Program Overview
The Master of Science in Food Technology at The University of Georgia is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered fully online. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in interdisciplinary studies, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 24 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in interdisciplinary studies.
Key Program Features
- 100% Online Delivery: Complete all coursework remotely — no campus visits required. Designed for working professionals worldwide.
- Flexible Scheduling: Asynchronous learning options let you study around professional and personal commitments.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 24 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Food Technology programme at The University of Georgia develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional networks that leading employers in interdisciplinary studies value. Common career destinations include:
- Leadership / Management Role: Apply advanced knowledge in leadership positions across industries.
- Research & Academia: Pursue doctoral studies or an independent research career.
- Consulting: Provide specialist expert advice to organisations in the field.
- Policy & Government: Shape public policy and sectoral regulation.
- Entrepreneurship: Launch innovative ventures leveraging deep specialist expertise.
Graduates have secured roles at multinational corporations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and high-growth startups. Many also progress to doctoral (PhD) programmes.
Program Curriculum
Curriculum
Master of Food Technology Degree Program Structure
The Master of Food Technology degree program is fully online and consists of at least 33 semester hours. A student working full-time can complete the program in 2.5 – 3 years depending on the number of courses taken per semester. An advisor and graduate committee will work with you to design a program of study that meets your professional needs.
The exit project exposes students to comprehensive literature research and provides training in problem-solving and exhaustive analysis of a current topic in food science. At the end of the course work and exit project, students in the non-thesis master’s program will take a comprehensive final written and oral exam developed by the advisor and a graduate committee. Entrance requirements are the same as those for the Master of Food Technology degree. This is a professional degree program and will not meet the criteria for admission to the Ph.D. program in Food Science and Technology.
Master of Food Technology Area Courses and Electives
33 Semester Hours Required (6 hours required, 12 hours from Area courses, plus 15 hours of elective courses)
Faculty
Laurel Dunn, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Anand Mohan, Ph.D. Associate Professor Faith Critzer, Ph.D. Professor and Interim Department Head Rakesh K. Singh, Ph.D. Professor Abhinav Mishra, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies Chad Paton, Ph.D. Associate Professor William Kerr, Ph.D. Professor Ron Pegg, Ph.D. Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor Koushik Adhikari, Ph.D. Professor Fanbin Kong, Ph.D. Professor
News & Events
Admission Requirements
Master of Food Technology Degree Program Admission Requirements
Students applying to The University of Georgia must be accepted by the Graduate School . Persons holding a bachelor’s degree from any institution accredited by the proper regional accrediting association are eligible to apply for admission to the Graduate School.
Two years of work experience in the food industry or food-related occupation in the public sector is recommended for admission to this graduate program.
Master of Food Technology Application Checklist
- Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online. Application fee: $75.
- Select Campus – Online
- Select Intended Program – MFT, Food Technology (Food Science and Technology) [MFT_FTEC_ONL]
- Résumé or curriculum vita – Submit online to the Graduate School.
- Statement of Purpose – Submit a one-two page statement of purpose online to the Graduate School. The statement of intent should clarify the candidate’s relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the program.
- Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
- Letters of Recommendation – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program. Preferably at least two of them are from faculty who have instructed the applicant in a previous program of study. The application will prompt your recommenders to submit their letters electronically.
Application Deadlines
While applications received prior to April 1 receive priority consideration, the program will review all competitive applications received before July 1.
Domestic Applicants
- Fall: Priority April 1
- Fall: July 1
- Spring: November 15
- Summer: May 1
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 45,688/year (international)
Cost
Master of Food Technology Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates and student fees may change each year.
Based on the 2024-25 credit-hour cost, a person who had completed this program at the recommended pace would have paid $21,285 in tuition. Reference this sheet to identify the current credit hour rate for your program of interest.
Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s tuition.
This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.
Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $422 per semester.
Potential additional costs include:
- Textbooks
- Exam proctoring fees
- Technology upgrades
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Aid
Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.
Corporate Assistance
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
Military Assistance
Active-duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.
About University of Georgia
University of Georgia
Athens, United States
University of Georgia is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Application Deadline 2018-07-01
- Start Date 2018-08-13
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
- Credits 120 ECTS / 360 credits (2-year programme)
