Program Overview

Food Science - Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science is a research-based degree that prepares students for careers in academia, industry, and government. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of food science and technology, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct original research.

Requirements

Students with a Master of Science degree are required to complete 42 credits, while students with a Bachelor of Science degree must complete 72 credits. The coursework includes:

• Area of Research Emphasis: Students will take at least 15 credits from the following courses:
  • FSTE 6997: Special Research Program
  • FSTE 6991: Doctoral Research
  • FSTE 5110: Food Microbiology
  • FSTE 5120: Food Chemistry
  • FSTE 5230: Food Processing Technologies
  • FSTE 5250: Sensory Evaluation of Foods
  • FSTE 5140: Food Analysis
  • FSTE 5130: Food Preservation
• Statistics: Students are required to take at least 6 statistic credits from the following courses:
  • AXED 5510: Research Methods
  • AXED 5515: Data Collection and Analysis
  • AEEC 5110: Introduction to Quantitative Methods
• Required Courses:
  • FSTE 6910: Doctoral Seminar
  • FSTE 7000: Doctoral Dissertation

Roadmap

The program is designed to be completed in three to four years, but students may be allowed up to seven years to complete the requirements. The roadmap includes:

1. Qualifying Exam: Completed by the end of the first year.
2. Comprehensive Exam: Consists of two parts: written and oral presentation of the research proposal. Students must pass the examination within 24 months of passing the qualifying examination.
3. Final Oral Exam: Taken after completing all degree requirements, but not earlier than one month before completing six registration units.
4. Dissertation: Students must complete a dissertation under the supervision of their committee.

Additional Requirements

• Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0
• Completion of the degree within seven years of admission
• Enrollment in at least 1 credit per semester, or 9 credits if on a GA
• Enrollment in FSTE 6910 Doctoral Seminar each year for three semesters
• Gain experience as a teaching assistant for at least two semesters
• Present a public seminar during FSTE 6910 Doctoral Seminar
• Have at least one refereed journal as the first author accepted for publication
• Yearly completion of Student Progress Review

Program Details

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of food science and technology, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct original research. Students will select classes with the help of their committee chair based on their background and interests. The program includes a minimum of 18 credits of doctoral dissertation, and students must complete a dissertation under the supervision of their committee.