
Food Science - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University
The Food Science - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University is a Full Time PhD program offered at the university's main campus in East Lansing , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 5 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on July 5, 2027.
About Food Science - Doctor of Philosophy
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Food Science - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University
Entry Requirements
to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Food Science is based on the following:
- A detailed review of undergraduate, and where applicable, previous graduate performance.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Previous research experience.
- A letter of intent and research interests.
In cases where students entering the doctoral program with one or more deficiencies in undergraduate course work, appropriate collateral courses will be recommended by the Graduate Affairs Committee, Director of Graduate Studies, their advisor, and guidance committee. Credits earned in collateral courses do not count toward the minimum credit requirements for a degree.
Doctoral programs in food science are individualized programs of study formulated among the major advisor, the research guidance committee, and the candidate. The program will be designed to ensure that the student will have comprehensive knowledge of the general field of food science, detailed knowledge of a specialized are in the field, and supportive knowledge of cognitive subjects.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students who are admitted to the doctoral degree program in food science must meet the requirements specified below.
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Food Science
The Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Food Science typically requires 20 to 36 course credits in addition to 24 research credits of FSC 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research to provide the desired breadth and depth of academic training for the student. In consultation with their major advisor, members of the research guidance committee, and the Director of Graduate Studies, additional course work may be specified that will benefit the student’s research as well as courses necessary to complete the Ph.D. core requirements, especially for students who have earned a master’s degree in another field. A cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 must be maintained exclusive of collateral and research credits.
Students must:
- Complete 16 credits, with 12 credits at the 800-level or above, excluding seminar courses. Three courses (9 credits) must be FSC courses in a relevant area of research chosen in consultation with the major advisor and guidance committee. Upper-level undergraduate courses at the 400-level taken may be counted if approved in advance by the advisor, guidance committee, and Director of Graduate Studies.
- Complete 2 credits of FSC 892 Food Science Seminar in two separate enrollments, in which students will present a seminar.
- Complete a 1 credit course offered by the department or university on writing a research proposal.
- Complete at least 1 credit of FSC 891 Selected Topics in Food Science with a Food Science and Human Nutrition faculty member related to graduate teaching orientation.
- Complete a written dissertation proposal defense (comprehensive examination) and public seminar not related to requirement 2. above, followed by an oral examination with the guidance committee.
- Completion of a final written dissertation and public oral defense, followed by an oral examination with the guidance committee.
- Complete 24 credits of FSC 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research.
English Requirements
- PTEMin 53
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
Due to cancellations of many international English language proficiency tests, MSU will be temporarily accepting the following tests for international students applying for fall semester 2022. In addition, MSU will be expanding the ability for students to receive provisional admission. If a provisionally admitted student is able to take a test that meets our regular admission standards prior to enrollment, we will update their admission status to regular.
Tuition and Fee Information for Food Science - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University
How to Apply for Food Science - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University
Plan for application fee
The $75 application fee is required to officially submit your application for admission.
Have official transcripts sent from your school
Request that all secondary schools, colleges, universities attended and/or examination boards send original or attested copies of all transcripts, marks sheets, certificates and diplomas earned directly to the Office of Admissions at Michigan State University. These can be sent through the online services listed below or by mail. If sending by mail, any hard copy of academic records must be sent in an official, sealed envelope.
Online services:
Parchment
Common App
Coalition for College
Naviance
eScrip-Safe
National Student Clearing House
Parchment
Common App
Coalition for College
Naviance
eScrip-Safe
National Student Clearing House
Mail:
Office of Admissions
Hannah Administration Building
426 Auditorium Road, Room 250
East Lansing, MI 48824-2604
Office of Admissions
Hannah Administration Building
426 Auditorium Road, Room 250
East Lansing, MI 48824-2604
In addition, if the original documents are not issued in English, an official translation of each document must be provided along with the original language documents. Translations may be done by the school, college or university attended or an authorized/official translator in the country of study. Review MSU's International transcript requirements for country-specific transcript information.
Note: Documents submitted to MSU as part of the application process will not be returned.
Select your major preference
As a freshman you do not have to officially declare your major yet, however you will be asked to select your major preference on the application. If you are undecided, select the "Exploratory preference" option.
Changing your major preference
After submitting the application, fall freshman applicants have until May 1 to change their major preference in their account. Any student who applies, or is admitted, after May 1 cannot change their major preference until they meet with an academic adviser at New Student Orientation (NSO).
Indicate any college-level course work completed
If you anticipate the completion of any college-level course work prior to attending MSU, it is recommended that you indicate this on your application or contact the Office of Admissions to let us know.
Submit English language proficiency test results
Have the testing agency (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, MSUELT or MELAB accepted) provide proof of English proficiency directly to MSU if your first language is not English. MSU's TOEFL code is 1465. MSU is test optional, which means international students are encouraged, though not required, to submit SAT or ACT scores. The SAT code is 1465; the ACT code is 2032.
Review our full overview on English language proficiency for details on temporary exceptions due to the impact of the novel coronavirus — including additional tests being accepted and expanded opportunities for provisional admission.
Student visa requirements
In order to obtain the documents needed to file for a student visa (I-20 or DS-2019), admitted students must show adequate proof of financial support. Upon acceptance, admitted students will be required to upload a signed affidavit of support and bank statement with the name of the account holder in English through your admissions account. Please do not send financial documents in paper form at the time of application.
Do not send letters of recommendation
Do not send letters of recommendation, photographs, portfolios or additional personal essays. Doing so will delay processing of your application.
Food Science - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University

Michigan State University
United States of America, East Lansing