Materials |
| 3 | PKG 891: Global Sustainability Trends and Regulations |
Concentrations and Elective Track Options
Students choose a minimum of 10 credits from a variety of elective track options including: business, supply chain management, sustainable solutions, or packaging design.
Business
| Credits | Course |
| 3 | CAS 835: Brand & Image Communication |
| 2 | SCM 801: Introduction to Global Business & Supply Chain |
| 3 | ACC 870: Principles of Financial & Managerial Accounting |
| 2 | MGT 873: Strategic Decision Making |
Supply Chain Management
| Credits | Course |
| 3 | PKG 465: PKG Value Chain |
| 2 | SCM 801: Introduction to Global Business & Supply Chain |
| 3 | SCM 803: Introduction to Supply Chain Analytics |
| 2 | SCM 805: Basic Elements of Strategic Sourcing |
| 2 | SCM 806: Basic Elements of Logistics & Warehousing |
| 2 | SCM 807: Basic Elements of Operations Management |
Sustainable Solutions
| Credits | Course |
| 3 | PKG 465: PKG Value Chain |
| 3 | PKG 480: Packaging Laws and Regulations |
| 3 | PKG 880: Life Cycle Assessment |
| 3 | CSUS 465: Environmental and Natural Resources Law |
| 1-6 | CSUS 890: Independent Study in Community Sustainability |
| 1-9 | CSUS 891: Special Topics in Community Sustainability |
| 1-3 | AFRE 891: Special Topics in Agriculture, Food, & Resource Economics |
Packaging Design
| Credits | Course |
| 3 | PKG 411: PKG Development Technology |
| 3 | PKG 430: PKG for Fast Moving Consumer Goods |
| 3 | PKG 421: Virtual Design & Prototyping |
| 3 | PKG 444: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for Packaging |
| 3 | PKG 450: Automotive & Industrial PKG |
| 4 | PKG 452: Medical Packaging |
| 3 | PKG 456: Packaging and Shelf Life of Perishable Food |
| 3 | PKG 480: Packaging Laws and Regulations |
| 3 | PKG 805: Advanced PKG Dynamics |
| 3 | PKG 814: Packaging for Food Safety |
| 3 | PKG 815: Permeability & Shelf Life |
| 4 | PKG 825: Polymeric Packaging Materials (need to have PKG 801 prerequisite) |
| 3 | PKG 840: Anti-Counterfeit and Product Protection Strategy |
| 3 | FSC 810: International Food Laws & Regulations |
| 3 | FSC 811: US Food Laws & Regulations |
| 1-3 | VM 834: Current Issues in Food Safety |
Who Should Apply:
- Working professionals who are looking for a packaging focused alternative to an MBA
- New packaging professionals looking to up-skill for promotions
- Non-packaging professionals transitioning into packaging roles
- First/mid-level managers who are interested in packaging leadership
Why Apply?
- 100% online program
- Prepare to lead and innovate
- Develop expertise in Packaging Sustainability
- Create optimal packaging solutions
- Integrate global trends and regulations
Application Requirements
- An earned bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA from an accredited educational institution. Education must be comparable to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree.
- A minimum of 3 years of professional work experience
- Submit 3 reference letters
- Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended
- Resume or CV
Apply!
The application is currently being developed in conjunction with MSU's Admissions Office. Send us an email at pkg.grad@msu.edu and we will notify you when the application becomes available.
(Last updated 4/14/25)
Print
Email