Degrees and Certificates
Master's Degree Programs
The following four thesis and non-thesis graduate degrees are offered at IFSH:
• Master of Science in Food Safety and Technology (Thesis Option)
• Master of Food Safety and Technology (Professional, Non-Thesis Option)
• Master of Science in Food Process Engineering (Thesis Option)
• Master of Food Process Engineering (Professional, Non-Thesis Option)
The master's degree in Food Safety and Technology (thesis or non-thesis) is designed to train students with backgrounds in food science to be food safety experts in the private sector and at federal and state health agencies. The master's degree program in Food Process Engineering (thesis or non-thesis) is designed to educate engineers and scientists in different aspects of food processing and safety. Students can specialize in food processing operations, packaging, food safety, food biotechnology and process and quality monitoring and control.
Graduates of the program will be prepared to assume responsible positions in research and development, food safety, compliance and regulatory affairs, quality assurance and quality control in the food industry. Other career options include positions in federal, state or local public health agencies and private health organizations in policy-making, regulatory or research positions.
Admission Requirements
Admission to graduate degree programs in Food Safety and Technology and Food Process Engineering typically requires a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, food science, or chemical, agricultural, food or environmental engineering, or a related field.
• Cumulative undergraduate GPA 3.0/4.0
• GRE of 1100 (verbal and quantitative)
• GRE of 1100 for Master of Science (thesis)
• GRE of 950 for Master of Food Process Engineering (non-thesis)
• TOEFL of 550 (paper); 213 (computer); 80 (Internet)
Meeting the minimum GPA and test score requirements does not guarantee admission. Test scores and GPA are just two of several important factors considered. Prerequisite courses may be required, depending on the student’s background.
Students applying for the professional master's academic program (non-thesis option) with an undergraduate degree from a major US university with a cumulative GPA of 3.2/4.0 or higher may not be required to submit a GRE score.
Students accepted into the program with a TOEFL score between 550 and 600 will be required to take English courses at IIT. These courses are provided at a reduced tuition rate and do not contribute credit towards graduation.
Visit the IIT Office of Graduate Admission for admission forms and coursework details.
Certificate Programs
The Institute for Food Safety and Health offers three certificate programs through IIT: Food Safety and Technology, Food Process Engineering, and Food Processing Specialist. Certificate programs provide a student with post-baccalaureate knowledge in a specialized area.
Students in these programs register as certificate students. Certificate programs typically requires a total of four courses (12 credits) that must be completed in three years with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0. (Note: Some courses may have prerequisites.) Students who are admitted to master's degree program may apply coursework previously taken in a certificate program towards the requirements for the master's degree. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 is required.
• Certificate in Food Safety and Technology
This program provides knowledge of food safety and technology and its applications in the food industry and in federal and state public health agencies. This program is offered in collaboration with IIT's Biological, Chemical and Physical Science Department. The certificate requires four courses (12 credits).
• Certificate in Food Process Engineering
This program provides an introduction to the field of food engineering with application of chemical engineering to food manufacturing and food safety. This certificate is offered in collaboration with IIT’s Chemical and Biological Engineering program and requires four courses (12 credits).
• Food Processing Specialist Certificate
This program is designed to provide a broad working knowledge of technical elements of thermal processing systems (with understanding of alternative technologies) to qualify at an intermediate level as a recognized Food Processing Specialist. The certificate is offered in collaboration with IIT’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and requires four courses (12 credits). For the course schedule, see the link below.
Please download the Food Processing Specialist Program flier (.pdf) for more information on candidate eligibility and program structure. See the 2013-2014 course schedule (.pdf) for dates and times.
For a registration package, please contact:
Renee McBrien
Manager, Education and Outreach
708.563.8271
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