Food science is a dynamic field that combines the principles of biology, chemistry, and engineering to understand and improve the quality, safety, and nutritional value of food products. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in food science, it’s important to find a university with a strong program that will prepare you for success in the field. Here are the popular 22 universities to study food science, food technology, food safety and nutrition. This article contains all the details that every student would worry about such as major subjects, degree offered, application criteria, application deadlines, scholarships offered and department link are provided in the article.
1. Cornell University, USA
Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell University is a top-ranked Ivy League school with a renowned food science program. The university was founded in 1865 and has since then been a leader in research and education.The Department of Food Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs that focus on the chemical, microbiological, and sensory aspects of food. The Department of Food Science at Cornell is a renowned department that has been providing excellent education and research opportunities to students since its inception in 1880. The Department of Food Science at Cornell is known for its exceptional research facilities and faculty members, who are involved in cutting-edge research projects.
Major Subjects: Food science
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: December 15 (Fall Semester), October 1 (Spring Semester)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, GRE scores, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), and a statement of purpose.
Scholarships Offered: Cornell University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to students. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers scholarships specifically for students studying food science, such as F. Ross Johnson and Elizabeth T. Johnson Scholarship, Neil M. and Diane R. Grimmer Scholarship, Helen Bull Vandervort Alumni Fellowship, Irving S. Johnson Fellowship and Robert J. and Mary B. Waight Scholarship.
Department website: https://foodscience.cals.cornell.edu/
Virtual Campus tour: https://youtu.be/mDWzc6hPJdk
2. Ghent University, Belgium
Ghent University is a top-ranked research university located in Ghent, Belgium, with a world-renowned Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health. The university offers a variety of food science and technology programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels, focusing on areas such as food microbiology, food chemistry, and food engineering. Students at Ghent University benefit from opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and leading international researchers. The university’s food science and technology programs are consistently ranked among the best in Europe.
Major Subjects: Food Science and Technology, Food Safety and Quality, Food Microbiology
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: March 1 (International students), April 1 (EU students)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), and a statement of purpose.
Scholarships Offered: Ghent University offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Ghent University Top-up Grants and the Ghent University Special Research Fund.
Department website: https://www.ugent.be/bw/en/research/foodscience.htm
3. McGill University, Canada
McGill University is located in Montreal, Canada and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry. The program combines elements of food science, chemistry, microbiology, and engineering. Students at McGill benefit from a strong focus on interdisciplinary research, with opportunities to collaborate with faculty and industry partners from a variety of fields. The university’s food science and technology programs are consistently ranked among the best in Canada and North America.
Major Subjects: Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Food Safety and Quality Assurance, Food Biotechnology
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: January 15 (Fall Semester), September 15 (Winter Semester)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, GRE scores, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), Letter of Recommendation and a statement of purpose.
Scholarships Offered: McGill University offers a range of scholarships for graduate students in food science, including Dr. Mary Anne Poutanen Fellowship, Elsie May Stewart Graduate Scholarship, McGill University Entrance Scholarships, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Scholarships, Food Science Scholarships and Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Fellowship Program.
Department website: https://www.mcgill.ca/foodscience/
4. Michigan State University, USA
Michigan State University (MSU) is a public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan, United States. It was founded in 1855 as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan and is now one of the largest universities in the United States with over 50,000 students enrolled across its undergraduate and graduate programs. The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at MSU is internationally recognized for its excellence in research and teaching in food science, food safety, human nutrition, and packaging.
The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Food Science and Human Nutrition, including a bachelor’s degree in food science and master’s and doctoral degrees in food science and human nutrition. The faculty members provide students with hands-on learning experiences, and the department has a close collaboration with the food industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, co-ops, and employment upon graduation. The department has a strong commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in its teaching and research activities.
Major Subjects: Food Science, Packaging, Human Nutrition
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: Rolling admissions but students are encouraged to apply by December 1 (Fall Semester), July 1 (Spring Semester)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, GRE scores, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), and a statement of purpose.
Scholarships Offered: Michigan State University offers a range of scholarships for graduate students in food science, including the AgroLiquid Scholarship and the William C. Stringer Scholarship.
Department website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/fshn/
5. Purdue University, USA
Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University is a leading institution for food science research and education. The Department of Food Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs that cover the entire food supply chain, with a focus on food processing, food engineering, and food microbiology.
