Advance your expertise in food science with a flexible online program focused on practical skills in food safety, processing, and technology.
Credential Type
Master's Degree
Cost (2024)
$24,160
Delivery Format
Online
Program Length
32 Credit Hours
Enrollment
Fall or Spring
Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor's degree required
Benefit 1
Gain comprehensive insights into food safety and processing.
Benefit 2
Study flexibly online while managing professional duties.
Benefit 3
Enhance qualifications for advanced food industry roles.
Overview
This degree is for food industry professionals, quality assurance specialists, and product developers.
It allows you to explore courses on food science, focusing on food safety, processing, and technology to upgrade your skillsets.
The FSHN online non-thesis Master of Science degree features dedicated faculty who have a vision to help you become a leader in your professional career. Prepare for an ever-changing mix of career options, including some of tomorrow’s biggest opportunities in careers that don’t even exist today.
Skills You Will Learn
Upon completing this degree, you will:
- Understand and apply food microbiology and safety principles to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Learn about the latest technologies and methods in food processing and manufacturing to improve product quality and efficiency.
- Develop skills in designing and implementing quality assurance protocols to maintain product consistency and meet industry standards.
- Gain the ability to create, test, and refine new food products in line with consumer preferences and market trends.
- Understand global food laws and regulations to ensure products are produced, labeled, and sold in compliance with legal requirements.
- Learn to use advanced analytical tools and techniques to assess food's chemical, physical, and biological properties.
- Understand the nutritional content of foods and how processing affects nutritional quality, which is essential for developing health-oriented food products.
- Learn techniques for assessing the sensory qualities of food, such as taste, texture, and aroma, to guide product development and improvement.
- Explore practices and technologies that promote sustainability in food production and distribution.
Build Skills that Matter
Gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to excel in your field and create meaningful impact.
Course Details
The Food Science, MS (Non-thesis) curriculum includes:
- FSHN 422 Introduction to Personalized Nutrition
- FSHN 426 Biochemical Nutrition I -FSHN 440 Applied Statistical Methods I
- FSHN 519 Flavor Chemistry and Analysis
- FSHN 595 Introduction to HACCP & FSMA -FSHN 597 Online Program Final Seminar
- LEAD 426 Leadership Ethics
- LEAD 440 Interpersonal Intelligence for Professional Success
- CPSC 414 Forage Crops & Pasture Ecology
- CPSC 416 Native Plants, Pollinators, & Food Ecosystems
- CPSC 486 Plant Growth and Development
How to Enroll
Applying for this Degree
To apply for a graduate degree program, you'll need to start an online application through the University of Illinois Graduate College. The Master of Science in Food Science program that is offered online follows a traditional semester schedule. Students can apply to start their degree program in either the fall or spring semesters. Deadlines are April 1 (Fall admission) and November 1 (Spring admission).
To ensure a smooth application process, please review the following list of required and optional components that you will need to prepare for your submission:
- Bachelor’s degree: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for the last two years of undergraduate study is a minimum requirement for admission.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Not required.
- English proficiency scores (international students only): If you are a non-native English speaker, you must upload your TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to your application. Review the Graduate College’s English proficiency requirements for more details on possible exemptions.
- Professional resume: This should include personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address), academic background, work experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences.
- Academic Statement and two Personal Statement Short Answer Essays.
- Three letters of recommendation.
Explore ACES Online
Our online education is flexible and accessible, enabling learners to advance their careers, develop new skills, and connect with peers.