Food science
Doctor of Philosophy
Exploring what we eat
The Ph.D. in Food Science program is a research-intensive program that offers advanced research-driven training in food chemistry, food engineering and food microbiology. You’ll gain expertise in experimental design, analytical techniques and scientific discovery to address complex challenges to food quality, safety and innovation. Within the program, you may specialize in one of the following core areas:
- Food chemistry focuses on the biochemical, nutritional, physical and toxicological aspects of foods. Research investigates structure-function relationships of food molecules, the effects of processing and packaging on nutritional quality, flavor chemistry, food toxicology, and the development of healthier food systems.
- Food engineering integrates principles of engineering, chemistry, microbiology, and physics to improve the processing, preservation, and packaging of foods. Research emphasizes advanced technologies such as thermal and non-thermal processing, extrusion, and computer-based modeling and process control.
- Food microbiology and food safety concentrations train students to understand and control microorganisms in food systems. Research spans beneficial fermentation processes, microbial genetics and enzyme function, spoilage prevention, and detection and mitigation of foodborne pathogens.
Overview
Related Topics
Ensuring health through food
Application information
Ready to earn your Ph.D. in food science? 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:
Semester intake: Fall and Spring
- Eligible for international applicants
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
Find Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences faculty advisor contacts
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.
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
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 U of I Food Technology Center, WSU Creamery or USDA Western Wheat Quality Lab.
Related clubs and organizations
- Food Science Club
- Graduate and Professional Student Association
- College Bowl Team
- Food Product Development Team
Sound like you? Check out the Ph.D. in food science degree curriculum to learn more.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,181 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Food Scientists and Technologists
$86,130 - Quality Control Systems Managers
$119,478 - Postsecondary Agricultural Sciences Teachers
$82,694 - Health Educators
$70,408
* Career data provided by Lightcast.