phd in food industry

Ph.D. in Food Science & Technology

A number of our faculty members offer doctoral programs in cutting edge fields, such as cellular agriculture, antibiotic resistance, and climate change's affect on agriculture.

The department offers a graduate program leading to a doctoral degree that is built around courses in food science and technology, supported by courses in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, mathematics, statistics, engineering, and biology. Individual graduate programs are planned with the advisor to prepare students for opportunities in industry, academia, and government. On a limited basis, selected students can complete a Ph.D. program without earning a master's degree. 

Why get a Ph.D. in Food Science?

Our program is designed to train accomplished and capable food scientists who can contribute effectively to our mission of increasing the safety, quality, and marketability of the global food supply. Students will participate in innovative and novel research utilizing sophisticated lab spaces guided by some of the top faculty in their respective fields. Many of these disciplines are on the cutting edge of scientific advancement and have only come into existence within the last decade. The enriching hands-on experience and professional connections created by this program prepare students to graduate into fulfilling careers.

The median salary for food scientists with a doctorate is $127,000.

86% of food scientists report being satisfied with their job, with Ph.D. holders having the highest level of satisfaction.

Expected annual growth for food science occupations is 9% through 2030, higher than average for all jobs.

What can I do with this degree?

There is high demand for food scientists with doctorates across a wide range of disciplines throughout academia, industry, and government. Our graduates are often hired by large food companies (product development, food safety, process engineering), public health agencies (research and food safety), and by academic institutions (research and teaching). Recent grads have found employment with Tyson, the USDA, Nestlé, the FDA, Smithfield Foods, E&J Gallo Wineries, and many more.

Research Focuses

Aquaculture  

Description

Advance aquaculture technologies used for producing freshwater and marine seafood.

Enhance the quality of aquaculture-produced seafood to feed the growing demand and expanding populations.

Cellular Agriculture and Alternative Meats

Develop Artificial Intelligence-based platform, bioprocessing, and fermentation for cellular agriculture

Develop and characterize cell lines for cellular agriculture

Discover novel plant-based scaffold for whole cut fish development using Bioprinting

Education and Extension

Develop interventions and educational programs to empower food handlers to use safer practices

Develop and evaluate vineyard and orchard management, fermentation, and processing practices used in wine and hard cider production

Determine brewing quality of Virginia grown barley and hops

Food and Flavor Chemistry

Understand the science behind the human perception of food, including taste, aroma, mouthfeel and appearance

Flavor chemistry seeks to understand and influence these traits through the chemical processes and interactions of a food’s components

Food Processing, Packaging and Engineering

Understand basic molecular reactions, flavor chemistry, food composition, component interactions, and physical properties of food systems

Apply and characterize changes in food quality attributes, such as texture, color, flavor, and nutrition

Characterize nano-, micro- and macro-scale molecular changes that influence food structure

Food Safety and Microbiology

Develop new methods to process food products safely through thermal and aseptic processing; dehydration, and modified atmosphere packaging

Use nondestructive evaluation methods to characterize food components

Observe how food packaging affects the characteristics of the food

Create new methods and unit processes for food processing and packaging

Develop nanospike-enabled antimicrobial food contact surfaces (e.g., stainless steel countertop, packaging materials)

AI/ML-aided material design and discovery to improve barrier properties of food packaging

Immobilizing lactase (or cascades of enzymes) on filtration membranes for upcycling the lactose in acid whey

Fabrication of affordable gas sensors for monitoring food spoilage inside primary food packaging (i.e., intelligent packaging)

Functional Foods for Health

Examine the role of sub-lethal stresses encountered during food processing on the survival, persistence, and virulence of food-borne pathogens

Develop interventions to prevent food contamination by food-borne pathogens and improve recovery during pre-harvest, post-harvest, and food preparation

Examine the effect of functional foods on the microbial ecology of gastrointestinal and food systems

Discover novel antimicrobial compounds, extracted from natural sources, to reduce pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in foods

Characterize virulence factors and their role in disease severity

Utilize genomic and transcriptomic approaches to understand host-pathogen interactions of food-borne pathogens

Product Development

Use pre- and pro-biotics to improve health including gut metabolism reduction inflammation, inhibiting pathogens, and stimulation of gut microbial activity

Understand the influence of food and beverage fermentation processes on product quality and composition of bioactive compounds

Analytically assess bioactive components and how they work emphasizing chemistry and biochemistry

Characterize the influence of dietary compounds on cancer-induced taste disorders

Flavor and texture development in products of cellular agriculture

Development of nutritions snack formulations for developing countries

About this Program

Credit hours.

Includes at least 30 credits of Research and Dissertation, 27 credits of 5000+ level courses, and 3 credits of Graduate Seminar.

Applications Due Feb. 1 and Sept. 1

We are now accepting applications for the Fall and Spring semesters! Fall semester applications are due to the Graduate School by February 1 and Spring semester applications are due by September 1.

Find Your Advisor

See our program webpage for a list of which faculty are recruiting Ph.D. students. Once you find someone whose research matches your interests, reach out to them to learn more about their program!

Funding Resources

The majority of our Ph.D. students are fully funded through research or teaching assistantships, scholarships, and fellowships. To learn more about funding, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Lab Spaces & Facilities

The department houses state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate the full breadth of FST research, including food processing and food safety pilot plants, an aquaculture lab, a research brewery, a fully-equipped sensory evaluation lab, a research winery and enology lab, and numerous other teaching laboratory and classroom spaces.

Blacksburg, VA

FST is located on Virginia Tech's main campus in beautiful Blacksburg. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blacksburg is consistently ranked among the top college towns in the US for its thriving local scene, welcoming community atmosphere, and small town charm.

Program Coursework

Requirements for graduate credits.

