All students must meet the Requirements for the Master's Degree
Overview
Food Systems M.S. graduates gain a broad and deep understanding of contemporary food systems, as well as a set of applied skills and experience – preparing them to succeed.
Most students complete required coursework and spend one semester designing and researching a final project. However, upon request of a Food Systems faculty member, a student can design and complete a year-long thesis research project.
For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator.
Specific Requirements
Requirements for Admission to Graduate Studies for the Degree of Master of Science
The Food Systems Graduate Program is transdisciplinary and involves an understanding of social, physical, and life science concepts related to food from production through consumption. Therefore, students from all academic backgrounds are welcome to apply. Minimum requirements include:
- GPA of 3.00 or higher.
- TOEFL or IELTS exam scores must be submitted if you are an international student.
- Completion of a college-level statistics course. If this information is not clearly listed on a college transcript, you will need to provide additional documentation as evidence that you have fulfilled this requirement.
Minimum Degree Requirements
31 credit hours, including:
| Required Courses: | ||
| FS 6400 | Food Systems & Society | 3 |
| FS 6450 | Food Systems & Science | 3 |
| FS 6475 | Food Systems & Policy | 3 |
| FS 6510 | Professional Development Sem. | 1 |
| FS 6520 | Research Design Seminar | 3 |
| FS 6392 | Master's Project Research (Project Students) | 3-4 |
| FS 6391 | Master's Thesis Research (Thesis Students) | 6 |
| At least 1 methods course | 3 | |
| The remainder of required credit hours must be satisfied through graded electives. This is 11-12 credits for students completing a project, and 9 credits for students completing a thesis. | ||
| Students taking FS 6391 must complete and defend a thesis in order to graduate. Students taking FS 6392 must complete and defend a project in order to graduate. | ||
Comprehensive Examination
There is a required comprehensive exam that involves a written component and oral defense of the Master’s Project or Thesis Proposal.
Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Science
Satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and the Comprehensive Exam.