Design and construction engineering companies employ graduates as project engineers, and pulp and paper machinery companies use their education and skills for technical service and sales positions. Opportunities for managerial and executive positions are available to graduates as they gain experience. All pulp and paper majors are required to work one summer in a pulp or paper mill. One hour of academic credit is granted after completion of 12 weeks of mill work and presentation of a satisfactory report. In addition, students are urged to work in mills the other two summers, as the work provides valuable practical experience.
Departmental advisors assist students in locating summer work.
The pulp and paper curriculum is a regional program approved by the Southern Regional Education Board as the undergraduate program to serve the Southeast in this field. Approximately 95 undergraduate academic scholarships are granted annually to new and continuing students by more than 100 companies comprising the Pulp and Paper Foundation. The Pulp and Paper Technology Minor is available to all undergraduate students enrolled in the university as degree candidates, except Pulp and Paper Technology majors. The minor requires 15 credit hours. One required course provides a comprehensive overview of pulping and paper-making science and technology, including pulping, bleaching, chemical recovery, recycled fibers, stock preparation, papermaking, coating, printing, converting, and environmental aspects.