College of Natural Resources / Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department

Paper Science and Engineering

Major

STUDY THE ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY BEHIND PAPER MANUFACTURE IN A FIELD WITH 100% JOB PLACEMENT.

Since graduating its first class in 1974, our Paper Science and Engineering program has earned a national reputation for educating highly skilled professionals who drive innovation in the paper, packaging, and fiber-based materials industries. Located in the heart of Wisconsin, one of the nation’s leading paper-producing states for more than a century, our program has played a vital role in supplying the talented workforce that has fueled the state’s forest products industry and the broader Midwest for more than five decades.

Today, as the world seeks more sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based materials, fiber has emerged as one of the most renewable, recyclable, and environmentally responsible raw materials available. Paper scientists and engineers are at the forefront of developing next-generation packaging, biomaterials, cellulose-based products, and sustainable manufacturing technologies that help build a circular economy.
Students gain hands-on experience using one of the nation’s premier pilot paper machines dedicated to undergraduate education, along with modern laboratories and strong partnerships with leading companies throughout the industry. Our graduates are recognized nationwide for their technical expertise, practical problem-solving skills, leadership, and exceptional work ethic. As a result, they enjoy outstanding job placement, competitive starting salaries, excellent job security, and accelerated career advancement in a dynamic industry that continues to evolve through innovation and sustainability.

Why Study Paper Science and Engineering at UW-Stevens Point?

The Paper Science and Engineering program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point nurtures students’ interest in math, chemistry, physics, and engineering to prepare them for engineering careers in Wisconsin’s most sustainable industry.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

The Paper Science and Engineering curriculum is grounded in the fundamental engineering and science of papermaking, ensuring you are prepared for career opportunities in all areas of the industry.

Career opportunities are available in Wisconsin, across the country, and worldwide. Our graduates are in demand because they are well prepared for process engineering positions in Wisconsin’s most sustainable manufacturing industry. Job titles include:

process engineer
sales account manager
project manager
new product development
research and development engineer
quality assurance manager,
and many others.

Our graduates have career opportunities in Wisconsin, across the country, and worldwide. About 50% of our graduates stay in Wisconsin. Many work in other countries.

GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS

Discover your passions, build your resume, and make friends along the way! Whether it is joining a student organization, working on our best-in-class pilot-scale paper machine, or participating in research with one of our faculty, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved.

Join the Student Chapter of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) Student chapter of Women in Engineering or any of our other 200+ student organizations housed within Campus Activities and Student Engagement.

Participate in our annual Career Fair and Interview Day to find internships and entry-level positions.

There are many opportunities for you to work side-by-side with faculty and staff, conducting scientific research and performing laboratory analysis. You can present your research findings at professional meetings, conferences, and our annual Jim and Katie Krause CNR Student Research Symposium.

Read the CNR Reporter, a weekly newsletter, for information on upcoming presentations, student organization meeting times, and other important happenings on and around campus.

GAIN EXPERIENCE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

You will have opportunities to work in manufacturing facilities in well-paid internships. These internships involve a variety of experiences, from laboratory testing to ensure product quality and efficient operation to project work that improves the facility’s profitability. Each internship experience offers different challenges and increased levels of responsibility.

Research in a specialized field of interest (biofuels production, recycled fiber quality, etc.) is possible through collaborations with department faculty and often results in publications in the scientific literature.

Meet your faculty and staff

Our Paper Science and Chemical Engineering faculty members bring a wide array of knowledge and experience to our classrooms at UW-Stevens Point.

View all of our faculty and staff.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a process that shows a program meets high standards for quality and education. When a program is accredited, it means an external organization has reviewed it to ensure you are learning the skills and knowledge needed for success in college, careers, and the workforce. Accreditation also demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement and to providing you with a strong educational experience.

The Chemical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Chemical Engineering.

The Paper Science and Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable Program Criteria.

Learn More

Paper Science and Chemical Engineering

Unlock your potential with the Paper Science and Chemical Engineering programs at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. These innovative academic tracks empower you to apply advanced math and science skills to tackle real-world challenges in manufacturing and industrial engineering. Whether you are working on energy-efficiency projects, minimizing water use, or enhancing the sustainability of large-scale industrial processes, you gain hands-on experience that shapes you into a problem-solver who can positively impact the manufacturing sector. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and environmental stewardship, these programs prepare you to make a difference both locally and globally.