Food science

The Ph.D. in food science is a 78-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

View the program handbook.

Check out the Ph.D. in food science degree curriculum to learn more.

Learning objectives

• Understand issues, theories and emerging problems in food science and related disciplines
• Formulate effective experimental designs and develop methodologies to solve food-related issues
• Conduct original, independent research that makes a contribution to the global food system
• Communicate complex scientific concepts in an understandable manner to the general public or policymakers

Hands-on learning

• Access to facilities and resources.
• 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 U of I  Food Technology Center, Meat Science and Innovation Center, Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (Idaho CAFE) or the USDA Western Wheat Quality Lab.  

Related clubs and organizations

• Food Science Club
• Graduate and Professional Student Association
• AVFS Grad Student Association  
• College Bowl Team
• Food Product Development Team 

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities, and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.  
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.  
• Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.  
• Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.  

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

View financial aid resources

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance on curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences contact: 
Brenda Murdoch
bmurdoch@uidaho.edu

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions: 

Graduate Admissions contact: 
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page. 

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 

See full list of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences faculty here

Applicants for the Ph.D. in food science must meet the following admission requirements:

Program availability

• Semester intake: Fall or spring
  • Open to international applicants
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent directly to Graduate Admissions by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.  
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• GRE: Not required
• Letters of recommendation: Three
• Resume  
• Statement of Purpose  
• Other requirements: Secure a commitment to supervise your research from a major professor (adviser) whose expertise matches your area of interest. We encourage you to contact prospective advisers early, as faculty availability varies.
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
• Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.  
• Application fee: $50

Application and admission process

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.

Applicants seeking admission to the thesis concentration are encouraged to identify and contact a potential faculty advisor or major professor during the application process. Early identification of an advisor can help ensure that a faculty member in the applicant’s area of interest has capacity to supervise the student and appropriate research opportunities are available. Applicants should consult the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences website to identify faculty whose research aligns with their academic and research interests.

Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.

International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.  

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.