Program Overview
The Ph.D. program in Food Science at UMass Amherst develops independent researchers who make original contributions to the field. Students work closely with faculty mentors on cutting-edge research in food chemistry, microbiology, processing, engineering, and related areas.
The program emphasizes rigorous scientific training, critical thinking, and the communication of research findings through publications and conference presentations. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, government research agencies, and the food industry.
- General Requirements
- Course Requirements
- Doctoral Milestones
- Dissertation Committee
- Defense & Graduation
- Resources & Contacts
in 2 consecutive semesters (max 16/semester)
required: max 9 per semester
required for graduation
Credit Transfer: Up to 6 graduate credits from a prior M.S. degree may be transferred toward the Ph.D., provided they were not required for that degree. Transfer requests should be submitted during the first semester.
All students must complete the following core requirements:
- Category 1Research Methods 3 credits of Research Methods (FS790STA).
- Category 2Teaching Experience 1 credit of Teaching Experience (FS796T).
- Category 3Graduate Seminar 2 credits of Graduate Seminar (FS791A), one credit each in two separate semesters. At minimum, one must be for a letter grade (requires a presentation).
| Student Background | Course Requirements | Notes |
| Food Science M.S. | 6 credits from courses within the Department | 1 course may be outside the Department with advisor approval |
| Food Science B.S. | 9 credits from courses within the Department | 1 500-level course may replace a 600-level course with advisor approval |
| Non-Food Science M.S. | 6 credits within the Department + 6 credits at 500-level (any two of: Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, or Food Processing/Engineering, from different areas) | 1 course may be outside the Department with advisor approval |
| Non-Food Science B.S. | 9 credits within the Department + 6 credits at 500-level (any two of: Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, or Food Processing/Engineering, from different areas) | 1 500-level course may replace a 600-level course with advisor approval |
| UMass Food Science M.S. | No additional requirements |
Students develop and defend an innovative research proposal based on a hypothetical research topic assigned by their advisor. Prepares students for grant writing and scientific communication. Expected to be completed within the first 1–2 years. The comprehensive oral exam committee must include at least four faculty members (chair should not be the advisor). Results are sent to the GPD and graduate school.
Students prepare a written proposal describing their dissertation research and defend it before a committee of at least three faculty members (one external). Must be completed at least seven months before the dissertation defense.
Students submit and defend a written dissertation demonstrating significant original research.
| Requirement | Detail |
| Minimum members | At least 4 total (3 internal including advisor + 1 external) |
| Internal members | At least 3 must be from the Food Science Department (including advisor) |
| External member | 1 member must be from outside the Department or University |
| Formation timing | Must be formed before the prospectus examination |
| Progress meetings | Annual progress meetings strongly recommended |
- Advisor emails GPD requesting appointment of dissertation committee at least one month before the final defense.
- Defense notification sent to all department members two days prior to the scheduled defense.
- Advisor emails GPD with defense results, date passed, and names of committee members.
- Use DocuSign to obtain committee signatures for the signature page; submit to the Graduate School.
- Submit the doctoral degree eligibility form through SPIRE for Kuali workflow approval (at least two weeks before degree deadline).
- File dissertation electronically to ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst.
- Complete the online Survey of Earned Doctorates by the deadline.
Continuous Enrollment: Students taking fewer than 9 credits in a semester must register for GRADSCH 999 and request an academic load override by emailing @email.