General
The Packaging School was founded by Dr. Andrew Hurley, Associate Professor of Packaging Science at Clemson University, after continuous requests from manufacturers, converters, distributors, printers, designers, logistics carriers and brand owners to provide continuing education for their employees.
We are a separate entity from Clemson University, established as an LLC. However, we have multiple relationships with Clemson University, as our Founder—Dr. Andrew Hurley—is a Professor of Packaging at the University.
We are an exclusive licensee of a professional packaging curriculum developed at Clemson University, creating a comprehensive certificate program on the foundations of packaging—the Certificate of Packaging Science.
We partner with schools, companies, associations, and subject matter experts to create and provide unbiased, online education in the realm of packaging.
We offer 40+ online courses spanning subject matter areas that include packaging design, food and beverage packaging, supply chain and logistics, packaging materials, and more! Check out our online course catalog here.
We also currently offer four online packaging certificate programs:
Interested in a course or certificate program but seek financial assistance? Please reach out to info@packagingschool.com—a team member will get back to you.
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Learn more here: https://packagingschool.com/forms/scholarship-application-form#rubric
Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure you have the best experience with our courses:
We recommend all students have access to a computer and at least 3 Mbps of internet.
We recommend using Chrome as the web browser used to access our offerings.
Our student services team will assist any students needing suggestions on how to gain access to the internet and / or a computer if requested.
The Packaging School is accessible from any smartphone or tablet.
Courses and certificate programs are created by our in-house team of packaging scientists, professionals, and researchers, in a collaborative process between our team, academia, and industry—leveraging 600+ packaging professionals. We are proud to be an exclusive licensee of a professional packaging curriculum developed at Clemson University.
Since our founding in 2015, we have developed 40+ packaging-related courses covering disciplines such as design, sustainability, printing, materials science, and more. All of our courses are 100% asynchronous and allow you to learn more about a selected topic in a flexible, a-la-carte fashion. Say, for example, you were recently assigned to a new product involving polymers and you desperately need a refresher course. We have an online Polymers in Packaging course that could be bought and completed in the same day.
We have also developed four professional certificate programs for packaging professionals—the Certificate of Packaging Science (CPS), the Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management (CMPM), the Certificate of Sustainable Packaging (CSP), and the Automotive Packaging Certificate (APC). Our certificates consist of collections of our courses and insights from industry experts and veterans all in one package.
Most courses and programs allow for one-year access, and our CMPM is cohort-based and runs over 12 weeks instructed by our Dr. Julie Suggs.
In 2017, Packaging School initiated an in-person conference for people who have packaging responsibility (or interest) in the automotive industry. The conference has been an annual success ever since, drawing hundreds of people to the Upstate of South Carolina for a few days each year.
The conference features speakers and attendees from OEMs (BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, GM, Tesla, Ford, Honda, Nissan, and more), Tier 1 part suppliers (Magna, Bosch, Plastic Omnium and more), and all types of packaging and solution providers who attend, sponsor and support the event. Please follow its continued success here: www.AutoPackSummit.com
Learning goals with real world application guide all knowledge provided in the course. Each lesson presents information tailored to your professional growth. Simulations and small assessments at the end of lessons allow you to measure your progress. Track advancement in the My Achievements tab of your profile.
No, The Packaging School does not currently accept transfer credits.
Have a question about one of our courses or certificates? Reach out to info@packagingschool.com and one of our team members will get back to you.
Questions related to the Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management (CMPM) should be directed to julie@packagingschool.com.
Questions related to the Automotive Packaging Certificate (APC) can be directed to bianca@packagingschool.com
Questions related to access of the Life cycle assessment (LCA) module in our CSP should be directed to mitch@packagingschool.com
Absolutely! We're here to provide support for all enrolled students. Our support system is designed to ensure that you have everything you need to succeed in your studies. Whether you have questions about the course material, need assistance with technical issues, or require additional resources, our support team is just a message or a call away (info@packagingschool.com or (864) 412-5000). Your success is our priority, and we're committed to helping you every step of the way on your learning journey.
Yes! Not only do we offer B2C services, but we have also worked with a number of companies to develop personalized training programs, courses, LMS platforms, and more.
To learn more about our B2B services, reach out to drew@packagingschool.com.
While pursuing a certificate program can certainly enhance your skills and knowledge, it may not be the sole determining factor in securing a promotion. Success in a promotion often relies on a combination of factors, including demonstrated skills, experience, and alignment with the needs of the role within the organization. The certificate can be beneficial, but it's important to also focus on actively contributing to your current role, seeking opportunities for growth and leadership, and consistently delivering excellent results.
We do have numerous examples of success in this space, however. One example, Head of Materials Accounts at GEODIS, secured this promotion after her hard work and diligence in our Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management Program. She says,
“This Certificate is a good refresher of our industry. I now feel that I am up-to-date with the latest advancements and trends in packaging design, development and engineering. Thus, it reinforced my confidence when talking with existing and new customers. It also helped me become a better leader for my team by sharing my learnings with them and also by coaching them on using the various tools presented in the course such as market research, project management, product testing, branding, and more. I would recommend this Certificate to anyone eager to deepen their knowledge of the vast, complex, but yet fascinating packaging industry!”
We have also had many students use the project in the Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management, the Packaging Development Plan (PDP), as a major talking point for interviews to help land new roles. A previous student wanted to move from automotive packaging to confectionery packaging, and he used his project on a fictitious chocolate brand to secure his new role at Godiva.
Our programs welcome participants of all backgrounds and levels of experience, as they have been designed without requirements for prerequisites. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, you'll find valuable insights and knowledge to benefit from.
Yes! We have had the pleasure of training more than 10,000 packaging professionals, receiving testimonials from many of them. You can view our Testimonial page here.
