Master’s in Food Science Online

Master’s in food science online programs provide students with the knowledge of applying engineering and science principles to the practical and theoretical aspects of the entire food chain. This graduate-level degree program is offered in offline and online learning modes. Some colleges offer it as a hybrid program, blending online classes with on-campus ones. While the offline mode is best suited for students who can dedicate most of their time to studies and spend time on campus, the online or hybrid modes are best for those working full-time and who want to balance their professional and personal lives.

The food science degree program requires students to take 34 to 40 credits of coursework to complete it. Various areas of specialization are available for students to choose from within the program, which matches their professional interests. The online food science degree program typically offers a thesis and non-thesis track. While the thesis track is suitable for those who intend to pursue their doctoral studies, the non-thesis option is best suited for students who want to gain advanced practical skills instead of carrying out a research project in the final year of their master’s program.

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Master’s in Food Science Online Programs

The online master’s in food science program focuses on food microbiology, food chemistry, food safety, food processing, sensory analysis, and food engineering. Students must take mandatory core courses and choose electives for their coursework. Some of these food science courses are:

1. Food Microbiology – Food microbiology teaches about microorganisms that modify, process, colonize, spoil, or contaminate food. It deals with beverages and food of various compositions that combine a broad spectrum of environmental factors that might influence microbial growth and survival.
2. Food Processing Operations – Food processing operations teaches the techniques that transform agricultural products into consumable substances with particular sensory, textural, and nutritional properties using commercially feasible methods.
3. Advanced Food Chemistry - This course explores the role of food chemistry in solving problems and enhancing the health and functionalities of food. It studies the interactions and chemical processes of all non-biological and biological components of food.
4. Food Analysis – This course introduces the techniques, methods, and principles in the compositional analysis of food. It helps students in developing skills and techniques in food analysis.

The master’s in food science provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge to work in the field of food science. Some of the skills gained by students from the food science master’s program include their ability to: 

• effectively and clearly communicate technical information in written and oral formats;
• synthesize and evaluate information to address technical challenges;
• assemble and source evidence to identify gaps and address questions in knowledge in the field of food science;
• apply the fundamental principles of food science in required coursework and research;
• design, formulate, interpret, and conduct food science research;
• interrogate theoretical food science and analysis principles and statistical design with practical applications to address real-world issues;
• assess the involvement of sustainability in food science and nutrition;
• exhibit ethical resonating and leadership;
• apply scientific knowledge to solve and evaluate food science problems; and
• interact effectively with scientific teams.

Master’s in Food Science Degree Types

There are three types of online master’s in food science programs – the Master of Arts in Food Science, the Master of Science in Food Science, and the Master of Food Science (MFS).

Specializations in Master’s in Food Science Online Programs

Specialization helps an individual become more efficient in a particular area of expertise. It helps to enhance one’s career prospects and increase their income potential. Students can optimize their skills by specializing in a specific area of food science. Students can specialize in several topics within the food science master’s degree. Some such food science concentrations are:

Some of the other specialization areas in food science include but are not limited to:

• Food Chemistry 
• Nutrition 
• Food Business And Industry 
• Food Biology/Microbiology 
• Cereal Science 
• Consumer Food Science 
• Human Nutrition And Metabolism 
• Food Packaging 
• Oil/Oilseed Chemistry 

Accreditation for Master’s in Food Science Online Programs

To maintain the standards of educational quality, institutions go through a strict evaluation process known as accreditation. Accreditation signifies that colleges and universities in the United States have met the expected education standards. Prospective students should be aware of accredited food science colleges and apply only to those having this status. Colleges may be nationally or regionally accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE)^[2], the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)^[3], or both. The six regional agencies that accredit universities are:

1. New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
2. Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
3. Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
4. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
5. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
6. Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

For more information on accreditation for universities and programs, read the Accreditation Guide.

Timeline for graduation from Master’s in Food Science Online Programs

Master’s in food science online programs are available full-time and part-time. While full-time master’s students will have to complete their degree programs within two years, part-time students will have a more flexible schedule and can complete their degree programs in 3 to 5 years while balancing their work, studies, and personal life. Of course, the coursework, specialization, capstone or thesis requirement, and other factors will affect the timeline of this typically 34 to 40-credit program.

Admission Requirements for Master’s in Food Science Online Programs

Prospective students must go through the admission requirements at their chosen college before applying to a master’s in food science online program. The requirements for a food science master’s are mostly the same across all the universities. However, some universities might have specific requirements that students must meet as a part of their application process. Here are some of the common and standard master’s in food and science admission requirements:

• Online application for the chosen university, along with the application fee
• An undergraduate degree from an accredited university
• Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.7 on a scale of 4.0 (varies by school)
• Official Academic Transcripts
• A Graduate Résumé
• A Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
• At least 2 Letters of Recommendation
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Scores

In most instances, students must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before applying to graduate school and submit their test scores while applying to a master’s program. Although these scores are a mandatory requirement in the application process at most colleges, some institutions waive this requirement. For example, the IOWA State University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Oregon State University offer online master’s in food science no GRE programs.