Overview

The Food Science graduate programme at the University of Minnesota provides students with a rigorous academic foundation in the technical and scientific aspects of food production. This curriculum is designed to ensure a healthy and sustainable food supply while fostering innovation in food engineering and microbiology. Candidates can choose between a thesis-based track or a project-based path to suit their professional goals.

Why Food Science at the University of Minnesota?

The university maintains a strong commitment to ethical rigor and collaborative research, offering students access to specialised facilities such as the Pilot Plant and the Plant Protein Innovation Center. The department is recognised for its excellence in service to society, equipping graduates with the skills needed to address global challenges in food security and sustainability. Students benefit from a diverse academic environment and strong links to the Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 16776 per semester
National fee: USD 16776 per semester
Local fee: USD 10632 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Food Chemistry and Functional Food
Food Microbiology
Current Issues in Food Science
Food Processing Fundamentals
Food Quality
Food Analysis
Food Fermentations and Biotechnology
Molecular Biology for Applied Scientists
Sensory Evaluation of Food Quality

Careers with Food Science

Graduates are well-positioned for diverse roles across the food sector, ranging from technical research to corporate management. Many alumni secure positions as food scientists or technologists, focusing on product development and recipe formulation. The programme also prepares individuals for high-impact careers in quality assurance management, food safety, and regulatory affairs.

Additional career paths include:

Research and Development Scientist
Food Safety Specialist
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Sensory Scientist
Product Development Manager

These roles allow graduates to influence food safety policy, improve nutritional content, and lead cross-functional teams in bringing innovative products to the global market.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Food Chemistry and Functional Foods

Food Microbiology

Food Processing Operations

Food Fermentations and Biotechnology

Molecular Biology for Applied Scientists

Food Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-04 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Minneapolis, United States

Disciplines

Food Science View 155 other Masters in Food Science in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants to the program need a bachelor’s degree in any field or its international equivalent

Prerequisite coursework: General chemistry with lab, Organic chemistry with lab, Physics with lab, Biology with lab, Calculus (college level or documented equivalent)

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test score

TOEFL (for international students)

Resume listing any work, education, publications, teaching and research experience

Three recommendations

Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly to the online application

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Out-of-State

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21264 USD / year

≈ 21264 USD / year

Living costs

Minneapolis

United States

1130 - 2045 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Food Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Minneapolis

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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