Application Procedures
Currently, ONLY students that reside within the United States and Canada are eligible for admission into the Graduate Distance Food Science Education program.
When should I apply?
Applications with all supporting materials, test scores (if required) and documents
must be received by the deadlines below. Incomplete or late applications will not
be processed.
Application submission deadlines:
International Students
- Fall semester is December 15.
- Spring semester is June 15.
- Fall semester is April 15.
- Spring semester is September 15.
What will I have to submit?
- A completed online application.
- Three letters of professional recommendation indicating your academic potential on
official letterhead. We will accept emailed copies of attached letters provided they
are on official letterhead and signed. Send recommendations, transcripts and statement
of objectives to:
Food Science Graduate Program
Kansas State University
Food Science Institute
216 Call Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
Email: etoburen@ksu.edu - Official transcripts of all previous college work; transcripts must come directly from the university/college registrar.
- A short statement of objectives (see below).
- For domestic students, $50 application fee.
- For international students, $75 application fee.
What needs to be in the statement of objectives?
- Describe why you want to pursue a graduate degree in Food Science at Kansas State University.
- Indicate the area of interest (i.e., food chemistry, food microbiology, cereals, meat science, sensory analysis, etc.) This allows the application to be directed to the appropriate faculty. Terms such as "food processing" and "food technology" are too general and may result in rejection because of lack of specificity.
- Prior contact you have had with any faculty.
- Faculty you desire to work with as a graduate student, if known.
Are there any special requirements for international students?
International students must submit the following:
- TOEFL score of at least 577 (paper), 233 (computer), 90 (IBT), 7.0 (IELTS) or evidence of a degree from a U.S. university.
- GRE scores.
NOTE: A minimum GRE score of 1000 between the verbal and quantitative is required. A GRE score of at least 425 on the verbal section must be achieved. - Complete financial form and evidence of financial support for their entire graduate training.
- Ensure sections 1, 2, and 3 are filled out completely on the affidavit. It must include the official bank seal and signature of the bank official. A certificate of deposit or a bank statement is not acceptable to fulfill this requirement.
What happens after I send my application material in?
When we receive all of the required application documentation, your file will be
reviewed by an application committee composed of the Food Science graduate faculty.
If you are deemed acceptable for admission, a graduate faculty member willing to serve
as your major professor must be identified prior to forwarding your credentials to
the graduate school.
Are assistantships available?
Research and teaching assistantships are available on a limited basis that are administered
by the individual departments. Those receiving assistantships pay in-state fees. Faculty
also obtain funds from the Agricultural and Engineering Experiment Stations and outside
research funds that help sponsor some graduate research assistantships. Currently,
research stipends are competitive but vary by department.
What courses do I need to take before entering the Food Science degree program?
Requirements for entering graduate study in food science are:
- Mathematics, including college algebra, calculus, and statistics.
- Biochemistry and organic chemistry.
- A course in physics.
- An introductory course in microbiology.
- A course in botany, zoology, or biology.
The student's supervisory committee will resolve course deficiencies. Certain programs within food science may require additional courses. When the student's committee believes it necessary, the student will be required to take additional undergraduate courses to prepare more completely for the individual program.
