M.S. & Ph.D. in
Food Science

Ensuring healthier, safer food

The Food Science Program within the Department of Poultry Science offers three graduate degrees in food science: the Master of Agriculture, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy, focusing on areas such as food safety, packaging, production and quality control. 

These degrees are designed to prepare outstanding students for careers in the food industry, government and academia. Research training and experience can be acquired in the specialized areas of food safety/microbiology, food quality, food chemistry, sensory evaluation, or processing and product technology. 

Master’s & Doctoral programs

The information below is a brief description of master’s and doctoral degrees in food science offered by the College of Agriculture.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Current Level Assistantship

  • GRA M.S.: $18,000 and Ph.D.: $21,000 per year.
  • GRA receives a full tuition waiver. 
  • The exact amount is at the department’s discretion and is subject to change by the college and Auburn University.
  • Salaries are paid in accordance with the budget policies and payroll procedures of the university.

Recommended Application Deadlines

  • International students: At least 4-5 months prior to the start of the intended semester.
  • Domestic students: At least 2-3 months prior to the start of the intended semester.
  • Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis and the availability of positions with individual faculty.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PH.D.)

The graduate program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in food science provides advanced education and technical training in preparation for careers in public and private sectors related to food science, safety, production and more. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students graduating with a Ph.D. in food science from Auburn University will: 

  • Effectively communicate research findings to a broad audience in written or oral formats. 
  • Demonstrate food science knowledge commensurate with the doctoral level. 
  • Possess an understanding of the scientific process. 
  • Solve food science-related problems. 
  • Conduct a literature review on a food-related topic and independently conduct scientific experiments that address questions in food science. 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of experimental design. 
  • Statistically analyze and interpret data as well as draw valid conclusions. 
  • Prepare and deliver lecture and/or laboratory material to undergraduate students. 

CURRICULUM & REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate coursework beyond the master’s degree — 60 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree — is required. 

Upon completion of course work, students must pass general written examinations administered by the advisory committee, followed by a comprehensive preliminary oral examination. After satisfactory completion of these exams, the student advances to candidacy. A dissertation based on an independent research project is required to earn a PhD degree. After completion of the dissertation, the student must pass a final doctoral oral examination defending the dissertation. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE COURSE CURRICULUM 

    Master of Science (M.S.)

    The Master of Science in food science offered by our department provides advanced education and technical training in preparation for careers in public and private sectors related to food science as well as preparation to advance to a Ph.D. program in the subject area. 

    LEARNING OUTCOMES

    Students graduating with an M.S. in food science from Auburn University will: 

    • Articulate research findings to a broad audience in written or oral formats. 
    • Demonstrate food science knowledge commensurate with the master’s level. 
    • Possess an understanding of the scientific process and how to find answers to food science-related problems. 
    • Conduct a literature review on a poultry or food-related topic.
    • Be able to use the scientific method to conduct scientific experiments that address questions in food science to interpret data and draw valid conclusions. 

    CURRICULUM & REQUIREMENTS

    The Master of Science (M.S.) requires a research project with a formal written thesis and a minimum of 30 semester credit hours. Both the M.S. and M.Ag. require a comprehensive final oral examination. 

    CLICK HERE FOR THE COURSE CURRICULUM 

      Master of Agriculture (M.Ag.)

      The Master of Agriculture (M.Ag.) program in food science is a non-thesis program that prepares students for careers in secondary education and areas of food science. 

      LEARNING OUTCOMES

      Students graduating with an M.Ag. in food science from Auburn University will: 

      • Articulate research findings to a broad audience in written or oral formats. 
      • Demonstrate food science knowledge commensurate with the master’s level. 
      • Possess an understanding of the scientific process and how to find answers to food science-related problems. 
      • Conduct a literature review on a poultry or food-related topic. 
      • Be able to use the scientific method to conduct scientific experiments that address questions in food science to interpret data and draw valid conclusions. 

      CURRICULUM & REQUIREMENTS

      The M.Ag. degree requires 33 semester credit hours and a research project with written report. Both the M.S. and M.Ag. require a comprehensive final oral examination. 

      CLICK HERE FOR THE COURSE CURRICULUM 

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