Major Subjects: Food Science, Food Safety, Food Engineering
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: December 15 (Fall Semester), August 1 (Spring Semester), May 1 (Summer Semester)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, GRE scores, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), and a statement of purpose.
Scholarships Offered: Purdue University offers a range of scholarships for graduate students in food science, including the John Fetzer Memorial Scholarship, the Kraft Foods Endowed Fellowship, and the PepsiCo Endowed Fellowship.
Department website: https://www.foodsci.purdue.edu/
6. Rutgers University, USA
Rutgers University is a leading public research university located in New Jersey, USA, with a renowned Department of Food Science. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in food science and technology, with specializations in areas such as food chemistry, food microbiology, and food engineering. The university’s food science and technology programs are consistently ranked among the best in the United States.
Major Subjects: Food Science, Food Safety, Nutritional Sciences
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: December 15 (Fall Semester), September 15 (Spring Semester)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, GRE scores, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), and a statement of purpose.
Scholarships Offered: Rutgers University offers a range of scholarships for graduate students in food science, including the William S. Schaefer Memorial Scholarship and the Elmer Marth Food Safety Scholarship.
Department website: https://foodsci.rutgers.edu/
Campus virtual tour: https://youtu.be/BN3eUlBYePQ
7. Technical University of Munich, Germany
The Technical University of Munich is a leading research university located in Munich, Germany, with a world-renowned Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in food science and technology, with specializations in areas such as food chemistry, food microbiology, and food processing. Students at TUM benefit from a strong focus on interdisciplinary research, with opportunities to collaborate with faculty and industry partners from a variety of fields. The university’s food science and technology programs are consistently ranked among the best in Europe.
Major Subjects: Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science, Food Process Engineering, Food Biotechnology
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: May 31 (Winter Semester), November 30 (Summer Semester)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), and a statement of purpose.
Scholarships Offered: The Technical University of Munich offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the TUM Graduate School Scholarship and the Bavarian Government Scholarship.
Department website: https://www.ls.tum.de/en/ls/home/
8. University College Cork, Ireland
University College Cork is located in Cork, Ireland and is one of the leading universities in Europe for studying food science. The university’s School of Food and Nutritional Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in food science, with a focus on research and innovation in the food industry.The Department of Food Science and Technology offers undergraduate and graduate programs that cover the entire food supply chain, with a focus on food processing,
Major Subjects: Food Science and Technology, Brewing and Distilling, Food Business and Innovation
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: Rolling admissions, but international students are encouraged to apply by May 1 for September entry and November 1 for January entry
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), Letter of recommendation and a statement of purpose
Scholarships Offered: The University College Cork offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Excellence Scholarships, Government of Ireland Scholarships, Food Science Scholarships and the George Boole Scholarship.
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Department website: https://www.ucc.ie/en/fns/
9. University of Alberta, Canada
The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s leading research universities and is located in the city of Edmonton. The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science (AFNS) at the University of Alberta offers undergraduate and graduate programs in food science and technology. The department’s research areas include food processing and engineering, food microbiology, and food safety.
Major Subjects: Food Science and Technology, Nutrition and Metabolism, Food Process Engineering
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: January 15 (Fall Semester), September 1 (Winter Semester)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), and a statement of purpose.
Scholarships Offered: The University of Alberta offers a range of scholarships for graduate students in food science, including the Food Science Graduate Scholarship, International Student Scholarship, Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, Canada Graduate Scholarships and the Neilson Dairy Scholarship.
Department website: https://www.ualberta.ca/agricultural-food-nutritional-science/index.html
10. University of California, Davis (UC Davis), USA
Ranked #1 in the world for agricultural sciences by QS World University Rankings, UC Davis is a top destination for food science students. The Department of Food Science and Technology offers undergraduate and graduate programs that cover the entire food supply chain, from farm to fork.
Major Subjects: Food Science and Technology
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: November 30 (Fall Quarter), April 1 (Winter Quarter), June 30 (Spring Quarter)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, and GRE scores (recommended but not required), Letter of Recommendation and statement of purpose.
Scholarships Offered: UC Davis offers a range of scholarships for graduate students in food science, including the Bill and Judy Cowley Fellowship, the G.J. Murphy Fellowship, and the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer Scholarship.
