Christian Brothers University

What you'll study

The certificate requires three graduate‑level courses chosen from a list of packaging‑focused options. Topic coverage includes container and structural design, material selection, production methods and machinery, packaging testing standards, and logistics systems for safe transportation. The courses may also prepare students for industry credentials and can be applied toward the M.S. in Engineering Management or the M.S. in Computer Information Systems.

• ENGM 634. Supply Chain Analytics – 3 credits: Packaging materials, container types, processes, technology, and equipment; packaging development, testing and evaluation methods, standards, government regulations; preparation for IoPP CPP examination.
• ENGM 640. Packaging Technology – 3 credits: Packaging materials, container types, processes, technology, and equipment; packaging development, testing and evaluation methods, standards, government regulations; preparation for IoPP CPP examination.
• ENGM 642. Sustainability – 3 credits: Environmental impacts of packaging waste and sustainability concepts; sustainable material types (recyclable, compostable, reusable, PCR), technology and innovation, design guidelines, life‑cycle assessment and implementation trends.
• ENGM 644. Transport Packaging – 3 credits: Distribution hazards (shock, vibration, compression, temperature/humidity), test protocols and equipment, ISTA laboratory and certification topics.
• ENGM 646. Packaging for Ecommerce – 3 credits: Package design for e‑commerce and home delivery, protective systems for varied product categories, cost and environmental considerations, and advanced topics such as automated fulfillment and robot/drone delivery.
• ENGM 647. Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer in Cold‑Chain Packaging – 3 credits: Thermodynamics and heat transfer applied to insulated shipping containers and phase change materials using experimental data and mathematical models.
• ENGM 648. Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Packaging – 3 credits: Materials and spoilage mechanisms for pharmaceuticals, child‑resistant/tamper‑evident designs, medical device packaging materials, UDI, CDC guidelines for sterilization, stability and ASTM test protocols.
• ENGM 649. Distribution of Temperature‑Sensitive Products – 3 credits: Heat transfer basics, insulated containers and coolants, environmental chambers and monitoring tools, and cold‑chain guidelines from WHO, ISTA, CDER and PDA.
• ENGM 653. Measuring and Monitoring Temperature – 3 credits: Temperature sensor technologies, data acquisition systems, data loggers, thermocouples and indicator labels.
• ENGM 6xx. Special Topics – 3 credits: Periodic special topics with packaging content (e.g., cold chain management, thermal testing) may be applied with graduate director approval.

Entry requirements

Applicants must submit a graduate program application (select Graduate, Graduate Special/Non‑Degree Seeking, indicate certificate pursuit and preferred program), an official transcript showing a bachelor’s degree, and a current résumé/CV.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in manufacturing, product development, supply‑chain operations and engineering project management. Common employers include packaging suppliers, consumer goods companies, logistics/distribution firms and testing or design facilities. The certificate is also targeted at professionals strengthening qualifications for engineering leadership or as a step toward a master’s degree.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program page does not list specific scholarships. Prospective students should check the university’s graduate funding pages, department resources, employer tuition‑assistance options, and external packaging industry scholarships to identify possible support.