Frequently Asked Questons

Can anyone apply to the graduate program of Food Science?

We consider all applicants for financial assistance. Admission is offered to only those students which we can provide financial support.

How do you go about submitting an application to the Food Science Department for the graduate program, or would it be possible to obtain application materials for admission into your program?

All of our information pertaining to admission into our graduate program, is available on line by visiting our website at http://www.foodscience.psu.edu/Graduate/graduate.html then go to the How to Apply link http://www.foodscience.psu.edu/Graduate/admissions.html

Who do I send my materials to?

All application materials should be sent to:

Sue Kelleher
Graduate Program Assistant
Food Science Department
212 Food Science Building
University Park, PA 16802
USA

What is the deadline for admission into our program for the M.S. and Ph.D. program?

For a possible fall admission with a financial fellowship or grad assistantship, the deadline is January 15 of that particular year.

Domestic students must apply by one month prior to start of a semester. If an international student is considering a fall admission, as a general rule, the semester that you are applying for, all application materials should be received by April 30 for a possible fall admission and August 30 for a possible spring admission.

What is the minimum TOEFL score for admission into our program?

The TOEFL is a requirement of the Graduate School. It is recommended that the TOEFL score of 550 on the paper test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 80 on the iBT (Internet Based Test) is requirement for admission. Per the Graduate School requirement, applicants must score 20 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.

What are the minimum requirements of the GRE?

We do not have a minimum GRE requirement.

Can you credit my experience as a substitute to the GRE requirement?

We cannot waive the GRE requirement.

Is it necessary to complete the Visa Documentation Form prior to a possible admission into the program?

Yes, the Application for Visa Document must be included with your application materials.

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 would need to update your graduate application by contacting the Penn State Graduate School and they can review and modify your data. You will then need to contact our department, so that we are aware that you are re-applying.

Do you offer any distance learning programs since I am unable to attend classes at University Park?

Unfortunately, the Food Science Program does not offer any distance learning courses at this time. We do, however, offer several programs via Conferences and Short Courses. Please access the following website for more information: http://conferences.cas.psu.edu. You will want to select the Food and Nutrition link.

What grade level do you appoint your M.S. and Ph.D. students?

Grade 11 are M. S. students, and Grade 12 are the Ph.D. students.