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Masters in nutrition and food science programs teach students about food in every stage of its existence. This ranges from the process of growing ingredients and producing and distributing food, to how it impacts peopleโ€™s health.

At the masters level, these programs often take a professional perspective. That means courses might examine the roles and responsibilities inherent to careers in nutrition and food science. Some classes might also discuss research methodologies, and how to understand and apply research findings effectively. Because nutrition and food science approach the study of food from different angles, the specifics might vary.

Food Science Summer Scholar Program | Department of Food Science

Masters in Food Science Programs

Food science masters programs apply scientific principles to the composition, preparation, handling, and distribution of food. In other words, these programs tend to look not at the people eating it, but rather at the food itself in all its forms. This can be a fairly broad topic, and as a result, you might encounter a diverse array of more specific programs which may allow you to study one particular element of food science in detail. Some examples of this are listed below.

  • Masters in Food Science and Technology Program
  • Food Safety Masters Degree
  • Food Engineering Masters Degree
  • Masters in Beverage Science Program

Generally, food science masters programs require a bachelors degree in food science or a related field such as biology or engineering. However, specific requirements or preferences can vary. Some programs may also ask that prospective students completed relevant coursework. The type of courses they may ask for could include biology, chemistry, calculus, organic chemistry, etc. As with degree requirements, this tends to vary by program.

Example Food Science Curriculum

In food science masters programs, the types of courses you might attend could be impacted by the focus of your program. If youโ€™re attending one thatโ€™s a little broader, your curriculum might be a little more diverse. A more specialized program, meanwhile, might spend more time looking extensively at one area.

That said, some of the more common courses one might attend while working toward a food science masters degree include:

  • Chemistry
  • Engineering
  • Microbiology
  • Food technology
  • Dairy science
  • Food processing

In addition, many food science masters programs require students to complete a final project. Usually, this is either in the form of a thesis or a capstone project. A food science degree thesis could resemble a long academic research paper, and serve to demonstrate a firm grasp of existing food science thought leadership. A capstone, meanwhile, would more closely resemble the types of projects one might do in the field, and could take a variety of forms from building a campaign or developing a product, to performing research.

Masters in Nutrition Program Formats

Of course, one big component of choosing a food science or nutrition masters program is how it will fit into your life, not to mention your learning style. Choosing a program format that works for you could be a crucial element of your success! Whether you prefer to sit in a classroom learning face-to-face, want the freedom to study on the go, or maybe a little of both, a variety of programs could be available. Generally, you might choose one of three program formats, each with its own unique advantages.

  • Online Masters in Nutrition Programs: Online nutrition masters programs are designed to offer the rigorous graduate education youโ€™re looking for in a flexible format. This could be particularly attractive to students already in the field, who want to leverage their education to enhance their ongoing careers. Online programs may offer many similar experiences to campus ones, including face-to-face learning through video streaming and career and academic counseling. Some nutrition or food science programs may even offer digital lab simulations, to allow students to get similar research experience that they would in the classroom.
  • Food Science Masters Schools: Prefer learning face to face? Earning your masters on campus could have a number of unique advantages. For one, you could study in your community, under faculty who have experience in your area. Plus, if you need field experience, campus programs might have the local connections to help place you. Many graduate school programs also offer students valuable resources, like up-to-date lab space, research opportunities, simulated work areas, and personal support.
  • Hybrid Nutrition Masters Programs: Also sometimes called partially online or blended programs, hybrid nutrition masters programs offer a compromise between online and campus study. Anchored on campus, students have the advantage of working with faculty face to face and performing research in campus lab spaces. They might also take advantages of the programโ€™s local connections. By bringing online study into the mix, busy professionals could find the flexibility they need to balance their lives, without compromising on the learning experience they want.

As you search, keep in mind that each school might organize their programs differentlyโ€”and may even divert from these general descriptions. As such, when youโ€™re looking for ones that work for you, make sure you take stock of your particular needs, and ask any questions necessary to make sure itโ€™s a good fit.

Master Food Science | ETH Zurich


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