by our College Data Analytics TeamWith a major in Paper Science and Engineering, you will learn everything there is to know about the development and production of the many types of paper products.
Students take classes in topics such as chemistry, advanced math, physics, engineering, environmental science, the physical and chemical properties of wood, and manufacturing to understand how trees make the transformation from pulp to paper. This degree will allow you to develop new ways of manufacturing paper products that may improve quality and efficiency.
A major in Paper Science & Engineering involves the study of Paper Science And Engineering. Continue reading for the key facts every paper science & engineering student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering paper science & engineering programs.
In the U.S., paper science & engineering is a popular field of study, with 46 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Paper Science & Engineering Schools ranking analyzes these 3 schools to determine the best overall colleges for paper science & engineering students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of paper science & engineering programs later in this article.
Coursework for Paper Science & Engineering emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations paper science & engineering graduates commonly enter.
Students who choose to pursue a degree in Paper Science and Engineering should have a strong background in science, specifically chemistry. You will learn about the different chemical and property changes that occur as wood becomes paper. Students should also have a strong background in mathematics. Critical thinking skills will help students analyze issues within the manufacturing products and help devise solutions that will improve productivity.
Paper Science and Engineering professional often work full time in offices or laboratories. These environments allow professionals to use computer software when solving engineering issues or performing research and development tasks.
In order to gain experience in the field, students should pursue an internship or summer job or participate in a cooperative engineering program offered by certain colleges. This experience will make students more competitive when searching for a job.
While many graduates hold a bachelor's degree, some decide to pursue a master's degree as well. This will give professionals the option to teach classes, conduct extensive research and develop, and potentially pursue careers with a higher salary.
Skills emphasized by a paper science & engineering program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a paper science & engineering major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several paper science & engineering degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 35 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 3 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 8 |
People currently working in careers related to paper science & engineering tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 33.3% |
| Doctoral degree | 28.8% |
| Master’s degree | 11.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 7.6% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 7.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.0% |
| Some college courses | 1.5% |
| First professional degree | 1.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in paper science & engineering careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Paper Science and Engineering graduates often have jobs with paper product manufacturers or lumber companies. This allows professionals to work closely with raw materials and oversee the production of products.
A degree in paper science & engineering can lead to many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to paper science & engineering.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to paper science & engineering.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Nanosystems Engineers | 358,781 | -2.9% |
| Wind Energy Engineers | 353,305 | 12.7% |
| Engineers, All Other | 292,948 | -4.3% |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | 266,797 | 14.5% |
| Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar | 227,778 | 6.7% |
| Chemical Engineers | 215,233 | 0.7% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of paper science & engineering graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $86,401 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for paper science & engineering graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers paper science & engineering grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineers, All Other | $136,628 |
| Chemical Engineers | $130,903 |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | $116,775 |
| Mechatronics Engineers | $115,569 |
| Microsystems Engineers | $104,558 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Wind Energy Engineers | $98,460 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
With 3 different paper science & engineering programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased paper science & engineering school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in paper science & engineering, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Paper Science and Engineering | 46 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 42,939 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | 26,760 |
| Civil Engineering | 20,005 |
| Computer Engineering | 19,986 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | 13,914 |
| Engineering, General | 13,411 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10,939 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | 9,596 |
| Industrial Engineering | 8,533 |
| Systems Engineering | 3,956 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
