BS-MS Option in Food Science

The students enrolled in BSc Food Science with a high-grade point average (GPA) can be pre-admitted to the MSc Food Science program and can earn graduate credits while still fulfilling the requirements for the BSc degree. This option offers these students an accelerated path to complete their targeted master’s degree after completion of their bachelor’s, within one additional year instead of the current two years. The objective of BS-MS model is to boost students’ enrolment at a higher-level degree (i.e., MSc Food Science). A comparatively less cost as well as time-saving nature of BS-MS model would be attractive to BSc Food Science students to enrol in this program. The BS-MS Food Science program was approved in AY 2021-2022 and is available to current BSc students for admission.  

Objectives

1. Provide students with advanced theoretical and research knowledge in the field
2. Empower students to integrate and apply knowledge of food science to real-world issues in food systems, components, products, and processes
3. Produce highly trained graduates able to meet the leadership needs of national and international professional careers
4. Develop well-prepared graduates to become research leaders and innovators in the food science field

Credit Requirements

In this program, students must first complete the requirements for BSc in Food Science degree (i.e., 120 CH) but may take some courses from the master’s program during this time. After completing the BSc degree, students can earn MSc degree in Food Science by completing the required credit hours of graduate course work. The BS-MS students will be advised on their training/internship, electives, and senior project selections so that they are oriented earlier for graduate study in their selected discipline. As an incentive, BS-MS students will be allowed to earn their master’s degree by completing up to 6 CH during their B.Sc. program. The 6-CH difference is accounted for by double-counting up to two 500-level courses within the undergraduate elective requirements. In this case, the student will be required to carry out additional work, such as a term project, and perform at a higher level commensurate with the graduate program expectations. If they fail this requirement, no graduate credits will be counted. 

General Admission Requirements

1. The applicant may apply for the BS-MS program after successful completion of 65 CH. However, he/she can only join the program after completing a minimum of 80 CH in the Bachelor’s degree program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. Proficiency in English is demonstrated by a score of 6.0 or higher in IELTS or equivalent.
3. Acceptance of the obligation and responsibility for the graduate study fees.
4. A statement of professional goals.
5. An interview

The Early Admission Procedure

Interested students should first check on their eligibility with their respective Graduate Program Coordinator, then apply by the announced deadline as specified by the university’s admission office.

Once the requirements are reviewed by the respective Graduate Program Committee, its recommendation for admission is forwarded to the University’s Admission Office for official pre-admission to graduate programs.

Academic Advising Guidelines

During the first semester, the BS-MS student will confer with the respective Graduate Program Coordinator and faculty members who correlate with his/her research interests. After potential research areas have been identified and mutually agreed upon with a faculty member and the Graduate Program Committee, the designated faculty member will become the student’s academic advisor to recommend and approve his/her course schedule for the rest of the duration of the program. This academic advisor will also supervise the student’s thesis if the thesis option is chosen.

Probation and Dismissal from the BS-MS Status

All applicable UAEU policies and procedures regarding the academic progress of students will apply to the undergraduate portion of the studies and the graduate portion. For example, BS-MS students who cannot maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or more in the graduate courses taken at UAEU will be placed on probation with possible dismissal from the MSc eligibility for failing to raise the GPA within the specified number of semesters.

Degree Requirements

Required Credit Hours : minimum 144 hours

BS-MS Courses