Frequently asked questions about applying to the Food Science Graduate Program.
Can anyone apply to the Food Science Graduate Program?
As a minimum, potential applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution upon admission to our graduate program. We consider all applicants for assistantships and typically only accept students into our program that we can provide financial support or are recipients of externally funded scholarships.
To whom do I send my materials?
Please have official TOEFL scores sent directly to Penn State electronically. Official IELTS scores should be mailed directly to:
The Pennsylvania State University
Graduate Enrollment Services
114 Kern Building
University Park, PA 16802
All other materials that cannot be uploaded to the Graduate School's Admission and Program Information Portal can be mailed to:
Graduate Program Assistant
Department of Food Science
217 Rodney A. Erickson Food Science Building
University Park, PA 16802
What is the deadline for admission into your M.S. and Ph.D. programs?
Although we accept applications throughout the year, most of our incoming students join us during the fall semester. Students are only accepted for the Spring semester if a faculty member has funding and is actively recruiting students. Prior to applying for Spring admission, you should contact the faculty that you are interested in working with to determine if they are actively recruiting students.
We recommend that you send in your application by December 15 if you would like to be considered for an assistantship starting in the fall semester and by August 15 if you would like to be considered for an assistantship starting in the spring semester.
What is the minimum TOEFL score for admission into our program?
The TOEFL is a requirement of the Graduate School. TOEFL scores of 550 on the paper test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 80 on the IBT (Internet Based Test) are required for admission. Per the Graduate School requirement, applicants must score 19 or higher on the speaking portion of the IBT.
Regarding the TOEFL, if someone is from the English-speaking portion of a country, such as Canada, must they submit a TOEFL score?
If English is not your native tongue, then you must submit a TOEFL score. Specific information can be found on the Graduate School website.
Are GREs required?
No, the program does not require GRE scores.
If I was rejected for admission into the graduate program for a certain semester, is it possible to reapply? If so, what is the first step to reapply?
You will need to reapply on the Graduate School online admissions site using the same log in credentials you used the first time and you will need to upload updated application materials.
I am unable to attend classes at University Park. Do you offer any distance learning programs?
Both our Ph.D. and M.S. programs are research intensive and require a considerable amount of time in both coursework and laboratory time to fulfill the requirements for the respective degree. For those who cannot commit the time required to fulfill the requirements of a graduate degree we offer a wide variety of conferences and short courses that can be accessed via the web.
Additionally, we offer a fully online, Graduate Certificate Program in Sensory and Consumer Science through Penn State's World Campus.
Who do I contact for more information?
Contact our graduate program coordinators.
