UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS · UNITED STATES
Food Science, Master of Science
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
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Language
Master's
Level
The Food Science Graduate Group at UC Davis offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree program. This program is designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of food science through advanced study and research. The curriculum draws on faculty from across multiple colleges and schools within the university, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to the field. Students will engage with core areas of food science, including chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, processing, and sensory analysis. The program emphasizes the application of scientific principles to enhance food quality, safety, and sustainability.
Curriculum
The M.S. program in Food Science involves advanced coursework and research. Students will take courses covering various aspects of food science, with opportunities to specialize in areas of interest. The curriculum includes core scientific principles and their application to food systems. Specific course offerings cover topics such as food chemistry, food processing, food microbiology, sensory science, and sustainable food systems. The program also includes opportunities for research through seminars and conferences.
- Year 1
- Food Chemistry & BiochemistryFST 201
- Physical Chemistry of FoodsFST 202
- Food ProcessingFST 203
- Advanced Food MicrobiologyFST 204
- Industrial MicrobiologyFST 205
- Advanced Sensory-Instrumental AnalysesFST 207
- Proteins: Functional Activities & InteractionsFST 210
- Lipids: Chemistry & NutritionFST 211
- Flavor Chemistry of Foods & BeveragesFST 213
- Advanced Food Sensory ScienceFST 217
- Biochemistry, Microbiology & Technology of Cheeses of the WorldFST 219
- Food Perception & the Chemical SensesFST 227
- Sustainable Food SystemsFST 228
- Food & Gut MicrobiotaFST 230
- Design Thinking of FoodFST 259
- SeminarFST 290
- Advanced Research ConferenceFST 290C
- Advanced Food Science SeminarFST 291
Careers
Graduates of the Food Science program are prepared for a variety of roles in the food industry, research and development, quality control, regulatory affairs, and academia. The interdisciplinary nature of the program equips students with a broad understanding of food systems, enabling them to contribute to innovation and problem-solving in diverse areas.
- Food Scientist
- Research and Development Specialist
- Quality Assurance Manager
- Product Developer
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Technical Sales Representative
- Academic Researcher
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the Master of Science in Food Science program?
- A Bachelor of Science or Arts in a biological science is required, with coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is necessary, along with demonstrated aptitude and enthusiasm for research, ideally including prior research project experience.
- How much does the Master of Science in Food Science program cost?
- Specific tuition and fee details are not provided. Applicants are responsible for all program costs, and international students are strongly advised to seek fellowship support from their home countries.
- When is the application deadline for the Master of Science in Food Science program?
- Applications typically open in September, and the application deadline is December 1 for Fall Quarter admission.
- What are the career prospects after completing the Master of Science in Food Science?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as Food Scientist, Research and Development Specialist, Quality Assurance Manager, Product Developer, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Technical Sales Representative, and Academic Researcher.
- How long is the Master of Science in Food Science program?
- The program involves advanced coursework and research, typically completed over a period consistent with a Master of Science degree, though specific duration is not detailed.
- What is the language of instruction for the Food Science Master of Science program?
- The language of instruction is English, as is standard for programs at the University of California, Davis.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in a biological science is required. Coursework should include biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Upper division courses in biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, microbial physiology, genetics, or immunology are strongly recommended.
GPAA minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to meet University of California minimum requirements.
Research ExperienceDemonstrated aptitude and enthusiasm for research, including active participation in an independent research project supervised by a faculty member and/or post-baccalaureate research experience.
Admission to the M.S. program is typically not offered unless there are special circumstances, such as the applicant having a 2-year government-sponsored fellowship, their own funding, or a commitment of financial support from a faculty mentor. International students are strongly advised to seek fellowship support from their home countries. Only exceptional international students without financial support may be considered and accepted into the program.
Fees
Tuition (international)The program notes that all costs associated with the M.S. program are the responsibility of the applicant. International students are strongly advised to seek fellowship support from their home countries.
Tuition (home)The program notes that all costs associated with the M.S. program are the responsibility of the applicant.
Living—
Specific tuition and fee details are not provided for this program. Students considering the M.S. program should contact the Program Coordinator for detailed cost information. International students are particularly advised to secure fellowship support due to the applicant's responsibility for all program costs.
How to apply
1. Application PortalAccess the application portal via the Graduate Studies page on the UC Davis website. The application typically opens in September.
2. Contact Potential Faculty MentorsProspective M.S. students are encouraged to contact faculty members within the Food Science Graduate Group whose research aligns with their interests. This is an important step to determine potential lab space and mentor availability.
3. Complete Application FormFill out the electronic application form thoroughly, providing all requested information.
4. Submit Supporting DocumentsUpload all required supporting documents as specified by the Graduate Group. This usually includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
5. Secure Financial Support (Especially for International Applicants)International applicants are strongly advised to seek fellowship support from their home countries or other external sources, as all costs for the M.S. program are the responsibility of the applicant. Only exceptional international students with secured funding may be considered.
6. Admissions Committee ReviewThe Admissions Committee will review applications and make recommendations to the Dean of Graduate Studies.
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the Master of Science in Food Science program?
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A Bachelor of Science or Arts in a biological science is required, with coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is necessary, along with demonstrated aptitude and enthusiasm for research, ideally including prior research project experience.
How much does the Master of Science in Food Science program cost?
+
Specific tuition and fee details are not provided. Applicants are responsible for all program costs, and international students are strongly advised to seek fellowship support from their home countries.
When is the application deadline for the Master of Science in Food Science program?
+
Applications typically open in September, and the application deadline is December 1 for Fall Quarter admission.
What are the career prospects after completing the Master of Science in Food Science?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as Food Scientist, Research and Development Specialist, Quality Assurance Manager, Product Developer, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Technical Sales Representative, and Academic Researcher.
How long is the Master of Science in Food Science program?
+
The program involves advanced coursework and research, typically completed over a period consistent with a Master of Science degree, though specific duration is not detailed.
What is the language of instruction for the Food Science Master of Science program?
+
The language of instruction is English, as is standard for programs at the University of California, Davis.