About PhD Program,
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. Candidates for the Ph.D. degree are paired with a committee chair (major advisor) within the field and select two minor advisors. There are no general course requirements for Ph.D. degree; instead, students select classes with the help of their special committee based on background and interests.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Completion of a minimum of 6 academic semesters with at least two coming after the A exam
Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0
Completion of the degree within seven years of admission
Enrollment in at least 12 credits per semester, not including audited classes.
Enrollment in FDSC 6000, Seminar, each semester
Enrollment in FDSC 6010, Principles and Applications of Food Science and Technology, during the first fall semester
Enrollment in FDSC 6950, Current Readings in Food Science, two times during program
Gain experience as a teaching assistant for at least one semester
Present a public seminar during FDSC 6000 or a special seminar
Yearly completion of Student Progress Review
Understanding of core competencies in food science
Successful completion of three exams
Q exam – completed before the start of the second semester
A exam – completed after completing two academic semesters but before starting the seventh semester
B exam – taken after completing all degree requirements, but not earlier than one month before completing six academic semesters
Satisfactory completion of a dissertation under the supervision of the Special Committee.
Students should consult the Graduate School web site for specific information regarding the completion of degree and submission of the dissertation
PhD Funding Coverage,
Students admitted to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) have been hand-chosen as the best and brightest, both academically and personally, regardless of their economic circumstances. Cornell CALS is dedicated to providing educational opportunity and access, including easing the financial burden for students and parents. Financial aid packages are individually designed to meet the demonstrated needs of each family, and students and parents are encouraged to work closely with the Financial Aid Office to make a Cornell education more affordable.
As a contract college, CALS tuition depends upon residency status; New York state resident tuition is about $15,000 less than tuition for out-of-state residents. Contract colleges or schools at Cornell University were created by an act of the New York State Legislature and receive direct funding from New York state. The mission of the contract units is linked directly to the economic and social wellbeing of New York state. Residents of New York state receive the resident rate tuition.
Application Requirement,
Application form
Academic statement of purpose
Personal statement
Resume
Transcripts
Two-three letters of recommendation
TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable, see English Language Proficiency Requirements for details)
Students are NOT required to hold a M.S. degree prior to applying for the Ph.D. program (you can apply directly to the Ph.D. with a bachelor’s degree)
Application Deadline,
July 15, 2025
Application Fee,
There is a $105 non-refundable application fee that must be submitted electronically with your application.
