MS/PhD FAQ's

The minimum undergraduate GPA standard for admission to the Graduate School at the University of Georgia for applicants who do not have a prior graduate degree is 3.0.

Here are the application deadlines for the spring and fall semesters:

Domestic Applicants

Fall Semester – July 1
Spring Semester – November 15

International Applicants

Fall Semester – April 15
Spring Semester – October 15

We recommend submitting applications earlier for a priority application review. The deadlines for early application review are January 1 and September 15 for Fall and Spring semesters, respectively.

The needed information can be found at the Graduate Admissions website.

No. The use of generative AI tools to prepare application materials—such as your statement of purpose, CV, or writing samples—is not permitted.

All submitted documents are screened for AI-generated content, and applications may be rejected if AI usage is detected. Applicants are expected to submit original work that reflects their own voice, experiences, and academic integrity.

The three different letters usually come from former or current professors and professional supervisors.

The preferred method of submission is through the online application for admission which contains a section that allows you invite your recommendation writers to submit their letters electronically. If this is not an available option to you, then the letters may be submitted by mail or email to the Department of Food Science and Technology.

No, only one application is necessary.

Please check the graduate applicant tracking system for updates. You can also check with the Graduate Admissions Office. That office collects the application fee and receives the official test scores.

No, the scores should be sent to the Graduate School. The Graduate School's code is 5813. All scores are received there, and a copy is shared with the department.

While the number varies from year-to-year, we usually receive between 140 and 160 applicants per year and will accept about 20-25% of those applicants. Of the accepted applicants 15-20 will enroll each year.

Yes, post-baccalaureate students may apply directly to the PhD program. However, they must meet specific criteria to be considered:

• Strong academic performance at the undergraduate level, including a very high GPA.
• A letter of recommendation or justification from a UGA graduate faculty member strongly supporting the request.
• Demonstrated research proficiency, such as a first-author publication in a top-tier food science journal.

While GRE scores were previously part of the evaluation formula, they are now optional in our department. If submitted, scores will be considered, but they are not required.

Students in the M.S. program are required to successfully complete and defend a research thesis under the direction of a major professor at either the Athens or Griffin locations. It is open to both part-time and full-time students. Students in the M.S. program are eligible for assistantship support. Potential students for the non-thesis online M.F.T. program are working professionals who may or may not have formal education in food science but are employed in the food or food-related industries. The M.F.T. degree is offered totally online. Students in the M.F.T. program are not eligible for graduate assistant funding. If you have additional questions about the M.F.T. program, view the information available at UGA Online.

The department cannot waive anyone’s application fee. Please visit the UGA Graduate School website for application fee information: https://grad.uga.edu/admissions/application-fee/

Fee waivers are available only to applicants who have participated in qualifying programs, such as:

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  • ABRCMS (Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists)
  • Partner institutions like Spelman College, Morehouse College, Albany State University, and others

To request a waiver:

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  • Upload supporting documentation during your application
  • Ensure eligibility before selecting a waiver option—ineligible selections may result in cancellation

While it is not mandatory, securing a faculty advisor before applying is highly recommended. Most funding opportunities, including assistantships, are tied to the major professor. Identifying a faculty member whose research aligns with your interests can significantly improve your chances of admission and funding.

Admission does not automatically guarantee funding. Assistantships are typically awarded through faculty research grants or departmental resources. Applicants with a confirmed advisor are more likely to be considered for funding.

Successful applicants usually demonstrate:

• Strong academic preparation in food science or a related field
• Research experience and clear research goals
• A good fit with faculty expertise
• Evidence of scholarly potential (e.g., publications, presentations)

A competitive application includes:

• A well-written statement of purpose
• Strong letters of recommendation
• Academic transcripts
• Relevant research or work experience
• TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)

Yes, the GRE is optional in our department. If you have taken the GRE, you may report your scores, and they will be considered during the application review process.

Application deadlines and timelines are typically posted on the department’s website. It’s best to begin preparing your materials at least 6–9 months in advance and reach out to potential advisors early.

Faculty receive many inquiries, so response times can vary. Consider following up politely after 1–2 weeks. Tailor your message to show genuine interest in their research and how your background aligns with their work. Do not use generative AI to prepare long and very generic emails, as faculty members can easily identify those.

Absolutely. Many faculty members collaborate across departments, and interdisciplinary research is encouraged. Discuss your interests with potential advisors to explore opportunities.

Visit the department’s website for detailed information on faculty profiles, research areas, and program requirements. You can also explore recent publications to understand current projects.

If you have other questions, please go to the Graduate School FAQ page. 

The needed information can be found at the Graduate School Admissions website.

Additional admissions information can be found at the Graduate School Admissions website.

The proof of finances is not necessary until you have been notified by the Graduate School that you have been recommended for admission into the program. 

Yes, international students are eligible for assistantships. However, securing a major professor is often a prerequisite for funding consideration.

All international applicants recommended for admission must show proof of finances. Once recommended, you will receive an email with more information on requesting visa documents and submitting your proof of finances to the Office of Global Engagement.

Minimum TOEFL score requirement: overall score of 80 with a score of at least 20 on the speaking and with a score of at least 20 on the writing portions.

Minimum IELTS score requirement: overall band-width of 6.5, with no single band (score) below 6.0.

The following information taken from the UGA Graduate School website may be helpful.  

“Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores. The scores may not be more than two years old. Applicants who have received degrees from accredited institutions in the U.S. or from institutions in countries where English is the primary language (e.g., the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand) usually are not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

If such an applicant received the degree more than two years prior to application to the Graduate School and has been residing or working in a country where the primary language is not English, he or she must submit current TOEFL or IELTS scores. Students who are currently enrolled and have been enrolled at least one year at a regionally accredited U.S. institution may have the English language proficiency requirement waived if their work shows a strong quality of performance. Some departments may require the TOEFL (or IELTS) regardless of previous educational experience.”

Country-specific information for English proficiency requirement can be found here.