The departmental course/credit requirements for the Ph.D. degree in Life Sciences (Food Science & Technology) include completion of at least 90 graduate credits, composed of the following: 

• at least 30 (max. of 60) credits of Research and Dissertation (FST 7994) 
• at least 27 credits of 5000 level courses 
• at least 3 (maximum of 4) credits in Graduate Seminar (FST 5004) 
• a maximum of 6 credits of 4000 level courses 
• a maximum of 12 credits of Special Study or Independent Study

Requirements for Department Courses

The 5000 level courses must include at least 9 credits of FST department courses. Additionally a 5000 level biochemistry course (typically BCHM 5124) and two 5000 level statistics course (typically STAT 5605 & 5606, or 5615 & 5616) and our Graduate Professionalism in Food Science course (FST 5054) are required. Graduate students will need to complete the following courses (or an equivalent) if they were part of their previous degree program:

• Food Chemistry (FST 4504)
• Food Microbiology or Advances in Food Micro (FST 3604 or 5604)
• Food Processing (FST 4304) or Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FST 4524)

"The food science training and lessons learned navigating the path to a doctoral degree provided me with the technical knowledge base and instilled the sense of resiliency and leadership that I use every day to embrace the challenge of constant change while remaining focused on the goal – a safe, affordable, and nutritious food supply."

Dr. Jodie Williams

Alumna and Food Safety National Program Leader at the USDA NIFA

Faculty Members Currently Recruiting Ph.D. Students

Assistant Professor: Food Processing Microbiology

Assistant Professor: Phytochemistry and Functional Foods

Associate Professor: Food Processing, Fermentation Engineering, Process Simulation and Economic Analysis

Professor: Microbiology

Assistant Professor: Aroma and Flavor Compounds in Food Systems, Flavor Analysis and Sensory Evaluation

Research Areas

Food and Beverage Fermentation

The study of fermentation concerns the use of microorganisms

Food Safety and Food Microbiology

Exploring the interactions between microbial communities

Phytochemicals and Functional Foods for Health

Functional foods are those that may offer health benefits beyond their nutritional value

Food Processing and Engineering

Utilizing food processing operations to produce safe, nutritious, sustainable, and value-added products

Food and Flavor Chemistry and Sensory Science

The science behind the human perception of food

Aquaculture

Diving into the breeding, raising, and harvesting of seafood in a controlled environment

Change the Future of Food

Apply to Virginia Tech to begin your degree in food science and your journey toward an impact on our world.

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Ph.D. Food Science and Technology

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is offered and may be obtained through an appropriate course of study, completion of research or other requirements, successful completion of university-directed administrative procedures, and successful defense of the dissertation. Students may pursue fundamental and/or translational (i.e., applied) research in the areas of food chemistry, product processing, food microbiology and safety including probiotic microbiology, engineering and rheology, food packaging, ingredients technology, meat or poultry science, cereals science and processing, plant bioactives, sensory analysis, etc. A process of research or study will be outlined by the student with guidance from the student’s graduate advisory committee membership.

Ph.D. Program Details

Graduate degrees in Food Science and Technology are administered by the Graduate Faculty of Food Science within the Department of Food Science and Technology in accordance with all relevant policies and procedures of Texas A&M University. 

• Degree: Ph.D. Food Science and Technology
• Credit Hours: 36 total credit hours

Graduate Admissions

Texas A&M University is the premier choice to gain a graduate degree, thanks to our national academic ranking and high financial value. Joining the Aggie Family and gaining an advanced degree from Texas A&M puts you in the highest class of job candidates.

What Do I Need to Apply?

• Minimum GPR of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work, or 3.25 in 30 hours or more of graduate work.
• Application through the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS system
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Purpose
• Three letters of recommendation, submitted online with your application.
• Official transcripts and records , sent to the Office of Admissions .

International Students

International students are required to verify English language proficiency using one of the methods outlined by the Office of Admissions details can be found at Texas A&M University Office of Admissions.

Lauren Johnson

[email protected]

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service | Texas A&M AgriLife Research | Texas A&M Forest Service | Texas A&M AgriLife Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab | College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Search NYU Steinhardt

Doctor of Philosophy Food Studies

The doctoral degree in food studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of food. Employing methods from the humanities and social sciences, this PhD prepares you to teach and conduct research at the university level as well as at institutions outside academia.

Degree Details

Official degree title.

PhD in Food Studies

* A 36-credit track is available to those who have already earned a master's degree in Food Studies or the equivalent.

Your Academic Experience

Careers and outcomes.

In consultation with an adviser and a doctoral committee, you will tailor your studies and dissertation to a particular research interest. 

Current program research focuses on themes such as:

• The evolving relationship between food and ideas about health in a hospital setting
• The intersection of food, culture, and identity
• Immigrant foodways, ethnic restaurants, street vending, and questions of power and cultural difference
• The economics of policies and private sector efforts designed to address social and environmental costs of the food system
• Cultural politics, in particular local and traditional foods in the global market
• Immigration history, social movements, racial formations, agricultural labor, and questions about workers and American food systems
• The relationship between public policies and health, including programs aimed at improving food and exercise environments

Learn more about the Food Studies PhD degree process  and view the full curriculum .

Our PhD in Food Studies prepares you to thrive in positions as researchers and educators at the university level, or within institutions outside academia.

Funding for Full-Time PhD Students

If you are accepted as a full-time NYU Steinhardt PhD student without an alternate funding source, you are eligible for our generous funding package, which includes a scholarship and tuition remission.  Learn more about our funding opportunities .

All applicants to full-time doctoral study will automatically be considered for  Steinhardt-based fellowships .

Questions 

If you have any additional questions about our degree, please feel free to contact Krishnendu Ray at [email protected] .

Nutrition and Food Studies

411 Lafayette Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10003 Phone: 212-998-5580 Email: [email protected]

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Advance your personal and professional journey – apply to join our community of students.

