The art of papermaking and the underlying sciences and engineering principles that drive the manufacturing of paper and pulp constitute one of the oldest disciplines in the world. Paper science began thousands of years ago with the Chinese and has made many of the civilized world’s greatest innovations possible. It has led to advancements in communications, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, food, entertainment and virtually every other area of our lives. Paper and packaging are only a few of the most easily recognizable uses of this science — today, there are over 12,000 products made from paper and its byproducts such as pulp chemicals, including cosmetics, toothpaste, detergents, roofing materials and much more. Its popularity makes the manufacturing of pulp and paper products one of the largest industries in the United States and in the world.

Major in Paper Science and Engineering (PSE)

• Undergraduate
• Graduate

For over 50 years, NC State has supported this critical global sector by sponsoring activities that explore or teach all aspects of pulping, papermaking, paper physics and related engineering skills — including such areas as applicable chemistries, bleaching, the basic properties of fundamental materials, structural characteristics, manufacturing processes, printability, environmental impact and more. We also partner with other areas at NC State working in the areas of forestry and biotechnology, wood products and biomaterials and bioenergy to study and teach topics related to the breeding of more efficient fiber sources, developing new fiber sources and creating innovative uses for forest products.

Our teaching programs combine paper science, with a study of the engineering skills necessary to the manufacturing of paper and pulp products. This interdisciplinary approach produces well-rounded professionals ready to take their place as leaders in paper or process engineering, manufacturing and design, research and development, environmental monitoring, management, technical sales, marketing, administration and more.  Our students are the beneficiaries of numerous scholarship opportunities and are highly recruited for co-ops, internships and permanent positions upon graduation.  At the graduate student level, our program has been a leader in the delivery of distance education, offering individual courses, as well as a Master of Wood and Paper Science degree program.  On campus students are candidates for Bachelor of Science (BS), Masters of Science (MS), or Doctor of Science (PhD) degrees.

Our teaching programs are enriched by the efforts of paper science researchers who study the mechanical properties of paper such as tensile strength, explore the factors that drive the quality of paper grades, conduct research into lignin and other factors affecting source fiber efficiency, and seek to improve the processes that go into the manufacturing of paper and pulp products. They also develop new recycling methods, increase the desirability of existing recycled products and recycling methods, work to reduce the pollution caused by the manufacturing process and seek ways to increase productivity while meeting modern environmental standards.  Various faculty are contributing cutting-edge research related to fiber surface modification, electrokinetic measurements, composite and foam structures, solvent systems for wood, pulping and bleaching technologies, biorefining, and many more areas of investigation.  In this way, our research efforts help paper and pulp-related industries find new sources of fiber, improve their operations, keep operating costs under control, respect the environment and compete more successfully in a global economy.

We also support the industry directly by offering a variety of technical and other lab-based services, and by sponsoring continuing education activities such as short, hands-on courses to update them on the industry’s latest techniques and scientific developments.

Our paper science and engineering efforts are bolstered by outstanding facilities, including the 50,000 sq. ft. Robertson Pulp and Paper Laboratory— one of the best equipped university laboratories of its kind in the country. The lab’s manufacturing capabilities include pulping digesters, units for fiber disassembly, de-inking and recycled fiber processing equipment.  The baby Wolfpack pilot paper plant allows students a unique opportunity to operate a fully functional manufacturing line right here on campus.

About Us

• Mission Statement
• What We Do
  • Paper Science & Engineering
  • Wood Products
  • Forest Biomaterials & Bioenergy
• Kelley Message
• History
• By The Numbers
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