How Do I Get a PhD in Food Science?

To get a PhD in food science, you will need to complete several steps in a particular order, including the acquisition of a bachelor's degree in food science or chemistry. Once the bachelor's degree is complete, you can either obtain a master's degree in a related subject, such as food science, microbiology, or chemistry, or you can apply directly to programs that offer a PhD in food science. Depending upon your academic record, it may be beneficial to obtain a master's degree before applying to PhD programs. Once you have been admitted to the program, you must complete certain courses, do a research project or dissertation, or complete an exit examination.

The first step toward obtaining a PhD in food science is getting into a bachelor's degree program. As the interaction of food with the human body is primarily driven by chemical forces, you can work toward and obtain a bachelor's degree in chemistry rather than attempting to find a suitable program that offers a bachelor's degree specifically in food science. You can also gain admittance into a PhD program with a bachelor's degree in one of several fields of biology or other life sciences.

Completing a bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology requires that you pass up to 80 credit hours of lower division coursework in general education and basic science. These credit hours can be completed at a four-year university, a community college, by sufficiently high scores on advanced placement exams, or any combination of the three. Once your lower division coursework is completed, you can begin taking the classes that focus directly on your major.

While taking your upper division courses, you should begin searching for master's and PhD programs in food science or in microbiology, biology, or chemistry with an emphasis in food science. Compile a list of three to five schools that you would like to attend, and gather the materials needed for an application packet. Although the requirements vary by program, you will likely need up to three letters of recommendation from your science professors, official transcripts, and a one-page statement describing your educational goals as well as your interest in graduate assistant teaching positions. You may also be required to include a financial aid form in your application packet.

If you do not receive high marks in your bachelor's degree program, you may want to consider applying for a master's program in food science before applying to PhD programs, and be aware that some PhD programs require that you have a master's degree. A master's degree may give you the opportunity to improve your academic record and to show that you can excel in a post-graduate setting. Once you have been admitted to a PhD in food science program, you must complete roughly 30 credit hours of coursework that include both labs and lectures. You will then need to gather a panel of college faculty to be your dissertation or research project advisers. Once you complete your dissertation or research project, you must engage in an oral defense of your work to complete the degree.