Department website: https://foodscience.ucdavis.edu/
11. University of Copenhagen, Denmark
The University of Copenhagen is the oldest and largest university in Denmark, and is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in Europe. The university’s Faculty of Science offers a comprehensive range of programs in the field of food science and technology, including bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees. Students in the food science and technology program at the University of Copenhagen can expect to cover a broad range of topics related to food science, including food chemistry, food microbiology, food processing and preservation, and sensory science.
Major Subjects: Food Science and Technology, Food Chemistry, Food Innovation and Health
Major Degree offered: Bachelor / Masters and PhD of Science in Food Science and Technology
Application Deadlines: March 1 (International Students), April 1 (Danish and Nordic Students)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), and a statement of purpose.
Scholarships Offered: The University of Copenhagen offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Danish Government Scholarship and the Faculty of Science Scholarship for International Students.
Department website: https://www.food.ku.dk/english/
12. University of Denmark, Denmark:
The University of Denmark, also known as the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), is a leading technical university in Europe that offers a wide range of programs in food science and technology. The Department of Food Science at DTU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in food technology, food safety, and nutrition. The major areas of research include food biotechnology, food process engineering, and food packaging.
Major Subjects: Food Technology, Food Safety, and Nutrition.
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: The deadlines for international students vary depending on the program and are usually in March and September.
Application Criteria: The admission requirements vary depending on the program. Generally, applicants are required to have a relevant bachelor’s degree, a good academic record, and proficiency in English.
Scholarships Offered: The university offers several scholarships for international students, including the DTU scholarships, Danish government scholarships, and the Erasmus+ program.
Department website: https://www.food.dtu.dk/english
13. University of Georgia, USA:
The University of Georgia’s Department of Food Science and Technology is part of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. UGA’s food science program focuses on developing and improving food products, analyzing food quality and safety, and investigating the impact of food on human health. The program offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees, as well as a variety of research opportunities.
Major Subjects: Food science
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: Fall Semester (August start date): February 15th, Spring Semester (January start date): September 1st
Application Criteria: Completed application form, Official transcripts, GRE test scores (for master’s and PhD applicants), Statement of purpose and Letters of recommendation
Scholarships Offered: College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Scholarships, UGA General Scholarships and Food Science Scholarships.
Department website: https://foodscience.caes.uga.edu/
Virtual campus tour: https://youtu.be/bAItn6MSLoc
14. University of Guelph, Canada
Located in Ontario, Canada, the University of Guelph is a top-ranked institution for food science research and education. The Department of Food Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs that cover the entire food supply chain, with a focus on food safety, food processing, and sensory science.
Major Subjects: Food Science, Food Safety, Food Technology
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: February 1 (Fall Semester), October 15 (Winter Semester)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), and a statement of purpose.
Scholarships Offered: The University of Guelph offers a range of scholarships for graduate students in food science, including the OMAFRA-U of G Scholarship, Food Science Entrance Scholarship, F. S. Tancred Graduate Scholarship in Food Science and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship.
Department Website: https://www.uoguelph.ca/foodscience/
15. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
Located in Champaign, Illinois, the University of Illinois is a leading institution for food science research and education. The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition offers undergraduate and graduate programs that cover the entire food supply chain, with a focus on food chemistry, food microbiology, and sensory science.
Major Subjects: Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Food Safety and Defense
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: December 15 (Fall Semester), May 15 (Spring Semester)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, GRE scores, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), Letter of recommendation and a statement of purpose
Scholarships Offered: The University of Illinois offers a range of scholarships for graduate students in food science, including the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition Scholarship and the William H. Peterson Fellowship.
Department website: https://fshn.illinois.edu/
Virtual Campus tour: https://youtu.be/vxe2M3PN_G8
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
Located in Amherst, Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts is a top-ranked institution for food science research and education. The Department of Food Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs that cover the entire food supply chain, with a focus on food safety, food chemistry, and sensory science.
Major Subjects: Food Science, Food Engineering, Sensory Science
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: January 15 (Fall Semester), September 15 (Spring Semester)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, GRE scores, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), Letter of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
Scholarships Offered: The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a range of scholarships for graduate students in food science, including the Agricultural Food and Environment Scholarship and the Fergus Clydesdale Graduate Scholarship.