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• Food Science, PhD

The graduate program in the Department of Food Science ranks among the best of its kind in the United States. Strong faculty research groups exist in food chemistry, food engineering, food microbiology, and health. The PhD track in these areas combines an array of in-depth courses with the use of advanced research methods for studying food properties: chemical, physical, physiological, and bioactive characteristics; material properties; microbial control and safety; sensory quality; procedures for the processing, storage, and preservation of foods.

Research areas in which the department has special expertise include chemical attributes of proteins, enzymes, lipids, flavors, bioactive components, and pigments; processes for crystallizing, separating, freezing, and drying; food safety (detection, control, and mechanistic action of pathogenic microorganisms, and undesirable chemicals in food); process optimization and validation of critical processing limits. Commodity foci include dairy products, confectionery products, fruits and vegetables, muscle foods, and fermented products.

The department occupies Babcock Hall, a building with excellent facilities for instruction and research. Availability of appropriate instruments, equipment, and pilot-plant facilities enables research on the above topics to be conducted in a manner that has impact worldwide.

About 40–50 students from many countries are currently pursuing both the MS and PhD degrees in the areas mentioned above. This includes some graduate students working in programs associated with the Food Research Institute and closely allied departments.

Individuals obtaining advanced degrees in food science will find employment opportunities in academic instruction and research, government research or regulatory programs, and industrial research, development, or quality assurance. Historically, the department's placement record for graduating students has been very good.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Admitted applicants must meet the Graduate School minimum requirements , including completion of a bachelor's degree which typically consists of a satisfactory undergraduate education in fields such as food science, dairy science, chemistry, most biological sciences (e.g., biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition), and engineering (especially chemical and agricultural).

Recommendation for admission is determined almost solely by the faculty member food science or affiliated faculty member .  Final admission is determined by the Graduate School.

The recommendation for admission is made usually based on the review of the following:

• applicant's online application
• academic record (scanned PDF academic transcripts)
• English proficiency for international degree-seeking applicants. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information.
• recommendation letters (three)
• personal statement (reasons for graduate study) up to two pages double-spaced
• CV or resume
• applicant's particular research interest(s) as indicated in supplemental application
• available funding/space in their research lab

After the application is submitted, applicants should contact  faculty  members directly (via email) to discuss research opportunities in their labs.  Some dialogue can be exchanged in advance. Applicants must submit a formal application to UW-Madison before being considered for admission. The Department of Food Science cannot take any action regarding admission until the application is complete. We do not pre-screen applications, nor do we provide an informal assessment of qualifications based on volunteered documents from individuals prior to application. 

Applicants interested in applying for the food science program should look closely at the  website  for specific information about the admissions process.

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

We recommend that your application be complete by the application deadlines in order to be considered for funding. Financial assistance is sometimes available to qualified individuals in the form of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or fellowships. Fellowships are granted to students meeting specific criteria and with outstanding academic records. Research assistantships are awarded by individual professors through funds available to their research programs. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis and renewed annually pending the student's satisfactory progress. (Teaching assistant positions in food science are available primarily to students who have already been enrolled for at least two semesters.)

Please be advised that you do not need to make a separate application for financial support as your admission application will also serve as an application for assistantships and fellowships. 

Prospective students are encouraged to search and apply for external funding sources (scholarships and fellowships) on their own.  (If faculty do not have funding or lab space available, they often do not accept new students into their labs.) Additionally, prospective students are encouraged to apply for graduate assistantship (teaching, research, or project) positions in other UW–Madison departments to potentially defray the costs of their studies.  See  Graduate School Funding pages  for more information.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Mode of Instruction

Mode of Instruction Definitions

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

Curricular Requirements

Required Courses

Graduate School Policies

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Major-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate credits earned at other institutions.

Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.

Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison

Prior coursework taken as an undergraduate student at other institutions or UW-Madison does not transfer in for credit, but may satisfy specific food science course requirements.  In that case, students do not need to take the food science course requirement, but do need to choose, in consultation with their advisor, another course with at least the same number of credits.

Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)

Credits earned as a university special student at uw–madison.

Prior coursework taken as a University Special student does not transfer in for credit, but may satisfy specific food science course requirements.  In that case, students do not need to take the food science course requirement, but do need to choose, in consultation with their advisor, another course with at least the same number of credits.

Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

Refer to the Graduate School: Advisor and Graduate School: Committees (Doctoral/Master’s/MFA) policies.

Credits Per Term Allowed

Time limits.

It is expected that students will complete all degree requirements in five years.

Dissertators cannot schedule their dissertation defense sooner than six months after the actual  date of passing the preliminary examination.

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS)  (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences: Grievance Policy  

In the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), any student who feels unfairly treated by a member of the CALS faculty or staff has the right to complain about the treatment and to receive a prompt hearing. Some complaints may arise from misunderstandings or communication breakdowns and be easily resolved; others may require formal action. Complaints may concern any matter of perceived unfairness.

To ensure a prompt and fair hearing of any complaint, and to protect the rights of both the person complaining and the person at whom the complaint is directed, the following procedures are used in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Any student, undergraduate or graduate, may use these procedures, except employees whose complaints are covered under other campus policies.

