Undergraduate Program

The Paper Science and Engineering (PSE) Department at UWSP prepares individuals for technical careers in the pulp and paper industry. Students are challenged with mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering fundamentals while learning the science and technology associated with the manufacture of pulp and paper.


Course offerings include mass and energy balances, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, process dynamics, wood and pulping chemistry, paper and fiber physics, and colloidal chemistry. The program leads to a bachelor of science degree. Please view our curriculum or our page in the UWSP catalog.


Student coursework frequently uses the only paper machine designed specifically for teaching purposes in the United States. This unique laboratory facility is a significant enhancement to the learning experience for UWSP Paper Science and Engineering undergraduates.


Job placement upon graduation is excellent. Geographically, 50% of the UWSP Paper Science and Engineering alumni work in Wisconsin while the other half work in locations across the country. Several graduates of the program are now in senior management positions within the industry.

Student Outcomes

The Student Outcomes for PSE represent what we expect our students to know and be able to do when they graduate. Graduates of the PSE program have the greatest potential for success in their professional lives if they possess the following attributes:

 

  • the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
  • the ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
  • the ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
  • the ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
  • the ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
  • the understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
  • the ability to communicate effectively
  • the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
  • a recognition of the need for, and the ability to engage in life-long learning
  • knowledge of contemporary issues
  • the ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
  • knowledge of the science and technology used in the paper industry

Program Educational Objectives

Our Program Educational Objectives represent our vision of what our graduates will be able to do in their early careers. Graduates of the Paper Science and Engineering Program at UWSP will be productive employees in the paper and allied industries in the three to five years immediately following graduation because they:

 

  • Have a sound background in fundamental science and engineering principles as applied to paper science and engineering;
  • Understand related societal issues such as environmental protection, occupational health and safety, resource management, and appropriate business skills;
  • Are well-rounded professionals in terms of teamwork, communication, and problem solving;
  • Have developed life-long learning skills and abilities.