Program Overview

Introduction to the Food Science (MS) Program

The Master of Science in Food Science is designed to prepare individuals with advanced knowledge and skills in food science. The program focuses on content knowledge, including expertise in food chemistry and food safety, as well as product and process development. It prepares graduates for advancement, specialization, and leadership in food science careers and governmental agencies such as the FDA or USDA.

Program Overview

The M.S. in Food Science offers several emphasis areas, including:

• Food Chemistry
• Food Microbiology/Food Safety
• Sensory/Product Development
• Sustainability
• Dairy Food Science
• Meat Science A unique feature of the program is a required course that focuses on sustainability in the food system, making it the only program in the nation with such a requirement.

Requirements for Admission

To be admitted to the program, students must:

• Apply via Cal State Apply
• Submit a statement of purpose
• Provide transcripts from the institution granting the bachelor's degree
• Submit a curriculum vitae
• Include three letters of recommendation International students must also demonstrate proficiency in English.

Prerequisites

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in food science or a related field, such as physical or biological science, chemistry, or engineering. Those lacking preparatory coursework in basic sciences must complete these courses before or after admission. Non-Cal Poly applicants are required to take the GRE.

Minimum GPA and Application Deadline

The minimum GPA required for admission is 2.5. Admission is for the Fall term, and application deadlines can be found in the Graduate Student Dates and Deadlines.

Advancement to Candidacy

Students must complete 8 units of graduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to advance to candidacy.

Culminating Experience

All students must prepare a written thesis and pass an oral defense of the thesis, which is evaluated by a thesis committee consisting of at least three faculty members. The thesis is based on independent, supervised research and must be approved by the thesis committee.

Blended BS/MS Program in Food Science

The BS/MS program in Food Science provides undergraduate students with an advanced option to complete both a BS and MS in Food Science, with both degrees being conferred simultaneously. Students receive advising to ensure a smooth transition from undergraduate to graduate status.

Requirements for the Blended Program

Students apply directly to the program, not through Cal State Apply. Prerequisites include completion of FDSC 3330 and FDSC 3350, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The application timeline is rolling, and materials include the FSN Food Science BMS application form and the recommendation form for FS BMS Admission.

Program Learning Objectives

The program aims to:

1. Demonstrate technical competency in the discipline of food science.
2. Design, analyze, interpret, and communicate food science research.
3. Formulate solutions to practical problems in food safety, production, development, sustainability, and aspects of consumer health.
4. Communicate and work with individuals and teams within and outside of the food science discipline.
5. Critically examine personal beliefs, attitudes, and biases about historically marginalized people and cultures in the scientific and broader communities.

Course List

Required courses include:

• FDSC 5545: Advanced Food Safety
• FDSC 5550: Chemistry of Food Systems
• FSN 5505: Orientation to Graduate Studies
• FSN 5510: Scientific Writing
• FSN 5581: Graduate Seminar in Food Science and Nutrition
• FSN 5599: Thesis
• STAT 5120: Intermediate Statistics for Graduate Students
• ESCI 5501: Research Planning Approved electives can be selected from various departments, totaling 7 units. The total units required for the program are 30.