College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Food Science (Ph.D.)
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Food Science (Ph.D.)
Lead the Future of Food — Earn Your Ph.D. in Food Science at NMSU
The Ph.D. in Food Science at NMSU trains scholars ready to transform the science, safety, and sustainability of the world’s food systems. Rooted in biological, physical, and engineering sciences, the program addresses critical challenges such as food deterioration, processing, preservation, packaging, and distribution. With a minimum of 18 dissertation credits and rigorous milestones including comprehensive and final oral exams, students engage deeply in original inquiry that leads to innovation in food technology, safety, and global supply chains.
Admission Deadlines
Fall admission: February 15
- Total credits: 72
- Total dissertation credits: 18
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
Graduates with a Ph.D. in Food Science from NMSU are prepared for high-impact leadership roles across industry, academia, and government. Possible career trajectories include:
- University professor or research scientist
- Director of research and development in food manufacturing or ingredient companies
- Senior scientist in food safety, packaging innovation, and global supply chains
- Faculty member or principal investigator leading food science labs and mentoring future researchers
- Regulatory or policy specialist in national food and health agencies
- Consultant or entrepreneur driving new food technologies, functional foods, or sustainability initiatives
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a Ph.D., in Food Science at NMSU?
Choosing NMSU’s Ph.D. in Food Science means joining a program where interdisciplinary depth meets real-world application. With faculty expertise in microbiology, processing, and food engineering, you’ll engage in cutting-edge research that spans state-of-the-art labs and real food-industry challenges. The program’s strong emphasis on original dissertation work, coupled with the resources of a land-grant institution, ensures you’ll graduate ready to lead innovation and shape the foods our world depends on.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
NMSU's Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Food Science requires at least 42 credits,18 dissertation credits, and pass a qualifying exam, a comprehensive exam, and final oral defense. Students without a MS are required to complete 72 credits.
Take classes like:
- FSTE 5110 - Food Microbiology
- FSTE 5230 - Food Processing Technologies
- FSTE 5250 - Sensory Evaluation of Foods
- FSTE 5130 - Food Preservation
- AXED 5515 - Data Collection and Analysis
- AXED 5510 - Research Methods
GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission.
Application: The application includes transcripts, a compelling statement of purpose, CV, and three letters of recommendation.
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.