• The student should first talk with the person at whom the complaint is directed. Most issues can be settled at this level. Others may be resolved by established departmental procedures.
• If the complaint involves an academic department in CALS the student should proceed in accordance with item 3 below.
• If the grievance involves a unit in CALS that is not an academic department, the student should proceed in accordance with item 4 below.
• If informal mediation fails, the student can submit the grievance in writing to the grievance advisor within 10 working days of the date the student is informed of the failure of the mediation attempt by the grievance advisor. The grievance advisor will provide a copy to the person at whom the grievance is directed.
• The grievance advisor will refer the complaint to a department committee that will obtain a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, providing a copy to the student. Either party may request a hearing before the committee. The grievance advisor will provide both parties a written decision within 20 working days from the date of receipt of the written complaint.
• If the grievance involves the department chairperson, the grievance advisor or a member of the grievance committee, these persons may not participate in the review.
• If not satisfied with departmental action, either party has 10 working days from the date of notification of the departmental committee action to file a written appeal to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. A subcommittee of this committee will make a preliminary judgement as to whether the case merits further investigation and review. If the subcommittee unanimously determines that the case does not merit further investigation and review, its decision is final. If one or more members of the subcommittee determine that the case does merit further investigation and review, the subcommittee will investigate and seek to resolve the dispute through mediation. If this mediation attempt fails, the subcommittee will bring the case to the full committee. The committee may seek additional information from the parties or hold a hearing. The committee will present a written recommendation to the dean who will provide a final decision within 20 working days of receipt of the committee recommendation.
• If the alleged unfair treatment occurs in a CALS unit that is not an academic department, the student should, within 120 calendar days of the alleged incident, take his/her grievance directly to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. The dean will attempt to resolve the problem informally within 10 working days of receiving the complaint. If this mediation attempt does not succeed the student may file a written complaint with the dean who will refer it to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. The committee will seek a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, subsequently following other steps delineated in item 3d above.

Students are admitted by faculty in the department through direct admission. 

• Professional Development

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

• Learning Outcomes
• Articulates potentials and limits of core paradigms in food science; formulates ideas and extrapolations beyond current boundaries of knowledge.
• Develops breadth through competencies in minor field(s) of study.
• Fosters ethical and professional conduct.
• Critically evaluates evidence to articulate research questions and develop appropriate research hypotheses.
• Formulates an effective experimental design and develops appropriate methodology to address problems in a systematic manner.
• Creates knowledge that makes a substantive contribution to the field and articulates how society may benefit.
• Communicates complex ideas in a succinct and understandable manner to diverse audiences.
• Develops mentoring and teaching skills.

Professors: Hartel, Ingham, Lucey, Rankin (chair)

Assistant Professors: Bolling, Girard, Huynh, Ujor, van Pijkeren

• Requirements

Contact Information

Food Science College of Agricultural and Life Sciences [email protected] foodsci.wisc.edu

Graduate Program Coordinator [email protected] 608-263-6388 105 Babcock Hall 1605 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706 https://foodsci.wisc.edu/grad.php

Director of Graduate Study [email protected] 608-263-6388 105 Babcock Hall 1605 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706 https://foodsci.wisc.edu/grad.php

Graduate School grad.wisc.edu

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Food science and technology (phd), food science and technology , phd.

Advancing available healthy foods through safety and processing sustainability.

Description

As a graduate student in our program, you will work closely with internationally recognized faculty. Our research areas are dedicated to solving real problems within the food system, from harvest to food processing to consumption to individual health. We invite you to work long side faculty conducting research on food allergens, bioinformatics, biotechnology, food chemistry, food engineering, human health, food microbiology, food processing, food safety, and risk analysis.

Food Science and Technology faculty are located in the Food Innovation Center on Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC). The Food Innovation Center includes state-of-the-art classrooms, teaching labs, and wet/dry lab research space. It also includes clinical facilities, sensory lab, and pilot plants.

The program is highly flexible allowing you to tailor your curriculum to meet your individual interests and goals. Alumni now hold positions in industry, at academic institutions and in government agencies.

Career Pathways

• Industry positions at major food companies
• Research positions in government and major research centers
• Academic positions at major research universities

Specializations

• Bioinformatics

Applying for Admission

Standard requirements for all graduate programs.

• Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee .

If International: Uploads must include all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations.

After admission: Official documents are required from all students who are admitted and enroll. Photocopies of certified records are not acceptable. International students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certified copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current school’s registrar office.

When sending TOEFL scores, our institution code is 6877 and a department code is not needed.

• If applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa: financial information .
• Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

Additional requirements specific to this program.

• Resume or curriculum vitae: Include prior educational, research, teaching, internship/work, and volunteer experiences. Applicants are also encouraged to include information about awards, publications, and presentations, and highlight any extra-curricular and/or leadership activities.
• Personal Statement: In two pages or less, describe 1) your motifation for pursuing a graduate degree in Food Science; 2) your relevant experiences (research, teaching, internships/work, volunteering) that have prepared you for graduate school; and 3) what you want to gain during graduate school. Where appropriate, include examples of your ability to overcome obstacles, your initiative, and your communication skills. Although you do not need to identify an advisor to apply, indicate if there are specific faculty members you are interested in working with and why.
• Other Upload: FDST-PHD Professional Development Supplemental Form PDF .
• Three recommendation letters
• Publications, Certifications, etc. (optional):  On the application's Additional Information page, you may upload or provide a URL for abstracts, publications, documentation of special recognitions or certifications, etc. Do not duplicate information/documents uploaded elsewhere in the application.
• Funding/Assistantship:  Doctoral applicants must indicate and obtain funding other than personal/self-funded.

Admission Application Deadlines

Food Science And Technology

Campus Address

Food Innovation Center 1901 N 21st St<br>Lincoln NE 68588-6205

Graduate Chair

Amanda Ramer-Tait

Support Staff

Julie McManamey

Related Programs

• MS Food Science and Technology
• Cert Food Safety and Defense
• PhD Nutrition

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.

UNL Graduate Chairs and staff please complete the program update form to provide edits. Updates to graduate program pages are made on an annual basis in conjunction with the Graduate Application for Admission.

Texas A&M University Catalogs

Doctor of philosophy in food science and technology.

Graduate degrees in Food Science and Technology are administered by the Graduate Faculty of Food Science within the Department of Food Science and Technology in accordance with all relevant policies and procedures of Texas A&M University. 

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is offered and may be obtained through an appropriate course of study, completion of research or other requirements, successful completion of university-directed administrative procedures, and successful defense of the dissertation. Students may pursue fundamental and/or translational (i.e. applied) research in the areas of food chemistry, products processing, food microbiology and safety including probiotic microbiology, engineering and rheology, food packaging, ingredients technology, meat or poultry science, cereals science and processing, plant bioactives, sensory analysis, etc. A process of research or study will be outlined by the student with guidance from the student’s graduate advisory committee membership.

