Paper Science Facts
- One of Ten Programs in the U.S. and the Only One in Ohio. The Miami University Paper Science and Engineering Department was founded in 1957 by Miami Valley paper makers. The first year.s courses were taught by an industry committee at Black Clawson, Inc., in Middletown, Ohio. We have graduated 1128 students (983 BS and 132 MS).
- Faculty and Staff. The program has eight full-time faculty and two full-time research technicians - most of whom have industry experience.
- Facilities and Equipment. The Department has approximately 40,000 ft2 of laboratories including papermaking (hand and machine), pulping, paper testing, coating, chemical engineering, and process control facilities devoted to undergraduate teaching. Modern computer-based process control and information systems installations are provided for undergraduate learning.
- Enrollment. Fall enrollment for 2002 was 125 undergraduates and 9 master.s level graduate students and is anticipated to be about that for the fall of 2003. The 2002 graduating senior class had 17 B.S. and 1 M.S. students seeking employment.
- Placement Record. Percentage of placement in permanent jobs after graduation is 98-100%. The market includes pulp and paper manufacturers, allied industries (chemicals, equipment, computer-based process control systems), and converting companies. Some students choose to continue studies in graduate school, medical school and law school. Thirty to fifty companies will interview PS&E seniors on campus in a given year. Starting salaries have traditionally been the highest for graduates with a BS degree at Miami (2002 average: $50,793).
- Miami University Paper Science and Engineering Foundation. The Foundation is a scholarship granting organization supported by member companies, individuals, and alumni whose annual dues go toward undergraduate academic scholarships. The Foundation's Endowment Fund was started more than ten years ago, and today totals over $2.5 million. Its proceeds contribute to half of the total scholarship dollars. In 2003 the Foundation awarded scholarships to 85 undergraduates for a total value of $137,703.
- PS&E Curriculum. The curriculum is based on chemistry and chemical engineering. Paper engineering focus is a unique aspect of the program. Courses are arranged in a traditional engineering sequence: basic science and mathematics leading to engineering science leading to engineering design. Graduates go on for advanced degrees.
- Environmental Engineering and Engineering Management Programs. This program contains basic science, general engineering, business, paper engineering, environmental science and engineering, and liberal arts components. Co-op participation is strongly recommended. The paper science technical specialty emphasizes chemistry, chemical engineering, and paper engineering. The environmental engineering technical specialty concentrates on understanding basic engineering and cost effective solutions to pollution problems and pollution prevention.
- Summer Internships and Co-op Jobs. All PS&E students gain practical experience in order to enhance their employment prospects at graduation. The department manages both summer internship and co-op programs. All recent graduates have had work experience. It is expected by future employers. The department works diligently to encourage companies to hire co-ops, interns and graduates.
- A unique department that provides personal service to its students.
