All students enrolled in a graduate program in the Field of Food Science and Technology are expected to have a solid understanding of the Core Competencies in Food Science as outlined by the Institute of Food Technologist (IFT).

Master of Science (M.S.)

Students in the M.S. degree program are expected to complete their degree requirements in two years but have up to four years to complete requirements.  Degree requirements include:

• Formation of a Special Committee comprised of one professor representing the major field (i.e. Food Science and Technology) and at least one professor representing the minor field (for a list of graduate fields visit http://www.gradschool.cornell.edu/index.php?p=38)
• The Special Committee determines required coursework based on the student's previous degree (courses) and research interests
• Enrollment in at least 12 class or research credits per semester
  
• Special Committee members advise students on the selection and conduct of thesis research
• Students must present one research seminar which is open to other food science graduate students, faculty and the Cornell community
  
• At least one semester of teaching experience is required and can be fulfilled by assisting with a food science course (teaching assignments are administered by the Graduate Field Office)
• Successful completion of a final, oral exam and submission of a research-based thesis that has been approved by the Special Committee
• A minimum of two Residency Units (RUs) are required
  

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Students in the Ph.D. degree program are expected to complete their degree requirements in three to four years but may be allowed up to seven years to complete requirements.  While it is typically recommended that students complete a Master degree before beginning a Ph.D. program, the Field of Food Science at Cornell will admit students with strong preparation directly to the Ph.D. program.

• Formation of a Special Committee comprised of one professor representing the major field (i.e. Food Science and Technology) and at least two professors representing the minor fields (for a list of graduate fields visit http://www.gradschool.cornell.edu/index.php?p=38).  Additionally, Ph.D. students are appointed a field faculty member to serve on the student's Q and A exams.
  
• The Special Committee determines required coursework based on previous degrees (courses) and student's research interests
• Enrollment in at least 12 class or research credits per semester
  
• Successful completion of a Qualifying "Q" exam prior to the beginning of the second semester
• Successful completion of the A exam prior to the seventh semester
• Students must present one research seminar which is open to other food science students, faculty and the Cornell community
• At least one semester of teaching experience is required and can be fulfilled by assisting with a food science course (teaching assignments are administered by the Graduate Field Office)
  
• Successful completion of the B exam and submission of research dissertation that has been approved by the Special Committee
• A minimum of six Residency Units (RUs) are required