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

Before we can head towards some of the best MS in food science and technology universities in the 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 master 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 the USA including MA, MSc, etc.

• Top Universities

The United States is home to some of the top universities offering food science and technology programs. The majority of these universities, such as Texas A&M, Arizona, Columbia, etc. are highly recognized and ranked by various surveys.

• Career Opportunities

The US offers vast career opportunities for international students after completing a master's in food science and technology. According to the BLS, food science and technology jobs in the 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 the US. A food scientist earns a basic pay of over INR 61,72,967.16 annually. The lowest 10 percent of them earned less than INR 36,75,812.16 and the highest 10 percent earned more than INR 1,06,67,846.16.

Suggested: Why Study in US?

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

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 the USA:

• Cornell University
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Purdue University
• Texas A & M University
• 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 the 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 food marketing, etc. It includes the understanding of the structure and functional properties of food molecules and improving the nutritional, safety, and organoleptic aspects of food.

2. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The 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, biomass conversion, safety, and security, etc.

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.

4. Texas A&M University

The 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.

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.

Read: Masters in Biotechnology in USA

With so many universities to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Researching universities can be time-consuming, especially when you have to factor in your academic profile, interests, and budget. 

Yocket College Finder is a powerful tool that helps you find the perfect university for your study abroad journey. It takes into account your academic profile, interests, and budget to generate a personalized list of universities that are a good fit for you.

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

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:

• Bachelor's Degree
• English Language Proficiency
• GRE or GMAT Scores
• Visa Requirements

Let's discuss them one by one:

1. Bachelor's Degree

The most common admission requirement for masters food science courses in the 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 submit a language test score to be considered for admission to the course. It is one of the important criteria for admission to study at any university in the US. The minimum expected scores for MS in the USA are:

• IELTS: 6.0 - 7.0
• TOEFL: 90 - 100

3. GRE or GMAT Scores

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

• GRE: 260 - 330
• GMAT: 625- 700

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4. Visa Requirements

A student visa is a must to get admission to study MS in food science and technology in the 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.

Suggested: DS-160 Visa Form

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

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.

The overall MS Food Science and Technology costs in the 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 the USA for international students, the tuition fees will range between INR 21,18,000, which may go up to INR 54,10,000 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 the US depends on location and the lifestyle you choose. The average cost of living in the US ranges between INR 9,15,000 to INR 16,30,000 per year. Accommodation type, especially if you want to stay off campus, is more expensive than on campus, its cost ranges between INR 30,000 to INR 75,000 per month.

Read: Cost of Living in the USA

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The scholarship is the best way to study MS in food science in the USA. The universities in the 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:

Read: Scholarships for Indian Students 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 the USA, there are multiple job profiles to choose from. Some of the popular ones are

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 equipped research laboratories and facilities make it among the very best across the world. 

With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to select the right university and program for your individual needs in food technology in the USA. One of the biggest challenges you may face is choosing the right university. There are many factors to consider, such as the university's location, reputation, program offerings, and cost. Selecting the best university or narrowing down your options can get confusing and overwhelming. But fear not! 

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