The School of Packaging, an academic unit of Michigan State University, was established in 1952. The first Bachelor of Science degree was conferred in 1955. Over 7,000 B.S. degrees, 500 M.S. degrees, and 20 Ph.D. degrees have been conferred to date. The School offers a comprehensive curriculum in Packaging, including courses in mathematics, physics, computers and the physical sciences, and business. Fall 2004, 560 undergraduate students, 40 M.S. and 18 Ph.D. students were enrolled. In 2002, the School developed the first online M.S. degree program in Packaging.

The School of Packaging has a broad research program which is committed to advancing the 'State-of-the-Art' of packaging. Research is funded through private contract and research consortiums (Center for Food and Pharmaceutical Packaging Research and the Center for Distribution Packaging), federal and industry association funds and gifts. Major emphasis is placed in the areas of material science, food, healthcare packaging, mass transport, distribution and logistics, and solid waste management. The School has a well equipped facility including eight research laboratories. Research is conducted through the combined efforts of eleven faculty and 55 graduate students.