Questions to many answers may be obtained from the Food Science Graduate Program Handbook.

What is the cost of Graduate School at the University of Minnesota?
When is the deadline for application?
What is the difference between the Nutrition and Food Science Graduate Programs?
What is the difference between a Plan A Master's and a Plan B Master's?
What is the teaching requirement of Food Science graduate students?
How do I choose an advisor?
Can I enter the Program without deciding upon an advisor?
Where can I find a current list of Food Science Graduate Faculty and their research interests?
Are international students eligible for assistantships and fellowships?

What is the cost of Graduate School at the University of Minnesota?

Current tuition rates are available at the Office of Student Finance.  However, students who are financially supported as graduate Research Assistants or Teaching Assistants receive a tuition waiver proportional to their appointment in addition to their stipend. Thus, a full-time graduate research assistant (50% time) would pay no tuition. Students must still pay student service fees.

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When is the deadline for application?

The Graduate School deadline for application is as indicated below:

Please note that students are encouraged to apply by January 15 for best assistantship opportunities.  Further application for admission information may be obtained at the Graduate School Office of Admissions.

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What is the difference between the Nutrition and Food Science Graduate Programs?

The study of nutrition focuses on the function of nutrients within animals. Thus, it is primarily a biological science.  Food science focuses more on chemistry, engineering, and food microbiology.  Food science studies the chemical reactions that occur in food during manufacture and storage, food safety, and the sensory attributes of food. There is a significant overlap between these two disciplines. At the University of Minnesota, faculty in Nutrition and Food Science interact in many ways, including co-advising graduate students and collaborating on research projects.

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What is the difference between a Plan A Master's and a Plan B Master's?

A Plan A Master’s degree requires students to carry out an original research project that will lead to a thesis. Most students in the Food Science Graduate Program do a Plan A Master’s. A Plan B Master’s requires the student to demonstrate familiarity with the tools of research or scholarship in their major field, the ability to work independently, and the ability to present the results of their investigation effectively. A Plan B Master’s places more emphasis on coursework. Students pursuing a Plan B Master’s rarely receive financial support. More information regarding the differences between a Plan A and Plan B Master’s may be obtained from the Graduate School Catalog.

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What is the teaching requirement for Food Science graduate students?

All graduate students are required to perform Teaching Assistant duties.  How this requirement is satisfied depends on the department.  Within the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, students are expected to serve as Teaching Assistants for four hours a week for one course a year.

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How do I choose an advisor?

Students identify potential faculty advisors based on a combination of their interest in the faculty member’s area of research and the availability of funding (if the student requires financial support).  Students then speak with potential advisors about the possibility of becoming an advisee. The advisee-advisor relationship is one that is entered into by mutual choice.

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Can I enter the program without deciding upon an advisor?

Advisors select students based on their credentials and approval of admittance by the Graduate Studies Committee.  When the Graduate Studies Committee has decided that the applicant is acceptable for admission, the DGS reviews the file again and attempts to fit the applicant with the appropriate advisor.  If the DGS is not successful, the faculty is made aware of the applications that have been approved and they then have the opportunity to review the files and determine if the applicant meets their needs.  An applicant may also actively seek out an advisor.  The files are left open for several months.  If an advisor is not identified or if an advisor does not come forth in that time, the applicant is rejected for lack of space or lack of an advisor. Although the DGS in Food Science may serve as a temporary advisor, no student is recommended for admission unless an advisor is available. 

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Where can I find a current list of Food Science Graduate Faculty and their research interests?

This can be found on our website under the Faculty and Research listing.

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Are international students eligible for assistantships and fellowships?

International students are eligible for graduate research assistantships or teaching assistantships. However, to be eligible to serve as a teaching assistant, international students must pass the SPEAK test. International students are eligible for many, if not most, fellowships.

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