The Science of Paper: How NC State’s Paper Science & Engineering Program Is Building the Industry’s Future
The paper and forest products industry sits at the crossroads of sustainability, innovation, and advanced manufacturing, yet it remains one of the best-kept secrets in engineering. At NC State University, the Paper Science and Engineering (PSE) program is working to change that, producing graduates who are uniquely equipped to lead an industry undergoing rapid transformation.
NC State’s PSE program offers something rare in higher education: a dual degree in Paper Science and Chemical Engineering that blends rigorous theoretical foundations with deeply applied, industry-relevant training.
The paper and forest products sector faces a talent pipeline challenge of significant scale, with demand estimated at nearly 1,000 engineers annually due to an aging workforce. The next generation brings critical capabilities: fluency in advanced data analysis and AI-driven predictive process control, comfort with non-traditional solutions, and a broader perspective that balances engineering excellence with economic reality.