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More Information
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Polymers and Coatings Technology?
We all are aware of plastics, rubber, fibers, films, paints, adhesives; they all have one common component - polymers. Simply put, polymers are giant molecules. Today we live in Polymer age and polymers are used in such fields as construction, automobiles, agriculture, electronics, energy, transportation, biomedical. Coatings or paints are extensively used on products that we use – such as cars, homes, appliances, packaging materials, DVDs… to enable, protect or to improve their aesthetics. Coatings are indispensible part of most manufactured goods and hence are always in great demand. Polymers and Coatings Technology is an applied chemistry program aimed at preparing a cadre of graduates that are knowledgeable and skilled in various technical aspects of fast growing field of polymers and coatings.
- What can I do with a degree in Polymers and Coatings?
P&C graduates are in great demand by industries. As a graduate you have a number of career options. You can work for companies that manufacture or use plastics, paints, inks adhesives etc. With unique skill sets you can work in their technical, R&D, sales, marketing functions or even become an entrepreneur and run your own business. You can opt for higher education (MS, PhD) in related fields such as in material science and engineering with exceptional career growth. Some graduates opt for MBA to combine their technical knowledge with business skills for fast track in industrial career.
- What is unique about Polymers and coatings program?
EMU is one of only three universities in the country offering this specialized degree program. All faculty members have rich industry experience, professional standing and sponsored research projects. Students have unique opportunities:
- to work on faculty members’ real-world research projects (earn while you learn)
- for scholarship to each P&C student who maintains 3.0 GPA ~ $1500 per year.
- for co-operative education (internship) opportunities in Industries
- job placement in coating and related industries
- higher education – MS and PhD programs available.
- What kind of courses I will be taking?
P&C program draws many courses from chemistry. Besides, there are technology courses which deals with applying science to real-world applications... also you will take hands-on lab courses which teaches how different types of paints are prepared, sprayed, tested..etc. You will NOT need advanced math for this degree.
Opportunities for Students
Scholarship Opportunities:
Polymers & Coatings program faculty work closely with industries and professional organizations for raising money for scholarship for undergraduate students. The following scholarships are available exclusively for undergraduate majoring in Polymers and Coatings.
John C. Graham Memorial Scholarship – Awarded to Polymers & Coatings majors having a GPA of 3.0 or above.
The Lilly Industries, Inc. Scholarship - Awarded to full time students majoring in Polymers and Coatings with a 3.0 GPA and junior standing. Must work at Lilly Industries, Inc. during the summers following Sophomore and Junior years.
Charles H. Parker Scholarship - Awarded to students in the Polymers and Coatings curriculum.
College of Technology Coatings Scholarship - Awarded to Polymers and Coatings majors having a GPA of 3.0 or above.
ICI Paints Scholarship – Awarded to Polymers and coatings major who undertakes summer internship at ICI Paints. The selection for this scholarship is made by the sponsor.
For more information about these scholarshipsis available here.
Co-operative Education Opportunities:
One of the best ways to learn is by applying your knowledge in the real –world situation. This program offers invaluable opportunities for co-operative education (internship). Students undergo on-the-job training at reputed industries and gain invaluable learning experience. Besides earning while learning, students get chance to carve out their career path in the field. Co-op credits is a requirement for graduation. Following are a few examples of internship destinations of students during last few years.
| ICI Paints, OH |
Sherwin Williams, OH |
| BASF, MI |
Flint Ink, MI |
| Dupont Performance Coatings, MI |
Toyota Technical Center, MI |
| Akzo-Nobel Coatings, MI |
PPG Industries, OH |
Research Opportunities:
For the highly dynamic and expanding field of Polymers & Coatings, research is very important component. Faculty in this program, with vast industrial and research experience provide incredible learning-through-research experience to students. Coating Research Institute (CRI) provides opportunity to students for working on cutting edge research projects as student assistants, under the guidance of experts. Besides excellent financial support, this opens up doors for challenging career opportunities.
Employment Opportunities:
Graduates of Polymers and coatings are in high demand by the industries. Our graduates, with unique set of knowledge and skill-base, find excellent job offers from leading industries across the country. Typically, most students have more than one job offers to choose from, before they graduate. With the average starting salaries around $45,000, they have great opportunities ahead in the carrier path. Many employers regularly visit EMU campus for interviewing the prospective candidates. Career Services centerof EMU helps students who are looking for internship and employment opportunities.
Detroit Society for Coatings technology (DSCT) Student Chapter
There is an active student chapter of DSCT at EMU. P&C students can become member of this chapter and avail valuable benefits. DSCT organizes technical seminars, annual conference and variety of other professional activities. DSCT professionals advises student members on career options and often help in internship and job opportunities. For more information about DSCT, please click here.
What our Students Have To Say !
Joined Polymers & Coatings program of EMU as a transfer student – thanks to the advice of a senior chemist at a coating company whom I met at a café, where I worked to save money for my higher education.
Nice campus, small class sizes and helpful advisors and faculty quickly made me feel comfortable, though away from school for 2 years. Most of my credits transferred, and my background in maths, physics, and chemistry from community college prepared me for the unique classes in this program. Flexible class schedules allowed me to continue working while going to school. Financial aid and numerous scholarship opportunities helped ease much of the difficulty of putting myself through school.
During the summer 05, I was selected for ICI Paints scholarship and had the opportunity to intern at their R&D facility. Besides gaining valuable work experience and insight into coating industry, it was very pleasing to me to find that all of the classroom experience was practical and applicable to the workplace.
After I graduate, I feel confident that I will find an enjoyable and rewarding career. ~ Antonio Saranillo
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Antonio Saranillo - Senior
Recipient of CIEF and ICI Scholarships.
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Nawshova Tasmeen – Senior
Recipient of CIEF S and Lilly Industry scholarships.
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Polymers and Coating Technology is the perfect major for me, because it allows me to explore both the chemistry and technological aspect of science. I am also satisfied and impressed with the vast number of research and scholarship opportunities this program offers.
I am fortunate for having wonderful opportunity of working on high-tech research, embracing cutting-edge technology, under the guidance of experienced faculty. I am confident that this EMU experience will certainly help meet my career goals. ~ Nawshova Tasmeen |
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The Polymers & Coatings program has tremendously helped me keep focus on my goals, while attending Eastern Michigan University. I am forever grateful for the assistance from the College of Technology in providing great opportunities for scholarships, that I have been receiving every semester. I can foresee a great career ahead for me. ~ Talaesia Johnson |
Talaesia Johnson -sophomore
Recipient of TNAMEC,CIEF and
DSCT scholarships
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