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MS in Food Technology in USA: Top Universities, Requirements, Costs, Career Prospects & More for MS in Food Science in USA

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MS in Food Technology in USA: Top Universities, Requirements, Costs, Career Prospects & More for MS in Food Science in USA Image

With the increase in utilization of advanced technologies in the food science industry has driven the growth of food technology. Rapid innovations in robotics, data technology and processing are developing new growth in the food industry. Owing to the growth of innovations in food science and technology, the market size of food tech is anticipated to reach 342.52 billion USD in 2027 from 220.32 billion USD with an annual CAGR of 6% globally.Also, the global market is primarily increased with the growth of advanced technologies in the food industry.

Pursuing an MS in food technology in USA will be the most lucrative career option for international students. The US also benefits from the best academic infrastructure and career opportunities in the field of food science and technology after graduation. To help you in this journey, here we have covered every essential detail regarding top colleges and universities, scope of food technology in USA, costs, admission requirements, scholarships and more.

Table of Contents

Why Study Masters in Food Science and Technology in USA?

Before we can head towards some best MS in food science and technology university in USA, let's first discuss why the USA is the preferred choice to study these food technology courses:

  • Diverse Choices: The US offers a wide range of masters in food technology in USA. Providing better academic opportunities and choices for students. You will also get the opportunity to pursue several types of food technology masters in USA including MA, MSc etc.
  • Top Universities: The United States is home to some of the top universities offering food science and technology programs. A majority of these universities, such as Texas A&M, Arizona and Columbia etc are highly recognized and ranked by various surveys.
  • Career Opportunities: US offers wide career opportunities for international students after completing masters in food science and technology. According to the BLS, food science and technology jobs in USA are projected to grow by 7 percent with expected employment of 16,100 in 2030.
  • Good Salary: Food science and technology is a rewarding career with the best paying jobs in US. A food scientist earns a basic pay of over 74,160 USD annually. The lowest 10 percent of them earned less than 44,160 USD and the highest 10 percent earned more than 128,160 USD.

Read: Why Study in US?

Course Curriculum For Masters in Food Science and Technology in USA

The masters in food science and technology in USA universities is designed with advanced scientific and analytical skills in a wider aspect of food science essential for the field. The program follows fundamental and applied aspects of food science through its appropriate coursework. The course curriculum includes research in areas of food processing, food microbiology and safety, food chemistry etc. Some of its subjects include:

  1. Nutrition, Metabolism & Health
  2. Food Biotechnology
  3. Food Product Development
  4. Biostatistics & Epidemiology
  5. Food Process Engineering
  6. Food Analysis
  7. Food Microbiology

Read: Study in USA Guide

Top Universities For Masters in Food Science and Technology in USA

There are many universities in USA offering masters in food science and technology. These universities are recognized by their academics and qualified faculties. Here we have curated a list of top universities for MS in food technology in USA:

  1. Cornell University
  2. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  3. Purdue University
  4. Texas A & M University
  5. Illinois Institute of Technology

Let us get into details of each university one by one:

1.     Cornell University

Cornell University is one of the top universities for MS in food technology in USA. It offers a broader, more generalized approach to food science education. The course covers a large swath of topics within food science, including food chemistry, food engineering, nutrition and food marketing, etc. It includes the understanding between the structure and functional properties of food molecules and improving the nutritional, safety, and organoleptic aspects of food.

QS World University Rankings 2023

20

Type of University

Private

Average Annual Fees

34,086 USD

Program Offered

MFS in Food Science and Technology

MS in Food Science and Technology

2.     University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides food science programs in different concentrations such as clinical and community nutrition, food science and human nutrition. In addition, it also trains students in the general field of food science or human nutrition. It offers the opportunity to conduct research in several areas of specialization like food processing, engineering, biotechnology, food chemistry, microbiology and biomass conversion, safety and security etc.

QS World University Rankings 2023

85

Type of University

Public

Average Annual Fees

30,464 USD

Program Offered

MS in Food Science

3.     Purdue University

The food science major at Purdue University is an all-encompassing major centered on enriching and improving food through increased food safety, novel processing techniques, nutritional benefits, and food functionality. The university conducts research in four major areas within the food science discipline such as food chemistry, structure and function, foods for health, food safety and microbiology, and food processing and technology department.