Department website: https://www.umass.edu/foodsci/
17. University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
The Food Science and Technology Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in food science and technology. The programs cover a range of topics, including food microbiology, food chemistry, food processing, and food safety. The department has strong ties to the food industry and conducts research in areas such as food safety, food processing, and food product development.
Major Subjects: Food Science and Technology, Food Processing, Sensory Science
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: January 15 (Fall Semester), September 1 (Spring Semester)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, GRE scores, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), and a statement of purpose.
Scholarships Offered: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a range of scholarships for graduate students in food science, including the Robert D. & Betty J. Alsaker Scholarship and the Donald L. Leuenberger Scholarship.
Department website: https://foodsci.unl.edu/
18. University of Queensland, Australia
The University of Queensland’s School of Agriculture and Food Sciences offers several undergraduate and graduate programs in food science and technology. The programs cover a range of subjects, including food microbiology, food chemistry, food engineering, and sensory analysis. Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience through laboratory work, internships, and industry placements. The school has strong links with the food industry and conducts research in areas such as food safety, food processing, and product development.
Major Subjects: Food Science and Technology, Food Safety, Nutrition
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: June 30 (Semester 2), November 30 (Semester 1)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), and a statement of purpose.
Scholarships Offered: The University of Queensland offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Australia Awards Scholarship, Food Science Honours Scholarship, Women in Engineering and the International Scholarship for High Achievers.
Department website: https://agriculture.uq.edu.au/
19. University of Reading, UK
Located in the heart of England, the University of Reading is a top-ranked institution for food science research and education. The School of Chemistry, Food, and Pharmacy offers undergraduate and graduate programs in food science and technology, food chemistry, and nutrition.
Major Subjects: Food Science and Technology, Food Chemistry, Nutrition
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: July 31 (for international students), September 30 (for UK/EU students)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), and a personal statement.
Scholarships Offered: The University of Reading offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme and the Santander Masters Scholarship.
Department website: https://www.reading.ac.uk/food/
20. University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
With a rich history in dairy science, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a leading institution for food science research and education. The Department of Food Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs that cover the entire food supply chain, with a focus on food safety, sensory science, and processing.
Major Subjects: Food Science
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: December 1 (Fall Semester), October 1 (Spring Semester)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, GRE scores, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), and a statement of purpose.
Scholarships Offered: The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a range of scholarships for graduate students in food science, including the Allyn G. and Mary M. Ford Fellowship and the FSPA Graduate Student Scholarship.
Department website: https://foodsci.wisc.edu/
21. Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands
Located in the heart of the Netherlands, Wageningen University & Research is a global leader in food science research and education. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, Wageningen offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in food science, including food technology, food safety, and nutrition.
Major Subjects: Food Technology, Food Safety, Nutrition
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: May 1 (non-EU/EEA applicants), June 1 (EU/EEA applicants)
Application Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), and a motivation letter.
Scholarships Offered: Wageningen University & Research offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Holland Scholarship and the Orange Tulip Scholarship.
Department website: https://www.wur.nl/en/education-programmes.htm
- Washington State University, USA:
Washington State University is located in Pullman, Washington, and has one of the oldest and most well-established food science programs in the United States. WSU’s food science program offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science and Food Safety. Students can choose from a variety of specialized areas of study, including food microbiology, food chemistry, food processing, and sensory analysis.
Major Subjects: in Food Science and Technology
Major Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Application Deadlines: Fall Semester (August start date): January 31st, Spring Semester (January start date): September 30th.
Application Criteria: Completed application form, Official transcripts, GRE test scores (for master’s and PhD applicants), Statement of purpose, Letters of recommendation
Scholarships Offered: WSU General Scholarships and Food Science Scholarships.
Department website: https://sfs.wsu.edu/
Each of these universities offers excellent programs in food science and technology, with a variety of specializations and research opportunities. Universities program and policies may change over time and prospective students should carefully review the details by visiting the department website. Students are strongly recommended to do their own research about the university department before deciding on a program to apply. Good luck with your applications!
P.S: images are downloaded from respective university links
About Author
Name : Pratiksha Shrestha
pratiksha.shrestha2001@gmail.com
Ms. Shrestha holds masters degree in food engineering and bioprocess technology from Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Thailand. She is currently working for Government of Nepal at Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC), Kathmandu. She is also a teaching faculty in College of Applied food and Dairy Technology (CAFODAT) affiliated to Purbanchal university, Nepal.