Paper science and engineering programs - a comparison of the curricula

A consistent and systematic summarization of curricula of paper science and engineering (PS&E) programs across the nation is presented. In addition to providing the program details, PS&E curricula are compared with respect to contents and requirements in the basic sciences, engineering, pulp and paper, electives, and total program. This curricula comparison study has shown that PS&E programs across the nation provide strong basic education and training in most of the essential elements of an undergraduate education relevant to the pulp, paper, and allied industries. The success of these programs is due to a strong and continued collaboration between the industry and academia. Faculty and leaders of the industry are invited to develop a national forum to further improve the education and training of future scientists, engineers, and leaders in our industry. Application: This paper provides a systematic comparison of the curricular content of all the undergraduate paper science and engineering programs in the nation.