Ferris Course Catalog

Locate a Course
Find a Degree
Learn about a Program
Follow a Career Path

Plastics Technology PLTT

Degree Type: Associate in Applied Science

Career Path: Engineering/Manufacturing and Industrial Technology

Required Courses		Credit Hours
General Education
ENGL 150	English 1	3
ENGL 250	English 2	3
MATH 116	Intermediate Algebra & Num Trig	4
MATH 126	Algebra & Analytic Trigonometry	4
Electives:	Cultural Enrichment	3
	Social Awareness	3
Major
CHEM 121	General Chemistry 1 *Z	5
CHEM 211	Fund Organic/Polymer Chemistry *Z	4
EEET 201	Electrical Fundamentals	3
ETEC 140	Engineering Graphics, Comprehensive	3
MECH 250	Fluid Power With Controls	2
MFGT 150	Manufacturing Processes	2
PHYS 211	Introductory Physics	4
PLTS 110	Intro to Plastics Technology	3
PLTS 121	Plastics Processing 1	4
PLTS 193	Industrial Internship 1	4
PLTS 211	Plastics Processing 2	5
PLTS 212	Plastics Prod & Tool Design 1	5
PLTS 223	Plastics Testing & Physical Prop	5
Minimum credit hours required for A.A.S. degree:		68

Why Choose Plastics Technology?

The Ferris Plastics program is the largest and one of the most respected undergraduate program in the United States. The A.A.S. program was started in 1969 and continues to fill a great need in the growing plastics industry for technically trained personnel. About 1.3 million people across the country work in plastics, making it our fourth largest industry. Ferris graduates gain immediate status as recognized technical leaders.

This innovative program provides students with a background that includes topics such as processing, material testing and properties, and mold and product design. Classes emphasize hands-on learning, using the same type of equipment that is currently used in industry.

An exceptional 80 percent of our students receive at least their associate degree. Many A.A.S. graduates continue their education at Ferris and receive their B.S. degree in Plastics Engineering Technology in two additional years.

Partnership with Industry

The plastics industry has long shown support for the Ferris Plastics Technology program, even sponsoring the construction of the Plastics Building, which in 1998 was expanded into the National Elastomer Center with state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms. Many companies actively support us by donating equipment and materials, making on-campus presentations and sponsoring field trips to their facilities.

Students also serve a paid internship in industry for a minimum of ten weeks, gaining valuable firsthand experience before graduation. Some out-of-state companies even pay room and board in addition to salary to attract our interns. The internship helps students decide what type of position they would most enjoy after graduation.

Prepare for a Great Career

After completing the program, students are immediately employable by the plastics industry. There is consistent 100 percent placement of our graduates. A.A.S. graduates usually start in first-level salaried positions such as manufacturing technician, laboratory technician, foreman or supervisor, at salaries of approximately $35,000 per year. B.S. graduates with ten years of experience can make $70,000 per year or more.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the College of Technology is open to high school graduates who demonstrate academic preparedness, maturity and seriousness of purpose with backgrounds appropriate to their chosen program of studies. Among first-time students in our technical programs, the average high school GPA is 2.8, and the average ACT composite score is 20.

Students entering the Plastics Technology program must have a high school diploma with a minimum 2.5 GPA and a minimum ACT score of 17 and a minimum ACT math subscore of 19 or equivalent.

Graduation Requirements

The Plastics Technology program at Ferris leads to an associate in applied science degree. Graduation requires a minimum 2.0 GPA in core classes, in the major and overall. Students must complete all general education requirements as outlined on the General Education website.

More Information

National Elastomer Center
Ferris State University
919 Campus Drive
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2277
Phone: 231-591-2640