Graduate Degrees in Food Science & Technology
We offer graduate programs leading to both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.
Our students come from all over the world and have a variety of educational backgrounds.
Graduate Assistantship
Most graduate students are supported as graduate research assistants on the research grants of their major advisors/professors.
Applicants should contact professors with shared research interests to inquire about the availability of such assistantships early in the admission process.
Salary ranges from $1,760-$2,157 per month for an incoming graduate level student, depending on the amount of effort expected each month.
Graduate Admissions
ONLY students with a prior commitment by a professor to serve as a major advisor are admitted as graduate students.
This means applicants are expected to contact professors with shared research interests to learn about specific research and funding possibilities concurrent with a formal application.
Search Professors / Research Areas
For full admission requirements and to apply as a graduate student in the Department of Food Science and Technology, please visit the OSU Graduate School and explore Graduate Admissions:
FST Graduate Program FAQ's
Yes, however, official copies will be needed if you are accepted.
No, DO NOT send intermediate or higher secondary school records.
A Masters (MS) degree or equivalent is expected for students intending to pursue the PhD degree.
The only financial aid offered for new students is a graduate research assistantship (GRA). Most graduate students are supported as GRAs by their major advisor/professor. GRAs are offered by a advisor/professor.at the time a graduate student is recruited.
No, we do not provide statistics on the number of students who apply and are accepted. These numbers vary every year based on the research funding available.
NOTE: Less than 7% of all applications are currently accepted. Funding is extremely limited.
No, the Department of Food Science does not accept students on a “conditional” basis. This would include lower than acceptable TOEFL and GPA scores.
To apply and be competitive to the OSU Food Science Graduate program, you must have a science background with basis in Chemistry, Biology, Math, Microbiology, or Physics.
FST primarily admits for the fall term.
Outside the US:
Fall Term - April 1 | Winter Term - July 1 | Spring Term - October 1 | Summer Term - January 1
Within the US:
Fall Term - June 1 | Winter Term - September 1 | Spring Term - December 1 | Summer Term - March 1
Funding Deadline
To maximize the opportunity for all prestigious fellowships and scholarships, apply by January 15.
- Self-reported GPA from previous institutions, in which a degree was earned
- Resume or CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of Objectives
We take a holistic approach to evaluating applications, and include consideration of the following criteria:
- Research experience
- Undergraduate curriculum
- Personal statement
- Contribution to diversity
-
Other attributes, based on answers to application questions
- Resilience/work ethic
- Decision making skills
- Team play
- 213 computer version
- 550 paper version
- 80 computer version with scaled scores. (Must have at least a minimum score of 18 in sections of reading, listening, speaking, writing.)
- IELTS may be used as an alternate. Minimum acceptable score is 6.5.
If I Were a Food...
A fun look at some of the students and faculty of FST
Master of Science (M.S.) Learning Outcomes
Through successful participation in and completion of a Master of Science degree in Food Science and Technology, you will gain an advanced understanding of food science and its relationship to other biological, chemical, and engineering disciplines.
You will be sufficiently trained through disciplinary coursework and research experience to provide food science expertise and will have the breadth of knowledge to be able to communicate with professionals from the broad range of specialties involved in food systems applications and research.
- Produce and defend an original significant contribution to knowledge
- Demonstrate mastery of subject material
- Conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner
- Experience in presenting research findings to public, peer or scientific society meetings
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Learning Outcomes
Through successful participation in and completion of a Doctoral degree in Food Science and Technology, you will gain an advanced understanding of food science and its interaction with related disciplines, and conduct original research that advances the field of food science.
You will be trained through disciplinary coursework and research experience to provide solid science expertise and will have the breadth of knowledge and critical thinking skills to be able to communicate with professionals from the broad range of specialties involved in food systems research and applications.
- Produce and defend an original significant contribution to knowledge
- Demonstrate mastery of subject material
- Conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner
- Experience in presenting research findings to public, peer or scientific society meetings
For more information about the FST Graduate program, please contact:
Kim Carson
Academic Program Coordinator
100 Wiegand Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331
541-737-6486