This bachelor’s degree takes an applied, hands-on approach to chemistry focusing on the building blocks of the materials we come into contact with every day: polymers and dyes. 

Students majoring in Polymer and Color Chemistry (PCC) learn about dye chemistry, color science, and textile wet processes in our Dyeing and Finishing Lab Pilot Plant and DataColor Lab. This experiential learning wraps up with a capstone project covering a range of projects unavailable anywhere else.

The Medical Sciences concentration is one of three concentrations offered in the PCC degree. Students looking to enter the medical field or some sort of medical school, including dentistry or ophthalmology, will find this concentration helpful in achieving their goals. The flexibility of this concentration helps students complete all prerequisite courses needed to apply to medical school. Students completing this concentration with a good GPA have been successful in gaining entrance into medical schools.

Contact

Dr. Ahmed El-Shafei
Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science Department
Wilson College of Textiles
amelsha@ncsu.edu

Plan Requirements

¹

C- or better

Acad Writing Research

Economics Elective

PCC Electives

Advised Electives

Semester Sequence

This is a sample.

Career Opportunities

Employers across the country and the world that specifically seek out our students for their unique and in-demand knowledge. From apparel and more traditional textile applications to chemical companies, plastics, cosmetics and even forensics, our graduates are anything but boxed in by this unique degree. 

• Apparel: Nike, GAP, Victoria’s Secret, Under Armour, HanesBrands Inc., Abercrombie & Fitch
• Forensics: FBI, SBI
• Traditional Textiles: Unifi, Milliken, ITG, Guilford Performance, LORD Corporation, PVH Corp. 
• Fiber Producers/Chemical Companies: PGI, DuPont, Monsanto, Eastman Chemical Company, Cotton Inc., Teijin, Highland Industries, Honeywell 
• Plastics: Plaspak Inc., IPS Adhesives 
• Other: L’Oréal, Eisai Pharmaceuticals, Merc, Underwriters Laboratory, Ideal Fasteners, APJeT

A bachelor’s in PCC also regularly prepares students for admission to top advanced degrees in the medical field, from Johns Hopkins University to Harvard Medical School.

Career Titles

• Color Scientist
• Dye Chemist / Textile Chemist
• Research and Development (R&D) Polymer Chemist
• Forensic Chemist
• Plant / Development Chemist
• Process Manager and/or Production Manager
• Laboratory Director
• Quality Control Chemist
• Health Care Manager

Learn More About Careers

NCcareers.org
Explore North Carolina’s central online resource for students, parents, educators, job seekers and career counselors looking for high quality job and career information.

Occupational Outlook Handbook
Browse the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to view state and area employment and wage statistics. You can also identify and compare similar occupations based on your interests.

Career One Stop Videos
View videos that provide career details and information on wages, employment trends, skills needed, and more for any occupation. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Focus 2 Career Assessment (NC State student email address required)
This career, major and education planning system is available to current NC State students to learn about how your values, interests, competencies, and personality fit into the NC State majors and your future career. An NC State email address is required to create an account. Make an appointment with your career counselor to discuss the results.

Focus 2 Apply Assessment (Available to prospective students)
A career assessment tool designed to support prospective students in exploring and choosing the right major and career path based on your unique personality, interests, skills and values. Get started with Focus 2 Apply and see how it can guide your journey at NC State.

American Society of Quality

American Association of Chemists and Colorists