QS World University Rankings 2023

129

Type of University

Public

Average Annual Fees

31,104 USD

Program Offered

MS in Food Science

4.     Texas A & M University

Texas A&M University offers a food science and technology course that provides a strong knowledge base in the fundamental and applied aspects of food science through its appropriate coursework and independent cutting-edge research that addresses the current and emerging societal needs in the field. The program may pursue fundamental and translational research in the areas of engineering and rheology, food packaging, food science and processing, plant bioactive, and many more.

QS World University Rankings 2023

164

Type of University

Public

Average Annual Fees

27,000 USD

Program Offered

MS in Food Science and Technology

5.     Illinois Institute of Technology

The food technology programs at the Illinois Institute of Technology prepare students to be food safety experts in the private sector and at federal and state health agencies. The university provides a working knowledge of food microbiology, food packaging, food chemistry, food analysis, human nutrition, and food regulations. The program includes a total of 32 credit hours, 18 credit hours from the core food safety and technology and 14 credit hours of electives.

QS World University Rankings 2023

443

Type of University

Private

Average Annual Fees

29,628 USD

Program Offered

MAS/ MS Food Science and Technology

MAS/ MS Food Process Engineering

Read: Masters in Biotechnology in USA

List of Food Science and Technology Masters Universities Without GRE

If you are applying for an MS in food science in USA without GRE score, then you need not to worry much about your admission. As there are several universities in USA that don't require your GRE scores as their mandatory documents in the applications. Here is a list of universities accepting applications for MS in food science in USA without GRE tests:

  1. Wayne State University
  2. Johns Hopkins University
  3. University of Vermont
  4. Auburn University
  5. University of Rhode Island
  6. Kansas State University
  7. Washington State University
  8. University of Arkansas

Eligibility Criteria For Masters in Food Science and Technology

There are certain MS in food science in USA eligibility criteria that need to qualify if you are looking to get admission in the course. While these criteria will differ from one university to another, however, the standard and most basic requirements are given below:

  1. Bachelor's Degree
  2. English Language Proficiency
  3. GRE or GMAT Scores
  4. Visa Requirements

Let's discuss them one by one:

1.     Bachelor's Degree

The most common admission requirement for masters food science courses in USA is to have a bachelor's degree certificate. You need to have an engineering bachelor degree in food science or chemistry or chemistry or a closely related field with a good score in key subjects. A minimum GPA of 3.5 will help you to get into the best colleges.

2.     English Language Proficiency

If you are applying as an international student, then you must have to submit a language test score to be considered for admission for the course. It is one of the important criteria for admission to study at any university in US. The minimum expected scores for MS in USA are

3.     GRE or GMAT Scores

Graduate entrance scores like GRE or GMAT are optional for getting admission to masters programs in USA. These scores are used for the evaluation of your profile. However, competitive test scores based on some top universities are

4.     Visa Requirements

A student visa is a must to get admission to study MS in food science and technology in USA for international students. A copy of your passport is also required for applying for a US student visa. Make sure you can apply for your Student Visa at least three months prior to the date of travel.

Read: DS-160 Visa Form

Documents Required For Masters in Food Science and Technology in USA

Apart from eligibility for MS in food technology in USA, there are some essential documents you need in the submission process. Here is a list of documents you gather before submitting your application form:

  1. Official High School Transcripts
  2. Language test scores
  3. GRE or GMAT scorecards
  4. Personal Essay
  5. Statement of Purpose
  6. A letter of recommendation
  7. Resume or CV
  8. Work experience certificate
  9. Proof of your financial resources
  10. Copy of your passport

Read: MS in USA Requirements

Admission Process For MS Food Science and Technology Universities in USA

The application form of food technology colleges in USA opens three times a year for summer, fall and winter semesters. A few of them also accept on a rolling basis which provides you the facility to apply anytime within a year. But how to apply to these universities? Here we have given a step-by-step guide for the application process

  1. First, make a list of some of the best food technology colleges in USA or you can also refer to the above-mentioned universities.
  2. Shortlist those based on their requirements and the program they offer.
  3. Browse their website and check which university falls under your qualifications.
  4. Fill up their application along with the application fees.
  5. Gather all your essential documents and submit them in the application.
  6. Wait for the decision, or you can also check the status. There must be some chance that they will conduct an interview before confirming the application.
  7. Clear the interview part and once you get the decision letter, accept it by paying the depositary fees.

