Master of Science - Food Science

Washington State University's (WSU) School of Food Science offers graduate programs leading to doctoral and master of science degrees. Food Science is a multidisciplinary science that applies biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, nutrition, and other sciences to improve the safety and quality of food products; develop new food products; and design new, safer, and more energy-efficient food preservation methods. The curriculum emphasizes courses in food processing, food chemistry, food microbiology, sensory evaluation, and other specialized areas. Some of the coursework is in cooperation with nearby University of Idaho. Examples include the processing and manufacturing of cereal, dairy, fruit, and vegetable products; including cheeses, wines, and potatoes. Departmental faculty and adjunct/affiliate faculty may all serve as student advisors. Faculty are housed at the WSU Pullman and Tri-Cities campuses, and the research station in Prosser, Washington. Each student’s program of study is individualized based on their research interests, prior academic experience, and collaboration with their major advisor.

Student Opportunities:

Students gain research experience and leadership skills at the SFS facilities housed on the WSU campus that includes: research level chemistry, microbiology, and engineering laboratories; the WSU Creamery where on-going research on ice cream and cheese occurs, including the world renowned ‘Cougar Gold’ cheese; a contemporary sensory evaluation facility where aroma, flavor and taste panels are conducted, and a processing pilot plant where small-scale equipment allows for applied research. Off-campus facilities include the Wine Science Center on the WSU on the WSU Tri-Cities regional campus and the Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (IAREC) in Prosser, WA., both of which are in the heart of the Northwest’s expanding wine and food processing industries. In addition, there is the Food Technology Center in Caldwell, ID.

Career Opportunities:

Food science graduates begin careers in food research and development, food quality assurance, food safety microbiology, production management, regulatory affairs, or research in the food/allied industries or federal/state regulatory agencies.

Career Placements:

Gallo Wines, ConAgra Foods, Givaudan Flavors, Leprino Foods, Heinz Foods USA, TIC Gums, General Mills, Safeway, McCain Foods USA, Bolthouse Farms, Michelson Laboratories, Ecolab, Weichuan USA, Schwann’s, Darigold, Wilcox Farms, Ventura Food, Trident Seafoods, Disney Consumer Products, Idaho Pacific Corp., Nestle Nutrition, Heinz North America, Cargill, and J.R. Simplot.