Paper Science and Engineering

The paper science and engineering program teaches you to apply the fundamentals of chemical engineering and chemistry to solve problems in process engineering and product development in the paper and allied industries.

Miami's program in paper science and engineering is one of only 10 in the nation,and the only one with ABET accreditation. Our records over the past 11 years indicate an average placement rate for our new graduates of nearly 100 percent, at Miami's highest starting salaries for B. S. degree holders, ranging from $42,000 to $55,000.

Pulp and Paper Foundation scholarships are available beginning the first year for up to eight semesters for students who maintain a 3.0 grade point average.

Distinctive Features at Miami

Strong student-oriented teaching faculty also have current research interests.

Co-op and summer internship programs allow students to sample the work environment before graduation and to help finance college costs.

Hands-on laboratory and design projects emphasize problem solving and achieving results through teamwork beginning in the first year and culminating with a capstone experience in the senior year.

Program of Study

Course work emphasizes chemical engineering, the chemistry of wood, wood fibers and the chemicals used in making paper, and the concepts of chemical engineering used in paper industry processes. Additionally, the program requires mathematics, physics, and courses dealing specifically with paper engineering. Significant emphasis is placed on the development of teamwork and communication skills.

The program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Paper Science and Engineering. 

Work Experience

Nearly all paper science and engineering students obtain some paid work experience before graduating. Many work in the paper industry as summer interns. Some positions are in production, and others are in research laboratories.

Many students choose our co-op program, alternating periods of school with periods of paid employment in the paper industry and extending studies over five years.

In this program, you are interviewed for a position with a paper company or a company connected with the industry. Usually, you'll have the opportunity to choose from several offers with different companies and job responsibilities. All positions are technical in nature; some are in research laboratories, and others are in production.

Co-op provides you with as much as 12 to 16 months of industrial experience before graduation and allows you to earn one-half to two-thirds of the salaries of full-time employees at a comparable level.

Laboratories and Computing Facilities

The paper science laboratories provide a variety of instruments and equipment, all used extensively by students. The equipment includes a pilot Fourdrinier paper machine, used for making paper in small quantities for experimentation, and equipment for stock preparation, pulping, pulp testing, sheetmaking, paper coating, paper testing, and process control.

A computer-process control laboratory offers hands-on experience in the use of computers for controlling processes and operations. Chemical engineering and coating laboratory courses are also included in the undergraduate program.

Student Organizations

Through honorary and professional organizations, students develop leadership skills, interact with professionals in their field, and take part in educational activities which have significance beyond the campus. Student organizations available at Miami include:

• Paper Industry Management Association (PIMA)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Student National Technical Association (SNTA)
• Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI)
• Women in Math, Science, and Engineering

After You Graduate

The paper industry is robust, ranked sixth among domestic sectors based on contribution to the Gross National Product (GNP). Job prospects are equally good.

The majority of seniors accept a position before graduating. Others find their jobs shortly after graduation. In most years the placement has been 100 percent by the end of summer. Some graduates accept a permanent position with the employer with whom they worked as co-op students.

About 50-60 percent of the graduates take positions as process engineers in the paper mills producing the primary product. Others take jobs with the suppliers of specialty chemicals, capital equipment, and computer process control systems for the paper industry.

Still others find employment in continuous process manufacturing, such as the biotech, computer chip, and consumer and industrial product industries. Some begin as environmental engineers or research engineers, or go on to graduate school.

The learning process is continuous for those who accept positions such as these. Many Miami graduates in this field often advance to senior management positions.

For More Information

For general information about Miami University, please contact:

Office of Admission
301 S. Campus Ave.
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056-3434
513-529-2531 (v/t)
www.muohio.edu/requestinfo

For specific information on the Paper Science and Engineering major, please contact:

Dr. Shashi B. Lalvani, Chair
Department of Paper and Chemical Engineering
64 Engineering Building
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
513-529-2200
paper@muohio.edu
www.eas.muohio.edu/pps