MS/PhD Learning Goals & Assessment

Learning Goals and Assessment for MS and PhD. Degrees in Food Science

(Revised: June 5, 2022)

The overall learning goal of our graduate program is to develop the students as future leaders, researchers, and scientists at the highest level. This goal is accomplished by providing an integrated program including in-depth knowledge and training through courses, research, seminars, professional activities, and industry interactions. This program helps our students to develop the critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills needed for success in their future careers.

Learning Goal 1: Master the principles and applications of food science.

Assessment of Goal 1:

• GPA of all graduate courses must be at least 3.0.
• Average grades of three required courses (Food Biology Fundamentals, Food Chemistry Fundamentals, and Food Engineering Fundamentals) must be B or better to demonstrate the student‚s competence in these primary areas of food science.
• PhD students must also pass a written qualifying examination in food biology, food chemistry,or food engineering.

Learning Goal 2: Master the skills of research, technical writing and presentation.

Assessment of Goal 2:

• MS students give one seminar and PhD students give two seminars (initial and final) to demonstrate good presentation and communication skills. This seminar is evaluated by the Seminar Committee consisting of a seminar chair, a seminar co-chair. Suggestions are given to help strength future presentations. All Graduate Program student are required to attend seminar and give feedback to their peers.
• PhD students take an oral qualifying examination. This examination ensures that the student is qualified to be a PhD candidate and that successful completion of the research plan would merit the conferral of the Ph.D. degree.
• MS and PhD students are required to pass final defense examination in which the student must defend the thesis, critical essay or dissertation to assure the Committee that the student is deserving of the degree.

Learning Goal 3: Engage in Professional Development

Assessment of Goal 3:

• Graduate students are strongly encouraged to submit their research for consideration as peer-reviewed publications.
• Graduate students should participate in team awards competitions as appropriate (e.g. college bowl, product development, etc.)
• Graduate students should apply for awards and scholarships as appropriate.
• Graduate students are encouraged to publish book chapters, and conference proceedings and present at conferences as appropriate.
• Graduate students are encouraged to pursue industry internships or other industry interactions as appropriate.
• Graduate students are encouraged to develop their leadership and communication skills by participation in graduate student or other professional associations.
• Faculty mentor students serving as graduate assistants, teaching assistants and part-time lecturers through formal and informal processes with the goal of helping students to improve.
• Faculty mentor graduate students in the job search process, and provide career counseling to recent graduates and alumni as appropriate.