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The program offers the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees. Candidates with bachelor's degrees in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, or engineering are encouraged to apply. Both a thesis option and a non-thesis option are available to M.S. candidates. Students entering the program with a 4 year bachelor’s degree are expected to receive a Master’s degree before advancing to the Ph.D.
Master of Science Degree
The Program offers two possible Master of Science degrees: a research master’s degree with a thesis based on independent research (Plan A) and a coursework master’s degree with a critical paper (Plan B); the Plan B master’s is considered a terminal degree that does not lead to a Ph.D.
Requirements for the Plan A master’s include 21 credits of formal courses including a public seminar, 9 credits of independent research, a thesis based on independent research, and an oral defense of the thesis.
Requirements for the Plan B master’s include 30 credits of formal courses including a public seminar, a critical paper, and an oral examination on the critical paper.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Beyond that required for the Plan A master’s, students take an additional 33 or more credits of formal course and 39 research credits, two public seminars, pass a written and oral Ph.D. qualifying examination, and, most importantly, conduct independent and original research that leads to a dissertation that is defended in an oral examination.
Non-degree Program
As a non-matriculated student, you may take up to 4 courses (maximum 13 credits) before you are required to re-apply to Graduate Admissions as a matriculated student.
Core Courses
Food Science Fundamentals I, 16:400:513
Food Science Fundamentals II, 16:400:514
Food Engineering & Processes, 16:400:507