by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Paper Science & Engineering explores Paper Science And Engineering. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Mathematical And Scientific Principles To The Design, Development, And Manufacturing Of Pulp And Paper Products. Includes Instruction In Pulp And Paper Science, Pulping And Bleaching Processes, Paper Structure And Processes, Pulp And Paper Manufacturing, Coating Technology, Surface And Colloid Science, And Fibers. Examples: [Paper Science], [Paper Science Engineering], [Pulp And Paper Science], [Wood And Paper Science]. Continue reading for the essential details every paper science & engineering major 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.
Studies in 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.
Skills emphasized by a paper science & engineering program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, 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% |
See 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.*
A degree in paper science & engineering can lead to many career paths. These 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.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