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program

Program Requirements

• Student's Advisory Committee

Degree Plan

Transfer of credit, research proposal, preliminary examination, preliminary examination format, preliminary examination scheduling, preliminary examination grading, failure of the preliminary examination, retake of failed preliminary examination, final examination, final examination grading, dissertation, student’s advisory committee.

After receiving admission to graduate studies and enrolling, the student will consult with the head of their major or administrative department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty) concerning appointment of the chair of the advisory committee. The student’s advisory committee will consist of  no fewer than four members of the graduate faculty  representative of the student’s several fields of study and research, where the chair or co-chair must be from the student’s department (or intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), and  at least one or more of the members must have an appointment to a department other than the student’s major department . The outside member for a student in an interdisciplinary degree program must be from a department different from the chair of the student’s committee.

The chair, in consultation with the student, will select the remainder of the advisory committee. Only graduate faculty members located on Texas A&M University campuses may serve as chair of a student’s advisory committee. Other Texas A&M University graduate faculty members located off-campus may serve as a member or co-chair (but not chair), with a member as the chair.

If the chair of a student’s advisory committee voluntarily leaves the University and the student is near completion of the degree and wants the chair to continue to serve in this role, the student is responsible for securing a current member of the University Graduate Faculty, from the student’s academic program and located near the Texas A&M University campus site, to serve as the co-chair of the committee. The Department Head or Chair of Intercollegiate faculty may request in writing to the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School that a faculty member who is on an approved leave of absence or has voluntarily separated from the university, be allowed to continue to serve in the role of chair of a student’s advisory committee without a co-chair for up to one year. The students should be near completion of the degree. Extensions beyond the one year period can be granted with additional approval of the Dean.

The committee members’ signatures on the degree plan indicate their willingness to accept the responsibility for guiding and directing the entire academic program of the student and for initiating all academic actions concerning the student. Although individual committee members may be replaced by petition for valid reasons, a committee cannot resign  en masse . The chair of the committee, who usually has immediate supervision of the student’s research and dissertation or record of study, has the responsibility for calling all meetings of the committee. The duties of the committee include responsibility for the proposed degree plan, the research proposal, the preliminary examination, the dissertation or record of study and the final examination. In addition, the committee, as a group and as individual members, is responsible for counseling the student on academic matters, and, in the case of academic deficiency, initiating recommendations to the Graduate and Professional School.

The student’s advisory committee will evaluate the student’s previous education and degree objectives. The committee, in consultation with the student, will develop a proposed degree plan and outline a research problem which, when completed, as indicated by the dissertation (or its equivalent for the degree of Doctor of Education or the degree of Doctor of Engineering), will constitute the basic requirements for the degree. The degree plan must be filed with the Graduate and Professional School prior to the deadline imposed by the student’s college and no later than 90 days prior to the preliminary examination.

This proposed degree plan should be submitted through the online Document Processing Submission System located on the website  http://ogsdpss.tamu.edu . A minimum of 64 hours is required on the degree plan for the Doctor of Philosophy for a student who has completed a master’s degree. A student who has completed a DDS/DMD, DVM or a MD at a U.S. institution is also required to complete a minimum of 64 hours. A student who has completed a baccalaureate degree but not a master’s degree will be required to complete a 96-hour degree plan. Completion of a DDS/DMD, DVM or MD degree at a foreign institution requires completion of a minimum of 96 hours for the Doctor of Philosophy. A field of study may be primarily in one department or in a combination of departments. A degree plan must carry a reasonable amount of 691 (research). A maximum of 9 hours of 400-level undergraduate courses may be used toward meeting credit-hour requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy.

Additional coursework may be added by petition to the approved degree plan by the student’s advisory committee if it is deemed necessary to correct deficiencies in the student’s academic preparation. No changes can be made to the degree plan once the student’s Request for Final Examination is approved by the Graduate and Professional School.

Approval to enroll in any professional course (900-level) should be obtained from the head of the department (or Chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable) in which the course will be offered before including such a course on a degree plan.

No credit may be obtained by correspondence study, by extension or for any course of fewer than three weeks duration.

For non-distance degree programs, no more than 50 percent of the non-research credit hours required for the program may be completed through distance education courses.

To receive a graduate degree from Texas A&M University, students must earn one-third or more of the credits through the institution’s own direct instruction. This limitation also applies to joint degree programs. 

Courses for which transfer credits are sought must have been completed with a grade of B or greater and must be approved by the student’s advisory committee and the Graduate and Professional School. These courses must not have been used previously for another degree. Except for officially approved cooperative doctoral programs, credit for thesis or dissertation research or the equivalent is not transferable. Credit for “internship” coursework in any form is not transferable. Courses taken in residence at an accredited U.S. institution or approved international institution with a final grade of B or greater will be considered for transfer credit if, at the time the courses were completed, the courses would be accepted for credit toward a similar degree for a student in degree-seeking status at the host institution. Credit for coursework taken by extension is not transferable. Coursework  in which no formal grades are given or in which grades other than letter grades (A or B) are earned (for example, CR, P, S, U, H, etc.) is not accepted for transfer credit . Credit for coursework submitted for transfer from any college or university must be shown in semester credit hours, or equated to semester credit hours.

Courses used toward a degree at another institution may not be applied for graduate credit. If the course to be transferred was taken prior to the conferral of a degree at the transfer institution, a letter from the registrar at that institution stating that the course was not applied for credit toward the degree must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.

Grades for courses completed at other institutions are not included in computing the GPA. An official transcript from the university at which transfer courses are taken must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

The general field of research to be used for the dissertation should be agreed on by the student and the advisory committee at their first meeting, as a basis for selecting the proper courses to support the proposed research.

