Strengthen your understanding of polymer materials, processing methods, and manufacturing considerations.
UW–Madison’s online Capstone Certificate in Polymer Processing and Manufacturing is designed for engineers who work with plastics, composites, elastomers, or polymer-based components. Courses are flexible and fully online, allowing you to develop applied polymer engineering skills while continuing full-time professional work.
| Certificate awarded | Capstone Certificate in Polymer Processing and Manufacturing |
| Credits | 9 graduate credits |
| Format | 100% Online, part-time friendly |
| Duration | 9-12 months (part-time) |
| Tuition | $1,300/credit |
| Start | Fall / Spring / Summer |
| Application Deadlines | Spring: December 1 Summer: June 1 Fall: August 1 |
Is This Program Right for You?
The Capstone Certificate in Polymer Processing & Manufacturing is ideal for engineers and professionals looking to deepen their knowledge of polymer fabrication and materials behavior. Whether you’re seeking advancement or preparing for a master’s degree, this stackable credential fits your goals and your schedule.
- Study polymer fabrication and processing with expert instructors
- Learn in a flexible, interactive online format for working professionals
- Build skills you can apply immediately to manufacturing and design challenges
- Apply certificate credits toward the Master of Engineering in Polymer Engineering
Online by Design
Our courses blend recorded instructor materials, applied activities, and structured opportunities for interaction. This intentional design supports strong engagement, clear guidance, and meaningful results
Why This Program?
26 years
of delivering interactive online education, reflecting deep experience designing high-quality online programs for working professionals.
#9 graduate ranking
among U.S. public universities
U.S. News & World Report, 2024
Student Experience
Through courses in fabrication, simulation, and sustainability, you’ll explore how materials perform — and how to make them better. This capstone helps you solve real challenges in polymer and plastics processing, while preparing you for advanced study.
- Principles of polymer processing and rheology
- Material behavior and fabrication strategies
- Techniques in molding and additive manufacturing
- Simulation and modeling of polymer systems
- Composite materials and transport phenomena
- Approaches to sustainability and recycling
- Design for manufacturability
- Preparation for further graduate-level work
Curriculum and Requirements
Complete 9 graduate credits from among a selection of courses designed by leaders in the field of polymer engineering and science.
Live course web sessions are scheduled in the evening to accommodate working professionals. All other weekly assignments can be completed on days and times of your choice. Plan for roughly 3 to 4 hours of work per credit each week. For a 3-credit course, this usually means 9 to 12 hours, depending on the course and your professional background.
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Choose any three of the courses below:
- EPD 636 – Introduction to Polymers
- EPD 639 – Plastics Recycling and Sustainability
- EPD 640 – Introductory Polymer Rheology
- EPD 650 – Introduction to Polymers Processing
- ME 417 – Transport Phenomena in Polymer Processing
- ME 418 – Engineering Design with Polymers
- ME 419 – Fundamentals of Injection Molding
- ME 514 – Intro to Additive Manufacturing
- ME 717 – Advanced Polymer Processing
- ME 718 – Modeling and Simulation in Polymer Processing
Tuition and Financial Aid
$1,300 per credit payable at the beginning of each semester. Students are billed for courses in which they are enrolled each term. There is no lump sum payment plan.
Tuition includes:
- Technology costs for internet course delivery
- Live web-conferencing
- Toll-free telephone line for the audio portion of conference calls
- Library use
- Use of the web-conferencing software for group project work for program courses
See Tuition & Cost for more information.
Employer Support
Many students receive some financial support from their employers. Often, students find it beneficial to sit down with their employer and discuss how this program applies to their current and future responsibilities. Other key points to discuss include how participation will not interrupt your work schedule.
Federal Loans
Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to receive some level of funding through the Federal Direct loan program. These loans are available to qualified graduate students who are taking at least four credits during the fall and spring semesters, and two credits during Summer. Private loans are also available. Learn more about financial aid.
Admissions and Events
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Admission requirements
All applicants must:
- Have a Bachelor of Science in engineering or a related STEM field from an accredited institution.
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 semester hours of coursework.
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information.
- GRE is not required. Applicants who have taken the test are encouraged to submit their scores.
The admissions committee considers exceptions to standard requirements on an individual basis.
Application materials
- Online application
- Resume/CV
- Transcripts
- Optional: Two letters of recommendation
For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide
Application Deadlines by Term:
| Summer 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | August 1, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | December 1, 2026 |
Online Graduate Programs Overview
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
5-5:30 PM CT
Join program staff for a conversation about our programs, including curriculum, application process and career impact.
Online Graduate Programs Overview
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
12-12:30 PM CT
Join program staff for a conversation about our programs, including curriculum, application process and career impact.
Online Graduate Programs Overview
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
5-5:30 PM CT
Join program staff for a conversation about our programs, including curriculum, application process and career impact.
Program Overview: Engineering: Polymer Engineering MEng
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
12-12:30 PM CT
Get more information about the Engineering: Polymer Engineering MEng including curriculum, application process and potential career paths.
Faculty and Staff
FAQ
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Q: Is the program fully online?
A: Yes. The Capstone Certificate in Polymer Processing & Manufacturing is 100% online and designed for working professionals.
Q: How long does it take to complete?
A: Most students finish in about three to four semesters while working full time.
Q: What is the tuition?
A: Tuition is charged per credit. See Tuition & Fees for more information.
Q: Can I keep working full time?
A: Yes. Courses are designed for part-time study alongside a full-time job.
Q: Do credits apply toward a master’s degree?
A: All credits from this program transfer to the online Polymer Engineering M.Eng. degree program. Some credits may be eligible to apply toward other UW-Madison online engineering master’s programs; contact the program office for details.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Submit your application through our Professional Degrees & Certificates site. See Admissions for details or click here.
Ready to lead with confidence? Advance your career with UW–Madison’s online MEng in Polymer Engineering.
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