Polymer education in U.S. colleges and universities: Reference sources and guides

In the 1967 film, The Graduate, Mr. Robinson gave Dust in Hoffman's character, Benjamin, the scene‐stealing career suggestion, “plastics!” Although Benjamin appeared indifferent to the oracle‐like advice, thousands of other graduates have since helped to make plastics, or polymers, a popular career choice. Today, the U.S. polymer‐based industries (plastics, rubber, fibers, paints, films, membranes, coatings, and adhesives) employ more than a million workers and need 10,000 new graduates yearly to support their growth. Yet, despite the emphasis industry and government place on formal training in polymer science and engineering (hereafter called PSE), academia has given the rapidly developing field a cool reception. Science writer Joseph Alper notes: