Food Technology, PhD

Program Requirements

Students admitted to the PhD program in Food Technology must meet the following criteria.

1. The Aptitude Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE General Test) must be taken by all applicants. A minimum total GRE score of 1000 on the two-component exam is required if taken prior to August 1, 2011, and 300 if taken on or after August 1, 2011. Applicant score on the analytical writing section of the GRE should be 4.0 or higher.
2. A strong background in food science; human nutrition; physical, chemical, or biological sciences; or engineering is highly desirable.
3. Proficiency in food science must be demonstrated by satisfactory completion of coursework in the following areas: food chemistry, food microbiology, food processing, and biochemistry. Background course requirements will normally be satisfied with completion of a BS and MS degree in Food Science or related field of study from an accredited institution. Students deficient in any of these areas will be required to complete coursework to fulfill these background course requirements.
4. Acceptance is based upon academic transcripts with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0, three letters of recommendation, a statement of objectives and professional experience.
5. International students must have a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 80. IELTS can be taken in lieu of TOEFL. Minimum score accepted on the IELTS is 6.5. PTE can be taken in lieu of the TOEFL. The minimum score accepted on the PTE is 54. International students must also submit documentation of adequate financial support for their studies.
6. An additional requirement for admission is identification of a research advisor prepared to accept the applicant as an advisee.

A limited number of research assistantships are available from grant funds, with the student assisting in the research supported under the grant. This research often may be applicable to the thesis or dissertation. Interested applicants should contact individual faculty for research assistantships. Applicants whose files are completed prior to February 15, will be given preferential consideration for research assistantships offered beginning fall semester.

There are no set course requirements for the doctorate in Food Technology. Candidates for the PhD degree must complete a minimum of 30 hours beyond the master’s degree, including at least 18 hours of dissertation research (FDTH 9910 ), in addition to writing a dissertation. It is expected that each PhD graduate will have a comprehensive understanding of the principles of food science with an expanded knowledge covering their focused research area. The PhD candidate’s advisory committee will have final approval on all coursework. PhD candidates must pass a comprehensive examination comprised of written and oral portions, given by the PhD candidate’s advisory committee. The successful student must also write and defend a dissertation to the satisfaction of the advisory committee. Dissertations usually contain a review of the literature and a detailed description of research in a scientific publication format. PhD students should expect to publish a minimum of two refereed research manuscripts from their dissertations.