What is Polymer and Color Chemistry?

The Polymer and Color Chemistry program at NCSU is unique in North America and addresses the science and technology of the fascinating fields of polymers and color chemistry. Our students learn core physical science subjects yet focus in one of a number of important applied chemistry related fields.

Polymers		Color
In addition to their critical role in all living organisms (proteins, DNA, etc.) polymers are found in most of the materials we use in our daily lives.  The PCC program provides education on the chemistry, physics and uses of polymers as well as their structure property relationships.		Almost all materials are colored in some way, either by dyeing, printing, packaging, or painting for instance.  The chemical, physical and perceptual aspects of color and their application to a wide range of materials including paint, textiles, as well as cosmetic compounds are studied.

The PCC program leads to a rigorous Bachelor of Science degree combining core physical science subjects with a focus in a number of important applied chemistry related fields. The program offers three concentrations: Science and Operations (PCA), American Chemical Society Certified (PCB) and Medical Science (PCM).

The program offers education and hands-on training on the state of the art technology which includes plasma machinery to apply high performance finishes for performance fabrics, analytical instrumentation for forensic analysis and medical applications, synthesis of colorants, radiometers and spectrophotometers for analysis of electromagnetic spectra as well as production and analysis of nano-compounds.

Why study polymer and color chemistry?

• Exceptional job opportunities AND Placement!
  • Polymer and Color Chemistry (formerly textile chemistry) graduates are sought after by diverse companies throughout the United States as well as internationally, from global textile retail companies such as Nike and The Gap, chemical manufacturing companies such as DuPont, Monsanto and Ciba, automotive companies like GM, and even forensic science within the FBI.
  • Every year, over 90% of our students have full time employment by the time they graduate. Many top US companies visit our campus specifically to hire our students.
• Higher than average salaries!
  • The average starting salary of our students remains approximately $8,000 higher than the nation’s average chemistry graduate according to American Chemical Society statistics.
    
• Be a part of a friendly, small department at NC State!
  • If you are interested in studying science at a large highly rated University but want to be part of a small, friendly department, this program may be for you!
  • Our student support team is second to none at NCSU. We see one-on-one mentoring and advising as critical to our education philosophy. The offices of Student Services and Academic Programs work together to provide this support.
    • Outstanding scholarship opportunities (we have more scholarships per student than any other College at NCSU!)
    • Personalized advising and academic mentoring
    • Coordinates on-campus interviews for summer internships and permanent jobs
    • Confidential counseling for on-campus students and industries looking to hire our alumni
    • Coordinates student team building , university service activities and social events within the College of Textiles
• Flexibility - How about a double degree?
  • 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

What can a student do with a PCC degree?
A powerful benefit to obtaining a BS in Polymer and Color Chemistry is its versatility. It allows students to enter a variety of key industries as well as gain entrance to a large number of professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, law, etc., or any graduate program. The choice a student has to seek employment directly after graduation remains a strong attraction for this degree program. We have an established track record of our graduates being exceptionally successful in all types of ventures. Also, we anticipate that the number of students graduating with a PCC degree will increase in the future, but will still be a low number compared to many traditional BS degrees.

Contact the PCC Program director!

Meet some of our students...

Meet some of our alumni...

Polymer & Color Chemistry Faculty