Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Sensory and Consumer Science is a 12-credit online program that provides formal education to sensory scientists and consumer professionals, as well as those who wish to enter the field. The program explores the science of consumer preference, teaching students how to obtain market data through research and translate that data into desirable product features.

Program Details

• The program is 100% online, allowing students to complete their coursework at their own pace.
• The application deadline for the summer semester is April 15, with classes starting on May 18.
• The program consists of 12 credits, with a cost of $1,037 per credit.

Gain Skills

Students in the program will gain skills to:

• Obtain, analyze, and describe product and consumer insight.
• Provide clear recommendations for optimizing the quality of products and increasing market success.
• Help organizations meet consumer expectations and position their products for long-term success.
• Understand psychophysical and biological principles of human behavior and how they guide and inform sensory and consumer testing.
• Explore the interaction of sensory and consumer science with marketing, consumer understanding, product development, and business.

Online Sensory and Consumer Science Courses

The program offers a range of online courses, including:

• Fundamentals of sensory practice
• Psychophysical and biological principles of human behavior
• The interaction of sensory and consumer science with marketing, consumer understanding, product development, and business
• Applied statistics and data analysis as used in sensory and consumer science

Required Courses

The program requires the following courses:

• FDSC 403: Sensory Data Collection and Analysis (3 credits)
• FDSC 515: Sensometrics - Applied Multivariate Analysis in Sensory & Food Science (3 credits)
• FDSC 516: Consumer Insights (3 credits)
• STAT 500: Applied Statistics (3 credits)

Course Availability

Courses are available online, and students can plan their coursework using the public LionPATH course search.

Career Services

The program provides access to career services, including:

• Opportunities to connect with employers
• Career counselor/coach support
• Occupation and salary information
• Internships
• Graduate school resources

Costs and Financial Aid

• Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which students register.
• Tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year are $1,037 per credit for 11 or fewer credits, and $12,448 per semester for 12 or more credits.
• Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree" and are not eligible for federal student aid.
• Private alternative loans may be an option for students.

Application Instructions

• Review the admission requirements, which include a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a tertiary degree deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree.
• Gather required materials, including official transcripts and test scores (GRE or TOEFL/IELTS).
• Create a Penn State login account and complete the online application.
• Check the status of the application using the same login information.

Faculty

The program is taught by expert faculty, including:

• John E. Hayes, Ph.D.
• Helene Hopfer, Ph.D.
• Sarah V. Kirkmeyer, Ph.D.

Program Benefits

The program provides students with the opportunity to learn from expert faculty and gain skills in sensory and consumer science, which can be applied to a variety of fields, including food science, nutrition, and consumer research. The program's online format allows students to complete their coursework at their own pace, making it a flexible option for working professionals or those with other commitments.