2026-2027
Welcome to the Department of Food Science!
We are excited to welcome you to your graduate school journey! This Graduate Program Handbook presents information important to students enrolled in the M.S. and Ph.D. programs in the Department of Food Science. Read this handbook carefully and repeatedly – it has a lot of information that becomes relevant at different stages throughout your graduate degree.
All graduate students must fulfill the general requirements stipulated by The Fox Graduate School of The Pennsylvania State University for admission and the awarding of a M.S. or Ph.D. degree. In addition, each graduate major has specific coursework requirements, thesis research criteria, and established policies that must also be fulfilled. Procedures and rules have the goal of assuring uniform and high standards of performance – it is your responsibility to become familiar with and abide by them!
A successful graduate education goes beyond satisfactory completion of coursework and thesis requirements. You will develop professional skills that will aid you in your future career – take full advantage of all opportunities provided to you. Informal and frequent contact with the entire faculty and other graduate students is highly recommended – often these conversations will help you in your graduate school journey. Becoming a contributing member of our profession requires active involvement, and there are several opportunities for every graduate student to get actively involved with the Department, College, and the University during your time here at Penn State. You are encouraged to participate in Department, College, University and professional society committees (i.e., the Food Science Club, Phi Tau Sigma, Institute of Food Technologists, etc.) to round out your graduate degree experience.
This handbook is intended to serve as a navigation guide through your graduate program. Your graduate advisor(s), your committee, and I are here to guide your progress, but the ultimate responsibility for the program resides with you. You have been awarded a great opportunity – make sure you make the most of it! Please let me know if you have any suggestions for this handbook.
I wish you much success as you embark on your graduate degree program.
Helene Hopfer,
Director of Graduate Studies
Contact
Karen Mullen (kjs15@psu.edu) - Graduate Program Coordinator
Submit this form to send requests to the Grad Program Coordinator
This checklist should be used to assist with internal administrative tasks toward completion:
Additional Links to Fox Graduate School and University Resources