As soon thereafter as the research project can be outlined in reasonable detail, the dissertation research proposal should be completed. The research proposal should be approved at a meeting of the student’s advisory committee, at which time the feasibility of the proposed research and the adequacy of available facilities should be reviewed. The approved proposal, signed by all members of the student’s advisory committee, the head of the student’s major department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School at least 20 working days prior to the submission of the Request for the Final Examination.

Compliance issues must be addressed if a graduate student is performing research involving human subjects, animals, infectious biohazards and recombinant DNA. A student involved in these types of research should check with the Office of Research Compliance and Biosafety at (979) 458-1467 to address questions about all research compliance responsibilities. Additional information can also be obtained on the website  http:// rcb.tamu.edu .

Examinations

The student’s major department (or chair of the interdisciplinary degree program faculty, if applicable) and their advisory committee may require qualifying, cumulative or other types of examinations at any time deemed desirable. These examinations are entirely at the discretion of the department and the student’s advisory committee.

The preliminary examination is required. The preliminary examination for a doctoral student shall be given no earlier than a date at which the student is within 6 credit hours of completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan (i.e., all coursework on the degree plan except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The student should complete the Preliminary Examination no later than the end of the semester following the completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan.

The objective of preliminary examination is to evaluate whether the student has demonstrated the following qualifications:

a.     a mastery of the subject matter of all fields in the program;

b.     an adequate knowledge of the literature in these fields and an ability to carry out bibliographical research;

c.     an understanding of the research problem and the appropriate methodological approaches.

The format of the preliminary examination shall be determined by the student’s department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) and advisory committee, and communicated to the student in advance of the examination. The exam may consist of a written component, oral component, or combination of written and oral components.

The preliminary exam may be administered by the advisory committee or a departmental committee; herein referred to as the examination committee.

Regardless of exam format, a student will receive an overall preliminary exam result of pass or fail. The department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) will determine how the overall pass or fail result is determined based on the exam structure and internal department procedures. If the exam is administered by the advisory committee, each advisory committee member will provide a pass or fail evaluation decision.

Only one advisory committee substitution is allowed to provide an evaluation decision for a student’s preliminary exam, and it cannot be the committee chair.

If a student is required to take, as a part of the preliminary examination, a written component administered by a department or interdisciplinary degree program, the department or interdisciplinary degree program faculty must:

a.     offer the examination at least once every six months. The departmental or interdisciplinary degree program examination should be announced at least 30 days prior to the scheduled examination date.

b.     assume the responsibility for marking the examination satisfactory or unsatisfactory, or otherwise graded, and in the case of unsatisfactory, stating specifically the reasons for such a mark.

c.     forward the marked examination to the chair of the student’s advisory committee within one week after the examination.

Students are eligible for to schedule the preliminary examination in the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) if they meet the following list of eligibility requirements:

Student is registered at Texas A&M University for a minimum of one semester credit hour in the long semester or summer term during which any component of the preliminary examination is held. If the entire examination is held between semesters, then the student must be registered for the term immediately preceding the examination.

An approved degree plan is on file with the Graduate and Professional School prior to commencing the first component of the examination.

Student’s cumulative GPA is at least 3.000.

Student’s degree plan GPA is at least 3.000.

At the end of the semester in which at least the first component of the exam is given, there are no more than 6 hours of coursework remaining on the degree plan (except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The head of the student’s department (or Chair of the Interdisciplinary Degree Program, if applicable) has the authority to approve a waiver of this criterion.

Credit for the preliminary examination is not transferable in cases where a student changes degree programs after passing a preliminary exam.

If a written component precedes an oral component of the preliminary exam, the chair of the student’s examination committee is responsible for making all written examinations available to all members of the committee. A positive evaluation of the preliminary exam by all members of a student’s examination committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their preliminary exam.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Preliminary Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) within 10 working days of completion of the preliminary examination.

If an approved examination committee member substitution (one only) has been made, their approval must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS. The approval of the designated department approver is also required on the request.

After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the Fall 2023 semester will expire at the end of the Fall 2027 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the Summer and Fall 2023 semesters will expire at the end of the Summer 2027 semester.

First Failure

Upon approval of a student’s examination committee (with no more than one member dissenting), and approval of the Department and Graduate and Professional School, a student who has failed a preliminary examination may be given one re-examination. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5, the student’s department head or designee, intercollegiate faculty, or graduate advisory committee should make a recommendation to the student regarding their scholastic deficiency.

Second Failure

Upon failing the preliminary exam twice in a doctoral program, a student is no longer eligible to continue to pursue the PhD in that program/major. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5.3 and/or 12.5.4, the student will be notified of the action being taken by the department as a result of the second failure of the preliminary examination.

Adequate time must be given to permit a student to address inadequacies emerging from the first preliminary examination. The examination committee must agree upon and communicate to the student, in writing, an adequate time-frame from the first examination (normally six months) to retest, as well as a detailed explanation of the inadequacies emerging from the examination. The student and committee should jointly negotiate a mutually acceptable date for this retest.  When providing feedback on inadequacies, the committee should clearly document expected improvements that the student must be able to exhibit in order to retake the exam.  The examination committee will document and communicate the time-frame and feedback within 10 working days of the exam that was not passed.

Candidates for the doctoral degrees must pass a final examination by deadline dates announced in the  Graduate and Professional School Calendar  each semester. A doctoral student is allowed only one opportunity to take the final examination.

No unabsolved grades of D, F, or U for any course can be listed on the degree plan. The student must be registered for any remaining hours of 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 791 or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog during the semester of the final exam. No student may be given a final examination until they have been admitted to candidacy and their current official cumulative and degree plan GPAs are 3.00 or better.

Refer to the  Admission to Candidacy  section of the graduate catalog for candidacy requirements.

A request to schedule the final examination must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS a minimum of 10 working days in advance of the scheduled date. Any changes to the degree plan must be approved by the Graduate and Professional School prior to the submission of the request for final examination.

