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Food Science Graduate Program

Both the Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees are available to students wishing to pursue graduate work in Food Science in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Kentucky.

The Food Science Section of the Department of Animal Sciences has seven full-time faculty members. Students may elect to pursue their graduate work in the following areas: food chemistry, food microbiology, muscle biochemistry, and meat and dairy technology.

Specific degree requirements are determined through individual consultation with a faculty advisor for the M.S. degree and an advisor and advisory committee for the Ph.D.

Master of Science Degree Requiring a Thesis (Plan A)

Requirements under this option includes a thesis to be developed under the direction of an advisor and 24 credits (500 level or higher) with a minimum of 12 credits in courses 600 or higher. At least one-half of the course work must be in the major area. Food science and non-food science courses are chosen on the basis of the student's area of interest and with the approval of an advisor.

Non-thesis Master of Science Degree (Plan B)

This is a non-thesis plan and requires 36 credits (500 level or higher) with a minimum of 18 credits in courses 600 or higher. Students selecting this option are required to have, either at the undergraduate or graduate level, FSC 434G Food Chemistry (No graduate credit), FSC 530 Food Microbiology, ASC 771 Seminar, and FSC 780 Special Problem. In addition, students will be required to write a paper or do a research project and present a seminar on their paper or research project.

Additional food science and non-food science courses required to meet the degree requirements of the non-thesis program are chosen on the basis of the student's area of interest and with the approval of an advisor.

Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree

Each student's program is guided by a Major Professor and a five member Advisory Committee. Each student must select a major area of study and may with the approval of their Advisory Committee select one or more minor areas of study. Requirements for the doctorate may be completed in three years of full-time graduate work or the equivalent in combined full-time and part-time study, however, more time may be required. Students must complete two semesters of full-time resident requirement (dissertation study) immediately following satisfactory completion of their Qualifying Examinations.

NOTE: Students deficient in specific areas or course work may be required to make up deficiencies by taking undergraduate courses for non-granduate credit.

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