Students in the Food Science and Technology track and a strong interest in research may pursue a 5 year BS/MS combined degree. The 5-year BS/MS program is based upon students starting their graduate laboratory research prior to graduation with a B.S. degree, thus allowing for an accelerated completion of the M.S. requirements.
Preparation
To prepare for the 5-year BS/MS Program, students must:
- Identify a Research Adviser*, no later than their junior year.
- Begin conducting laboratory research no later than their junior year.
- Apply to the Food Science MS program in their senior year, and have their Research Adviser write one of the letters of recommendation.
*Research Advisors are different than your departmentally assigned Academic Advisor
Credit transfer
- Maximum 6 Graduate credits can be transferred from a BS degree or another MS degree, if they were not required for the respective degree. To transfer, you will need to submit a correct form to the Graduate School. These forms can be found at https://www.umass.edu/graduate/documents?s=transfer
- For students completing 5-year BS/MS program (Accelerated Masters), an additional 6 credits can be transferred from the BS degree (double counted). Please submit a form for "Transfer credits, Accelerated Masters"
- For students transferring unused credits from the previous MS program from another institution, please submit a form for ‘Transfer credits, External’. Transfer credits should be done in the 1st semester
Completion of MS Requirements
- Complete the MS thesis options and requirements
- Plan on spending two summers (after your Senior and Graduate year) at UMass to conduct research.