Professor Randy Phebus is preparing a chicken nugget for experimentation within a food science lab. He is wearing a pale yellow disposable isolation gown, purple rubber gloves and safety glasses.

Food Science Grad Degrees

Advance your career at K-State. Our food science programs are nationally know for excellence, with top faculty in their areas of expertise.

Be an innovator in food science.

Let us tell you more.
GRE/GMAT scores are not required
Scholarships for full & part-time students

K-State has two graduate degrees for career-changers or career advancement.

Master's in Food Science

(on-campus & online)

This degree offers you the chance to learn about designing, processing and marketing safe, wholesome and attractive food products for consumption throughout the world.

Courses include:

    • Food Microbiology
    • Advanced Food Chemistry
    • Scientific Communication

Typical jobs:

    • food research and development
    • research scientist in product development

Doctorate in Food Science

(on-campus)

Enhance your knowledge with our Ph.D. and apply up to 30-credit hours from your master's degree. Transfer students are welcome!

Courses include:

    • Food Engineering
    • R & D of Food Products
    • Statistics

Research emphasis:

  • food chemistry or microbiology
  • food processing or safety
  • sensory analysis
  • food engineering
  • food commodities (cereal grains, dairy, meats & poultry and fruits & vegetables, etc.)

The Food Science Institute

Our mission is to facilitate the training of traditional and nontraditional students by supporting basic and applied research initiatives. Facilities and laboratories:

  • Dairy processing plant
  • Food chemistry laboratory
  • Food microbiology and safety laboratory
  • Grain and bakery science, with two facilities
  • Meat science facility

Under development is the new Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation. With three floors of teaching and modern research spaces, it will open to students in fall 2026

Not ready for a master's degree? Explore our food safety and defense graduate certificate. Get an in-depth understanding of foodborne toxicants, food laws and regulations, food defense and problems in spoilage, preservation and fermentation. Request more information above!

31-34
credit hours
(master's degree)
$658.33
per credit hour*
(online master's degree)

Ready to make a change?

Apply Today

Hear from an alumni of the Master of Science in Food Science

Working for Beam Suntory, Danielle loves using her degree to create new products.

Ready to learn more about Food Science?

Inquire Today

*Tuition rate is based on 2025-2026 rates, which are subject to change annually. For a full breakdown of all tuition and fees, please visit K-State's tuition and fees website