Read: Admission Process for MS in USA

The cost is also a concern in pursuing food technology courses in USA. Therefore it is very important to discuss the costs of studying an MS in food science and technology in the USA.

Cost of Studying For Masters in Food Science and Technology in USA

The overall MS Food Science and Technology costs in USA for international students will depend on two factors: first is program tuition fees and the living costs. Let's discuss both of them in detail:

Tuition Fees

If you are looking to study at top universities for MS in USA for international students, the tuition fees will range between 25,456 USD, which may go up to 65,000 USD per year for both private and public universities. Also, the tuition fees may slightly vary with your study choice, full-time or part-time.

Costs of Living

The cost of living in US depends on location and the lifestyle you choose. The average cost of living in the US ranges between 11,000 USD to 16,000 USD per year. Accommodation type, especially if you want to stay off campus, is more expensive than on campus, its cost ranges between 400 USD to 900 USD per month.

Read: Cost of Living in USA

Scholarships For Masters in Food Science and Technology in USA

The scholarship is the best way to study MS in food science in USA. The universities in USA offer various scholarships to their international students enrolled in a full-time degree program at the university. A majority of external as well as government-funded scholarships are also offered to international students to continue their studies. Some of them are given below:

Scholarship Name

Eligibility

Benefits

President's Endowed Scholarship, Texas A & M

Students with good academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or above.

3,000 USD

Fulbright Scholarship

International student commencing with masters and research program.

Amount Varies

Maria Pia Gratton International Award, University of Illinois

Female graduate students with good academic and cultural background

10,000 USD

Rotary Peace Fellowships

Scholarships for international students pursuing a masters degree program in a US university.

Varies

Read: Scholarships for Indian Students in USA

Career Opportunities After Masters in Food Science and Technology in USA

Completing masters in food technology in USA prepares you for advanced careers in private sectors, food product design and development, public policy and regulatory agencies, non-government organizations etc. You will also get opportunities to pursue independent research that leads to a doctoral degree.

For food science and technology masters in USA, there are multiple job profiles to choose from. Some of the popular ones are:

Job Profile

Average Salary

Food Technologist

61,273 USD

Food Science Technician

40,859 USD

Food Inspector

56,164 USD

Food Policy Analyst

50,413 USD

Food Safety Engineer

65,420 USD

Food Science Manager

53,085 USD

Read: Highest Paying Jobs in USA

The USA is an ideal study abroad destination to pursue masters in food technology courses. Its excellent selection of programs in basic and applied sciences and modern well equipped research laboratories and facilities make it among the very best across the world. Thus, with the information given above, make sure to choose the right choice which caters to your needs. However, if you are finding any difficulty in selecting and require any expert assistance in food science courses in USA, do connect with our Yocket Counsellors now.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Masters in Food Science and Technology in USA

Ques. Is food technology a good career in USA?

And. The scope of opportunities for food technology in the USA is growing day by day. Every year companies are recruiting food technologists with a magnificent pay scale irrespective of your field job, quality control etc.

Ques. What is MS in food technology in USA?

Ans. MS food technology courses in USA enable you to develop the future of foods with a focus on health, taste, food quality, sustainability, and food safety. If you think that the food is exciting from a scientific point of view, then this course is for you.

Ques. How much does a masters in food science and technology in USA cost?

Ans. To study in the top universities in USA offering masters in food science and technology, the tuition fees will range between 23,000 USD to 64,000 USD per year.

Ques. Is the GRE mandatory for masters in food science and technology university in the USA?

Ans. Yes. The GRE test scores are mandatory for a number of universities offering food science courses in USA. However, currently some universities have made it optional for admission. A few of these universities are mentioned above.

Ques. What are the popular food technology courses in USA?

Ans. Some of the food technology masters degree in USA are:

  1. MS in Food Science and Technology
  2. Nutritional Science, MS
  3. Master of Arts in Food Studies
  4. MS in Food Science and Human Nutrition
  5. MS Food Safety and Technology

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