Bachelor of Science (BS) in Packaging
Build the Future of Product Packaging
Packaging plays a critical role in modern manufacturing — from protecting sensitive medical devices to shipping electronics safely across global supply chains.
As one of only 10 packaging degree programs in the United States, San José State University’s Bachelor of Science in Packaging program uniquely combines engineering, science, design and business. Build your technical expertise to design, evaluate and improve packaging systems, and graduate ready to support global distribution.
Why Become a Packaging Major at SJSU?
Housed in the Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging, the BS in Packaging program offers:
- Hands-on training through labs, design projects and collaborative assignments focused on real packaging challenges.
- Support from passionate, experienced faculty who invest in your education and professional development.
- Collaborative student groups, like the Student Packaging Association, provide opportunities to network with peers and industry leaders.
- State-of-the-art facilities, including the Packaging Lab, so that you can gain experience designing, fabricating and testing packages.
- Access to Silicon Valley, home to major technology companies, startups and manufacturers that depend on innovative packaging.
- An accelerated pathway to earning your MS in Packaging through our Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) Scholars Program.
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What You’ll Learn
Building upon San José State University’s general education requirements, the BS in Packaging curriculum introduces you to a variety of disciplines that influence packaging design and performance. You take specialized packaging courses, as well as supporting subjects such as chemistry, physics, mathematics and statistics to strengthen your analytical foundation.
What is a packaging major? It’s an interdisciplinary field that involves science and engineering, materials, and design. Throughout the program, you learn about:
- Creating structural packaging using industry tools like ArtiosCAD and SolidWorks.
- Evaluating paper, plastics, glass and metals for performance and environmental impact.
- Designing and testing packaging systems that safeguard products during shipping and handling.
- Understanding how packaging equipment operates within production environments.
- Developing packaging solutions for logistics, food preservation, hazardous materials and medical products.
Review Packaging Major Requirements
BS + MS in Packaging SAGE Pathway
Already planning for graduate school? The Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) Scholars Program at San José State University empowers you to earn both a BS and an MS in Packaging through a seamless pathway.
Through integrated undergraduate and graduate coursework, you lower your total tuition costs and save time advancing your studies. This accelerated format also fast-tracks your entry into leadership roles, equipping you with the advanced technical and strategic expertise top industry employers demand.
Explore the SAGE Scholars Program
Learning Outcomes
Upon graduating with your bachelor’s degree in packaging, you’re well-equipped to:
- Assess a package’s functional properties;
- Demonstrate knowledge of package material properties to meet particular physical needs;
- Describe a package production system to present design and develop cost comparisons between various package configurations;
- Assess a distribution channel to identify particular stresses incurred;
- Design a package system (primary, secondary and tertiary) to contain, protect and transport products from manufacturer to consumer;
- Develop reproducible test methodologies for evaluating particular properties in a package/material; and
- Organize and assemble presentations describing package systems, operations, designs and cost comparisons.
What Careers Can You Get as a Packaging Major?
Products across every industry depend on effective packaging to ensure safety, efficiency and market appeal. This prevalence, along with the fact that few universities offer this highly specialized training, means that the demand for packaging professionals remains high in national and global supply chains.
San José State University’s bachelor’s degree in packaging program equips you as an up-and-coming packaging professional with technical expertise and sustainable design strategies. You’ll have the opportunity to lead by collaborating with teams in marketing, production, purchasing, product development, legal and graphic design.
With your understanding of how products move from concept to customer, you can pursue cross-functional roles like:
- Packaging Designer
- Packaging Engineer
- Product Manager
Where SJSU’s Graduates Work
San José State University, located near the heart of Silicon Valley, offers packaging majors access to a global center for innovation, product development and advanced manufacturing.
Empowered with real-world experience and industry connections, our alumni have built successful careers at companies and organizations such as:
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BS in Packaging Program Admissions
Ready to take your next step toward earning your packaging degree? Applying to San José State University is your gateway to a transformative education and a thriving career.
Whether you are just beginning your college journey, transferring from a community college or relocating to the U.S., our packaging major helps you turn your interest in design and engineering into a professional reality.
Select your student type to review specific admission requirements and application instructions:
International Freshman Admissions
International Transfer Admissions
Undergraduate Admissions Deadlines
Fall Semester
The application window for first-year and transfer students runs from Aug. 1 to Dec. 1.
The application window for international first-year and transfer students runs from Aug. 1 to April 1.
Spring Semester
The application window for transfer students runs from July 1 to Aug. 31.
The application window for international first-year and transfer students runs from July 1 to Sept. 30.
Financial Aid
Ready to invest in your career preparation? At SJSU, our Financial Aid and Scholarship Office offers the practical support and resources you need.
From finding scholarships and grants to submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), our team helps you understand how you can fund your BS in Packaging and progress toward your academic goals.
Envision New Opportunities With Your BS in Packaging
At San José State University, our Bachelor of Science in Packaging prepares you with the technical knowledge companies need to protect products, support distribution and make a sustainable impact. Gain the hands-on experience and industry connections to chart your path forward.
Ready to start building your career in packaging? Take the next step and apply to San José State University today! Or, if you want additional guidance to plan ahead, schedule a pre-admission appointment with our team to get started.
