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Polymer and Color Chemistry

Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry & Science
College of Textiles

Description | Skills | Experience | Sample Careers/Work Settings | Salary
Double Majors/Minors | Advanced Degrees | NCSU Orgs | Prof. Orgs | Links | Next Steps

Description of Major

The Polymer and Color Chemistry program is a new rigorous degree program, modernized from our former BS in Textile Chemistry. Our students learn core physical science subjects yet focus in one of a number of important applied chemistry related fields. The Polymer and Color Chemistry program is unique in North America in that it addresses the science and technology of the fascinating fields of polymers and color chemistry. As such, our program is highly relevant to many chemical, retail, and textile industries, as well as environmental and medical science.

Polymers
Our daily lives and are filled with products comprising a multitude of materials (fibers, plastics, metals), many of which are made from polymers.

Color
Almost all these materials are in some way, either by dyeing, printing, packaging, or painting, for instance.

The degree is highly flexible with many electives that allow students to easily double major (e.g., in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering) and focus in areas that include:

  • Color Chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Medical Science
  • Environmental Chemistry

Courses include:

Introduction to Polymer and Color Chemistry, Technology of Dyeing and Finishing, Introduction to Color Science and Its Applications, Textile Dyeing and Printing, Introduction to Fiber Forming Polymers, Polymer Chemistry Laboratory, The Chemistry of Synthetic and Natural Bipolymers, Undergraduate Research in Polymer and Color Chemistry, Seminar in Polymer and Color Chemistry, Special Topics in Polymer and Color Chemistry

The Undergraduate Catalog shows a listing of Polymer and Color Chemistry courses, and the degree audit shows the curricula requirements for this major. If you are interested in expanding your career options, consider double-majoring and/or adding a minor.

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Skills You Develop In This Major

  • Strong leadership and teamwork skills provided in a cutting edge, high-tech, ·hands-on· and collaborative learning environment.
  • Problem solving skills are developed through creative learning activities that substantially contribute to College of Textiles· research projects.
  • Ability to effectively communicate through delivery of technical reports and presentations based on research findings and exploration.

Gaining Career-Related Experience

You are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op. Textile Career Services is available to all Textile students to assist in finding complimentary work experience. The college provides a specialized career placement office and conducts helpful programs like resume and interview skills workshops throughout the academic year. Over 60% of Textile Seniors have completed work experiences outside the classroom by graduation. Although course credit is available for this experience through the College of Textiles, many students simply complete their internships for the experience, as well as for helping them determine potential career paths. Textile students mainly participate in paid work experiences.

Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation.

Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The Textitles Career Services provides services to help you get started.

Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time.

Internship Example

The College of Textiles does have a formal internship program for students between their junior and senior years. Academic credit is only awarded when a student goes through this formal internship program.

During the past summer, many Textile students participated in internships and summer jobs with companies like Milliken & Company, Belk Department Stores, Sara Lee Knit Products, Polo Ralph Lauren Childrenswear, BCBG Max Azria, Rebecca Taylor, Tuleh, & Marc Jacobs.

Internship projects ranged from working with fashion photographers to market a new clothing line to developing a new apparel product line for the Fall season to creating and engineering new equipment for a manufacturing process that will save thousands of dollars for a company to developing new, environmentally-friendly dyes for coloring fabrics·and list continues!

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Sample Career Titles and Possible Work Settings

The following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.

Sample Career Titles Sample Work Settings
Assistant Colorist Lab/Plant
Polymer Engineer Plant/Lab
Chemical Sales Traveling
Plant Chemist Manufacturing Facilty
Quality Engineer Manufacturing Facilty
Process Improvement Engineer Lab or Plant

Careers Needing Advanced Degrees

  • Chemical Research
  • Medical School
  • Chemistry Teaching

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Salary

Baccalaureate - $ 47,000 (36,000-52,000)
From Textile Career Services (TCS) - 2009

The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees.

Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience.

NC State Related Organizations & Clubs

Textiles Student Activities

Textiles Student Organizations (list of 10)
Faculty Adviser: Contact club president as listed on page.

Professional Resources (Outside NC State)

These resources include organizations, clubs, and conferences not affiliated with NC State and can be an important part of your career pursuit.

Links to Related Resources

 

Next Steps

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Coordinator of Advising.

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Last updated: 31st of August, 2009 at 10:09:51 AM

 
 
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