Food Science — MAg, MS, PhD

Degree Programs

• Food Science — MAg
• Food Science — MS
• Food Science — PhD

Food Science graduate degrees, although technically offered as an option affiliated with poultry science, are managed by the Food Science Program. Students pursuing graduate studies in Food Science can earn Master of Agriculture, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. These degrees are designed to prepare outstanding students for careers in the food industry, government, and academia. Research training and experience can be acquired in the specialized areas of food safety/microbiology, food quality, food chemistry, sensory evaluation, or processing and product technology.

Applicants apply through the ApplyYourself online platform and must indicate their desire to pursue graduate studies in Food Science. All applications are reviewed by the Food Science Graduate Committee. Application materials include: official copies of all college transcripts, TOEFL scores (for international students), 3 letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Transcripts and test scores are sent directly to the Graduate School. The letters of recommendation may either be submitted online (preferred) or mailed to the graduate program officer. The resume and statement of purpose are sent to the graduate program officer at the departmental address or via email attachment. The GRE is not required. To pursue MS or MAg degrees in food science, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in food science, nutrition, chemistry, biology, food engineering, or allied sciences from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0. A MS degree with thesis in a relevant field is required to be considered for admission into the PhD program. The course of study, developed by the student and the advisory committee, may include additional courses to address specific needs or course work deficiencies.

Additional information about requirements, policies, and availability of financial support can be obtained from the food science graduate program officer, Dr. Amit Morey (azm0011@auburn.edu).

MS/MAg Degree Requirements

1. The Master of Science (MS degree) requires a research project with a formal written thesis while the Master of Agriculture (MAg) requires a research project with written report. The MS degree requires a minimum of 30 semester credit hours. The MAg degree requires 33 semester credit hours. Both MS and MAg degrees require a comprehensive final oral examination.
2. The Food Science Core Curriculum:

   Code	Title	Hours
   POUL 6160	Adv Principles Of Food Safety	3
   FDSC 7430	Flavor Chemistry	3
   FDSC 7950	Graduate Seminar (Taken 2 times for 1 credit each time.)	1
   FDSC 7980	Nonthesis Research	4
   or FDSC 7990	Research And Thesis

3. Food Science Electives – MS students must take 4 food science electives chosen in consultation with the major professor and advisory committee. MAg students must take 5 food science electives. Free electives may be used to acquire the required 30 semester hours (MS) or 33 semester hours (MAg).

PhD Degree Requirements

1. For the PhD degree, a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate coursework beyond the MS (60 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree) is required.
2. The Food Science Core Curriculum:

   Code	Title	Hours
   POUL 6160	Adv Principles Of Food Safety	3
   FDSC 7430	Flavor Chemistry	3
   FDSC 7950	Graduate Seminar (Taken three times for 3 total credits)	1
   FDSC 8990	Research and Dissertation	10

3. Food Science Electives – PhD students must take 5 food science electives chosen in consultation with the major professor and advisory committee. Free electives may be used to acquire the required 60 semester hours.
4. Examinations – Upon completion of course work, students must pass general written examinations administered by the advisory committee, followed by a comprehensive preliminary oral examination. After satisfactory completion of these exams, the student advances to candidacy. A dissertation based on an independent research project is required to earn a PhD degree. After completion of the dissertation, the student must pass a final doctoral oral examination defending the dissertation.