| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
This one-year graduate certificate program equips students with expertise in structural packaging design and management. The curriculum covers critical aspects such as product protection, durability, sustainability, and best management practices. Graduates are prepared for diverse career opportunities in manufacturing, packaging design, and other industries. The program offers small class sizes, industry connections, hands-on learning, and flexible delivery options.
Program Outline
Graduate Certificate in Structural Packaging Design & Management
Degree Overview:
This one-year graduate certificate program equips students with the expertise to design and manage packaging production across diverse materials including metal, glass, plastic, paper, and corrugated formats. The curriculum delves into critical aspects of structural packaging design and management, encompassing:
- Product protection (safety and security)
- Durability
- Recyclability of materials
- Sustainability considerations and opportunities
- Best management practices in manufacturing environments Upon completion, graduates are prepared for numerous career opportunities in various industrial sectors.
Outline:
The program comprises two terms and delivers comprehensive coverage of the following key areas:
Term 1 (Fall 2024):
- Packaging Materials and Processes
- Structural Packaging Design Principles
- Packaging Functionality and Performance Evaluation
- Sustainability in Packaging
- Introduction to Packaging Management
Term 2 (Winter 2025):
- Advanced Structural Packaging Design
- Packaging Production Management
- Quality Control and Assurance in Packaging
- Packaging Regulations and Standards
- Packaging Innovation and Emerging Trends
Assessment:
Assessment methods employed in the program include:
- Assignments
- Case studies
- Exams
- Presentations
- Projects The program utilizes a blend of formative and summative assessments to evaluate students' knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course.
Teaching:
The program is delivered by experienced faculty who possess extensive industry experience and academic qualifications. Teaching methodologies include lectures, tutorials, group projects, and guest speaker sessions. The program fosters an interactive learning environment that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Careers:
Graduates of the program are equipped for diverse career opportunities within various sectors, including:
- Manufacturing
- Packaging design
- Packaging engineering
- Quality control
- Sustainability consulting
- Food and beverage industry
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Consumer goods industry The program prepares graduates for roles such as:
- Packaging Designer
- Packaging Engineer
- Packaging Technologist
- Quality Control Specialist
- Sustainability Manager
Other:
The program offers various benefits for students:
- Small class sizes: Enables personalized learning and interaction with faculty.
- Industry connections: Provides networking opportunities and potential internship placements.
- Hands-on learning: Combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience through laboratory sessions and industry visits.
- International focus: Prepares graduates for global career opportunities.
- The program cost for Canadian students is $7,143.38, while for international students, it is $19,452.38.
- The program requires the use of a specific device that meets certain specifications.
Entry Requirements:
Canadian/International Applicants:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with the following courses:
- Grade 12 English (C or better)
- Grade 12 Mathematics (C or better)
- Grade 12 Chemistry (C or better)
- Grade 12 Physics (C or better)
- One additional Grade 12 U or M course in any subject
- Applicants with relevant college diplomas or degrees may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Additional Requirements for International Applicants:
- Official transcripts evaluated by a recognized credentials assessment agency.
- Proof of English language proficiency with a minimum score of:
- IELTS: 6.0 overall with no bands below 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: 80 overall with no section below 19
- CAEL: 60 overall with no score below 60
- Duolingo English Test: 100 overall with no score below 90
- PTE Academic: 53 overall with no score below 50
Note:
- The admission requirements may vary slightly depending on the program start date and location.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Canadian applicants: For Canadian applicants, meeting the English language requirement can be demonstrated through:
- Completion of an acceptable English language course as part of their secondary school or post-secondary education.
- Achieving a minimum score on a recognized English language test, such as the IELTS, TOEFL, or CAEL.
- International applicants: For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency is required. The minimum scores required are listed above.
Note:
- Applicants with strong academic records and relevant work experience may be considered for admission even if they do not meet the language proficiency requirements. However, they may be required to take an English as a Second Language (ESL) course before or during their studies.
