Advance your ability to design, analyze, and optimize polymer materials and processes.
UW–Madison’s online Master of Engineering in Polymer Engineering is a 30-credit graduate program designed for engineers working in plastics, materials, manufacturing, or product development. Learn from faculty with industry expertise through flexible online courses while gaining the technical depth and applied skills needed to improve performance, reduce variability, and support innovation in polymer-based applications.
| Degree awarded | Master of Engineering in Engineering |
| Credits | 30 graduate credits |
| Format | 100% Online, part-time friendly |
| Duration | 2-4 Years (part-time) |
| Tuition | $1,300/credit |
| Start | Fall / Spring / Summer |
| Application Deadlines | Spring: November 1 Summer: May 1 Fall: July 1 |
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
Enhance your
AI skills
with an optional 9-credit graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Data Analytics, available as part of your 30-credit program (no extra coursework needed).
Curriculum and Requirements
Complete 30 graduate credits, including 18 credits of required courses and 12 elective credits tailored to your goals. You will typically take two courses each semester.
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.
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Required Courses
Students must complete the following courses:
- EPD 636 – Introduction to Polymers
- EPD 637 – Polymer Characterization
- EPD 639 – Plastics Recycling and Sustainability
- EPD 640 – Introductory Polymer Rheology
- EPD 650 – Introduction to Polymers Processing
And one of the following manufacturing/management courses:
- EPD 416 – Engineering Applications of Statistics
- EPD 611 – Engineering Economics and Management
- EPD 612 – Technical Project Management
- EPD 617 – Communicating Technical Information
- EPD 660 – Core Competencies of Sustainability
- EPD 678 – Supply Chain Management for Engineers
- ISYE 618 – Quality Engineering and Quality Management
Elective Courses
- EPD 605 – Fundamentals of Technical Project Management
or EPD GEN BUS ORM 784 – Project Management Essentials - EPD 606 – Leading and Managing Technical Teams
or EPD GEN BUS ORM 783 – Leading Teams - EPD 638 – Polymer Coatings
- EPD 701 – Writing for Professionals
- EPD 702 – Professional Presentations
- EPD 704 – Organizational Communication and Problem Solving
- EPD 706 – Change Management
- EPD 708 – Creating Breakthrough Innovations
- EPD 710 – Foundations of Engineering Leadership
- EPD 712 – Ethics for Professionals
- EPD/ACCT IS/GEN BUS 781 – Financial and Business Acumen
- EPD/GEN BUS/MARKETING 782 – Marketing for Non-Marketing Professionals
- EPD/GEN BUS/ MHR 785 – Effective Negotiation Strategies
- ME 417 – Transport Phenomena in Polymer Processing
- ME 418 – Engineering Design with Polymers
- ME 419 – Fundamentals of Injection Molding
- ME 514 – Polymer Additive Manufacturing
- ME/EMA 570 – Experimental Mechanics
- ME 699 – Advanced Independent Study
- ME 717 – Advanced Polymer Processing
- ME 718 – Modeling and Simulation in Polymer Processing
- ME/EMA 722 – Modeling and Simulation in Polymer Processing
Up to 6 credits from other College of Engineering subjects with Advisor approval
Students in this program may not take courses outside the prescribed curriculum without faculty advisor and program director approval. Students in this program cannot enroll concurrently in other undergraduate, graduate or certificate programs.
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 & Fees 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
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
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.
- Have a minimum of two years of post-baccalaureate engineering experience. Engineering co-op or intern experience may be applied to the experience requirement.
- 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
- Personal statement
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide
Application Deadlines by Term:
| Summer 2026 | May 1, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | November 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.
Watch anytime on YouTube:
Program Overview: Polymer Engineering
Program Director Nicole Zacharia and Graduate Student Advisor Karene Cary discuss the Polymer Engineering program, including curriculum, application process and potential career paths.
Alumni Spotlight: Polymer Engineering
Learn from Experts: Polymer Engineering
Faculty and Staff
FAQ
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Q: Is the program fully online?
A: Yes. The MEng in Polymer Engineering is 100% online and designed for working professionals.
Q: How long does it take to complete?
A: Most students finish in about two to four years 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: Will my diploma indicate that the degree was completed online?
A: No. The diploma awarded is a UW–Madison graduate degree and does not reference online delivery. Courses are taught and assessed under the same academic standards used across UW–Madison graduate programs. The mode of instruction does not change the credential earned.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Submit your application through the Graduate School. See Admissions for details or click here.
Ready to lead with confidence? Advance your career with UW–Madison’s online MEng in Polymer Engineering.
Stay connected on LinkedIn
Join our community of engineers, alumni, and faculty. Follow us for program news, upcoming events, and leadership insights.
Explore Similar Programs
Polymer Processing & Manufacturing
Advance your career with UW–Madison’s Capstone Certificate in Polymer Processing & Manufacturing. Build technical skills in plastics processing—100% online.
Engineering Management
Advance your career with UW–Madison’s online MS in engineering management. Gain leadership, strategy, and data skills in an interactive online format.