Food science
Master of Science
Overview
Safer, stronger, science-based food systems
The Master of Science in food science program is designed to provide advanced training for students seeking careers in the food industry, government or regulatory agencies.
The program emphasizes coursework in food chemistry, food engineering, food microbiology, sensory science, and safety, along with a thesis or applied project. Research at this level generally focuses on solving practical problems related to food quality, safety, or product development.
Graduates are well-prepared for roles in product innovation, quality assurance, and technical support, or pursuing a doctoral degree.
Cultivating innovation in food science
Application information
Ready to earn your food science degree? To ensure you meet the degree-specific requirements for admission, review the following criteria:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- Undergraduate GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo: 79/6.5/115 (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language)
- Number of references: Three
- Other requirements: No
Program availability
- Concentration: Thesis and non-thesis
- Semester intake: Fall, Spring
- Eligible for international admission
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Contact information
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences contact
Brenda Murdoch
bmurdoch@uidaho.edu
Graduate Admissions contact
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001
Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences faculty advisor contacts
- Food Chemistry: Ningjian Liang
nliang@uidaho.edu - Food Engineering: Fidele Abedi
fabedi@uidaho.edu - Food Microbiology: Tracey Lee Peters
tpeters@uidaho.edu
Costs, funding and research
To learn how you can fund your graduate degree, check out the Graduate Funding page.
Visit Financial Aid to find detailed information about the cost of attendance.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Degree fit
This degree could be a good fit if you:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in food science, microbiology or chemistry
- Want to lead research in the lab
- Are interested in developing new food innovations
- Are imaginative and creative
Sound like you? Check out the M.S. in food science degree curriculum to learn more.
Hands-on learning
- Access to facilities and resources in two states.
- Learn at both U of I and WSU campuses and labs.
- Design and conduct scientific experiments.
- Mentor undergraduates in research or club activities.
- Join faculty in international research projects.
- Present research at professional society events and competitions.
- Collaborate with the UIdaho Food Technology Center, Meat Science and Innovation Center, Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE) or the USDA Western Wheat Quality Lab.
Clubs
- Food Science Club
- Graduate and Professional Student Association
- College Bowl Team
- Food Product Development Team
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,113 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Food Scientists and Technologists
$86,297 - Quality Control Systems Managers
$118,945 - Postsecondary Agricultural Sciences Teachers
$82,848 - Health Educators
$70,495
* Career data provided by Lightcast.