The student’s advisory committee will conduct this examination. Only one committee member substitution is allowed with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School. If the substitution is for the sole external member of the advisory committee - with an appointment to a department other than the student's major department - then the substitute must also be external to the student's major department. In extenuating circumstances, with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School, an exception to this requirement may be granted.

The final examination is not to be administered until the dissertation or record of study is available in substantially final form to the student’s advisory committee, and all concerned have had adequate time to review the document.  Whereas the final examination may cover the broad field of the candidate’s training, it is presumed that the major portion of the time will be devoted to the dissertation and closely allied topics. Persons other than members of the graduate faculty may, with mutual consent of the candidate and the chair of the advisory committee, be invited to attend a final examination for an advanced degree. A positive vote by all members of the graduate committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their exam. A department can have a stricter requirement provided there is consistency within all degree programs within a department. Upon completion of the questioning of the candidate, all visitors must excuse themselves from the proceedings.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Final Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) within 10 working days of completion of the final examination. The Graduate and Professional School will be automatically notified via ARCS of any cancellations.

A positive evaluation of the final exam by all members of a student’s advisory committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their final exam. If an approved committee member substitution (1 only) has been made, their approval must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS.

The dissertation,  which must be a candidate's original work demonstrates the ability to perform independent research . Whereas acceptance of the dissertation is based primarily on its scholarly merit, it must also exhibit creditable literary workmanship. Dissertation formatting must be acceptable to the Graduate and Professional School as outlined in the Guidelines for Theses, Dissertations, and Records of Study.

After successful defense and approval by the student’s advisory committee and the head of the student’s major department (or chair of intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), a student must submit the dissertation in electronic format as a single PDF file to https://etd.tamu.edu/ . Additionally, a dissertation approval form with original signatures must be received by the Graduate and Professional School through the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS). Both the PDF file and the completed ARCS approval form must be received by the deadline.

Deadline dates for submitting are announced each semester or summer term in the Graduate and Professional School Calendar (see Time Limit statement). These dates also can be accessed via the  Graduate and Professional School website .

Each student who submits a document for review is assessed a one-time thesis/dissertation processing fee through Student Business Services. This processing fee is for the thesis/dissertation services provided. After commencement, dissertations are digitally stored and made available through the Texas A&M Libraries.

A dissertation that is deemed unacceptable by the Graduate and Professional School because of excessive corrections will be returned to the student’s department head or chair of the intercollegiate faculty . The manuscript must be resubmitted as a new document, and the entire review process must begin anew. All original submittal deadlines must be met during the resubmittal process to graduate.

Additional Requirements

Continuous registration, admission to candidacy.

• 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degree

Application for Degree

A student who enters the doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree must spend one academic year plus one semester in resident study at Texas A&M University. A student who holds master’s degree when they enter a doctoral degree program must spend one academic year in resident study. One academic year may include two adjacent regular semesters or one regular semester and one adjacent 10-week summer semester. The third semester is not required to be adjacent to the one year. Enrollment for each semester must be a minimum of 9 credit hours each to satisfy the residence requirement. A minimum of 1 credit hour must be in a non-distance education delivery mode. Semesters in which the student is enrolled in all distance education coursework will not count toward fulfillment of the residence requirement.

To satisfy the residence requirement, the student must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester or 10-week summer semester in resident study at Texas A&M University for the required period. A student who enters a doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree may fulfill residence requirements in excess of one academic year (18 credit hours) by registration during summer sessions or by completion of a less-than-full course load (in this context a full course load is considered 9 credit hours per semester).

Students who are employed full-time while completing their degree may fulfill total residence requirements by completion of less-than-full time course loads each semester. In order to be considered for this, the student is required to submit a Petition for Waivers and Exceptions along with verification of employment to the Graduate and Professional School. An employee should submit verification of employment at the time they submit the degree plan. See  Registration.

See  Residence Requirements .

All requirements for doctoral degrees must be completed within a period of ten consecutive calendar years for the degree to be granted. A course will be considered valid until 10 years after the end of the semester in which it is taken. Graduate credit for coursework more than ten calendar years old at the time of the final oral examination may not be used to satisfy degree requirements.

After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the fall 2019 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2019 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester.

A final corrected version of the dissertation or record of study in electronic format as a single PDF file must be cleared by the Graduate and Professional School within one year of the semester in which the final exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a final exam taken and passed during the fall 2022 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A final exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2022 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester. Failure to do so will result in the degree not being awarded.

A student in a program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy who has completed all coursework on their degree plan other than 691 (research) are required to be in continuous registration until all requirements for the degree have been completed. See  Continuous Registration Requirements .

To be admitted to candidacy for a doctoral degree, a student must have:

• completed all formal coursework on the degree plan with the exception of any remaining 681, 684, 690 and 691, or 791.
• a 3.0 Graduate GPA and a Degree Plan GPA of at least 3.0 with no grade lower than C in any course on the degree plan,
• passed the preliminary examination (written and oral portions),
• submitted an approved dissertation proposal,
• met the residence requirements. The final examination will not be authorized for any doctoral student who has not been admitted to candidacy.

A student is required to possess a competent command of English. For English language proficiency requirements, see the Admissions section of this catalog. The doctoral (PhD) foreign language requirement at Texas A&M University is a departmental option, to be administered and monitored by the individual departments of academic instruction.

99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees

In Texas, public colleges and universities are funded by the state according to the number of students enrolled. In accordance with legislation passed by the Texas Legislature, the number of hours for which state universities may receive subvention funding at the doctoral rate for any individual is limited to 99 hours. Texas A&M and other universities will not receive subvention for hours in excess of the limit.

Institutions of higher education are allowed to charge the equivalent of non-resident tuition to a resident doctoral student who has enrolled in 100 or more semester credit hours of doctoral coursework.

