MSc & PhD in Food Science (Thesis/Research)
Combine the pure sciences to develop innovative and healthy food.
This program is offered through the Department of Food Science which focuses its research on enhancing the quality, safety, functionality and nutrition of foods. Research beside world-renowned professors who focus on food safety, food preservation, dairy science, food analysis, sensory science, nutraceuticals and functional foods.
#1 in Canada for food science
Study with the best. The University of Guelph is ranked #1 in Canada for Food Science and Technology by U.S. News and World Report.
Elevate your impact
Broaden your high-paying and leadership career options by achieving a graduate degree. MSc and PhD graduates are highly sought after by Canadian and international food science employers.
Research-based studies
Alongside a faculty member and other students, you will develop, conduct and publish impactful research that focuses on a topic/issue/opportunity in food science.
Excellent food science facilities
Access excellent research facilities and equipment. To learn more about the facilities, check out this Virtual Tour of Food Science Labs and Pilot Plant Facilities.
Leading research centres
Work alongside and in the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety and the Guelph Food Innovation Centre.
Add unique skills to your resume
Benefit from convenient access to short courses, classes and certificates on beer brewing, ice cream and cheese making.
Both programs are offered in-person at the Guelph campus. The MSc typically takes two (2) years, while the PhD takes three to four (3-4) years to complete.
- Dairy Chemistry and Microbiology
- Advances in Food Science
- Food Science Communication
- Special Topics in Food Physics
- Special Topics in Food Processing
- Special Topics in Food for Health
This is just a sample of the course options. View all Food Science graduate courses here.
A food scientist applies knowledge of microbiology, sensory analysis, biochemistry, chemistry, physics and engineering. Opportunities include
- Food production manager
- Processing manager
- Research and development scientist (in product, process or packaging)
- Food science professor
- Consultant
Graduates from the Department of Food Science have careers in diverse fields. We recently conducted a career destination survey of 663 master’s graduates and 149 PhD graduates of the department. View the results here: View the results here:
More details on funding your graduate studies are available on the Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies website. Note, many food science graduate students compete successfully for University of Guelph scholarships and awards.
More information on courses and admission requirements can be found here.
Meet Your Profs
Many consumers are after products that are fresh, minimally processed, and this is really a challenge for the food industry simply because that the products are no longer as stable, so by using antimicrobial active packaging system we should be able to achieve the required shelf-life as well as meeting the consumer demand on the fresh product.
My research focuses on gluten proteins. The functionality of that protein, it's actually a very intriguing protein, it has an unequalled functionality because it builds structures.
How to Apply
As part of the application requirements, you are required to secure a faculty advisor to supervise your program. Faculty profiles describe research programs in more detail and can be found on the Department of Food Science website. Contact the faculty member you are interested in working with to discuss potential research opportunities. We recommend connecting via email.
More details on the U of G graduate program application process here.
Applications to the M.Sc. and Ph.D. are evaluated on academic performance in a relevant field of study, referee assessments, statement of interest and experience in appropriate and related fields. View the full Food Science graduate admission requirements here.
- Winter semester (January entry): Ongoing
- Summer semester (May entry): Ongoing
- Fall semester (September entry): Ongoing
More details on the U of G graduate program application process here.
- Review the uploading documents information for instructions on providing required supporting documents to complete your application.
- Application to the M.Sc. and Ph.D. require a department supplemental document called the “Application Fact Sheet”. Include a completed Application Fact Sheet in your application package via WebAdvisor.
- Offer letters indicate the requirement for official transcripts by the first class day of the semester in which you start your program.
- International applicants should apply with consideration given to time needed for immigration procedures if you receive an offer. International students are required to submit a valid study permit and passport when they arrive on campus.
- Not sure what your “admission average” is? Here’s more details on how to calculate it: Calculating Your Admission Average | Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies. International applicants: please use this guide to compare your academic credentials and determine the grade equivalency needed. Additional information available on the International Applicants page.
- More resources for international applicants are available on the U of G Graduate & Postdoctoral website.
Additional Options
You may also be interested in MSc in Food Safety and Quality Assurance (Course-based) or the Master in Dairy Technology Management (Course-based).
Contact
For questions on applying and admissions, contact:
Aimee Caldwell
Department of Food Science
fsgrdsec@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120, Ext. 52705
For questions on graduate program options, contact:
Leigh West
Ontario Agricultural College (OAC)
lewest@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 Ext. 52101
Hear from Food Science Graduate Students
I specifically pursued research at the University of Guelph because the program has more to offer than any other food science program. Moreover, I deeply admire the research conducted by my supervisor, Dr. Loong-Tak Lim.
Food science is a very important field within our industry and in our everyday lives. There was definitely no shortage of finding jobs within the field. There are lots of opportunities for students to get involved and jumpstart their career.
The Department of Food Science is a great community and I’ve found it easy to get involved and make friends. I’ve been a member of the Food Science Graduate Club for the past few years and help to plan events for faculty, staff, and graduate students. I’ve also been a Food Chemistry teaching assistant (TA) throughout my grad studies which has been a lot of fun and has given me the opportunity to get to know and learn alongside the Food Science undergrads each year.