Graduate Program

We offer both M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs in Food Science.  Students may study food chemistry, food safety and microbiology, sensory science, functional foods for health, food safety engineering, advanced food processing technologies and food packaging. A $17 million food science building was completed in 2002. We have well equipped laboratories and three pilot plants for meat, dairy, and fruit and vegetable processing. OSU has two fully endowed research chairs (The JT Parker and Haas Chairs).  Click here for a more complete listing of faculty research interests.

We seek highly motivated students to join our team. If you seek a graduate experience that is rewarding, intellectually challenging, and builds your professional network, The Ohio State University is for you. If you want to learn from the nation's finest teachers or advance the cutting edge of food science and technology, this is the place. If you seek an advanced degree that opens doors in industry, academics and government, OSU is for you. If you join the over 1,000 food professionals that have a degree from OSU in food science, food technology or nutrition, you will discover Knowledge That Works for You. Our graduates enjoy a 100% placement rate enjoying high paying jobs in industry, academia and the government.

There are 80 graduate students in our program from the U.S. and around the world.  Most students are supported by assistantships or fellowships. Both the university and college offer a variety of competitive fellowships for graduate students, including diversity fellowships.   Department fellowships and assistantships are also available.  Many graduate students are supported on research assistantships provided by individual faculty members.  Tuition is paid for all students on an assistantship.

About half of our graduate students have Food Science degrees, while the other half are admitted from other disciplines. Applicants to our program should have a strong background in science or engineering.  Coursework is tailored to the needs of the individual student on consultation with faculty advisors.  More information on degree programs and requirements can be found in the FST Graduate Handbook.

To apply, fill out the on-line application form at http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/text/apply_online.htm and have your GRE scores, TOEFL scores (if applicable) and an official copy of your transcripts from all university-level schools attended sent directly to the OSU Graduate Admissions Office.  Have another official copy of your transcripts and three letters of recommendation sent to the Graduate Studies Chair, Department of Food Science and Technology.  Email a letter of intent to fstgrad@osu.edu.  The letter of intent should describe any relevant internships or research experience you have had, as well as the area of research you would like to pursue, if known.  Thank you for your interest.

For additional information about the graduate program please contact Dr. Sheryl Barringer, Graduate Studies Chair.

For information related to the graduate program application process, please contact April Wax, Graduate Program Assistant.