Doctoral students at Texas A&M have seven years to complete their degree before being charged out-of-state tuition. A doctoral student who, after seven years of study, has accumulated 100 or more doctoral hours will be charged tuition at a rate equivalent to out-of-state tuition. Please note that the tuition increases will apply to Texas residents as well as students from other states and countries who are currently charged tuition at the resident rate. This includes those doctoral students who hold GAT, GANT, and GAR appointments or recipients of competitive fellowships who receive more than $1,000 per semester. Doctoral students who have not accumulated 100 hours after seven years of study are eligible to pay in-state tuition if otherwise eligible.

Doctoral students who exceed the credit limit will receive notification from the Graduate and Professional School during the semester in which they are enrolled and exceeding the limit in their current degree program. The notification will explain that the State of Texas does not provide funding for any additional hours in which a student is enrolled in excess of 99 hours. Texas A&M University will recover the lost funds by requiring students in excess of 99 hours to pay tuition at the non-funded, non-resident rate. This non-funded, non-resident tuition rate status will be updated for the following semester and in all subsequent semesters until receipt of a doctoral degree. Please see the  Tuition Calculator  at the non-resident rate for an example of potential charges.

The following majors are exempt from the 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees and have a limit of 130 doctoral hours:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
• Biomedical Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Health Services Research
• Medical Sciences
• Microbiology
• Neurosciences (College of Medicine)
• Oral and Craniofacial Biomedical Sciences
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Public Health Sciences
• School Psychology

For information on applying for your degree, please visit the  Graduation  section.

We have 41 Food Sciences PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Food Sciences

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Food Sciences PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Embarking on a PhD in Food Science opens up a world dedicated to understanding and improving the way we produce, process, and consume food. This advanced path of study immerses candidates in the scientific principles underlying food properties, safety, and sustainability.

Through PhDs in Food Science, students tackle pressing global challenges, such as enhancing nutritional value, ensuring food safety, reducing waste, and developing innovative food technologies. These programmes are not merely an academic endeavour; they are a quest to contribute meaningful innovations to the food industry and address complex issues related to health, nutrition, and the environmental impact of food production.

Why complete a PhD in Food Science?

A PhD in Food Science offers the unique opportunity to contribute to an essential and ever-evolving field. By engaging in cutting-edge research, candidates explore the biochemical, microbiological, and physicochemical processes related to food products and their consumption.

These programmes are designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of food systems, enabling them to uncover new ways to improve food quality, extend shelf life, and enhance nutritional benefits. Given the global nature of the food industry, research in food science often has an international impact, influencing food standards, safety regulations, and consumer trends worldwide. The collaborative research environment fosters partnerships with industry experts and other researchers, creating a dynamic platform for innovation.

In terms of employment, earning a PhD in Food Science opens the door to a variety of rewarding career opportunities. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in academia, where they can contribute to scientific knowledge and educate future food scientists.

In the industry, PhD holders take on leadership positions in research and development, quality assurance, product innovation, and regulatory affairs, among others. Their deep understanding of food science principles and research skills make them valuable assets to food companies, government agencies, and non-profit organisations focused on public health and sustainability.

Innovative approaches to valorise oats processing side streams WD_2024_04_SPONS

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Join a world-leading, joint PhD program with a generous scholarship

Funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Australia PhD Programme

An Australian PhD usually takes 3 years of independent study towards an original thesis. Unlike most countries, this will usually be assessed as a piece of written work, without an oral ‘viva voce’ exam. However, some universities may arrange an online viva.

Using AI to Promote Healthier and Sustainable Food Choices for Consumers and Farmers

Conversation between food nanoparticles and gastrointestinal cells: signalling, bioavailability, and healthy ageing, funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

FAIROmics - PhD fellowship in Rational design of starter cultures for plant-based fermented foods based on genome mining and fermentation studies

Competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Take your research degree with the School of Science, Monash University Malaysia

International phd programme.

International PhD programs are often designed for international students. Your PhD will usually be delivered in English, though some opportunities to gain and use additional language skills might also be available. Students may propose their own PhD topics or apply for advertised projects.

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Formulation Engineering for Net Zero

Epsrc centre for doctoral training.

EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training conduct research and training in priority areas funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Potential PhD topics are usually defined in advance. Students may receive additional training and development opportunities as part of their programme.

Farm slurry into green fertiliser, diesel, and hydrogen

Self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Characterisation and Scale-up of Rotor-Stator Mixers for Sustainable Manufacturing

Illegal water use: assessing the extent, drivers, and solutions in irrigated agriculture, epsrc supported engd: towards net-zero manufacture of chilled/refrigerated prepared foods, impact of grain roughness on porous media flows under conditions relevant to the subsurface, intra-inter-disciplinary approaches to address open challenges of indoor and outdoor scene for videos analysis and recognition., sustainability integration of low-carbon production and consumption within the food system, advancing liquid atmospheric pressure (lap) maldi mass spectrometry.

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PhD in Food Science

Join one of the nation’s oldest and strongest food science programs..

Food science as a formal academic discipline began at UMass Amherst in 1918, and now, more than a century later, the program at UMass remains one of the world’s best. The PhD in food science will prepare you to be a researcher, scholar, and leader in the field.

In your work in the program, you’ll delve into a range of research areas, choosing from specialties in food biotechnology, physical-chemical properties of food, food safety, and foods for health and wellness.

The Department of Food Science has been ranked the #1 food science PhD research program in the U.S. by the National Research Council, and UMass has been ranked the #3 best university for food science and technology by U.S. News & World Report .

We have a long history of training food science professionals, with our graduates moving on to careers within the food industry, higher education, and government.

Related offerings

Students interested in our PhD in Food Science may also be interested in these other offerings.

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science
• Minor in Food Science
• Master of Science in Food Science

Featured faculty

Lili He is the department head and a professor in the Department of Food Science.

Food Science

A highly interdisciplinary field focused on providing nutritious, safe, and wholesome food for populations around the world.

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