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The Master of Food Science (MFS) is a one-year, course-based graduate program provided by Cornell's Field of Food Science and Technology. This professional degree caters to working professionals seeking to enhance their expertise, as well as individuals with bachelor's degrees in related (non-food science) fields who wish to transition into food science careers. Applicants without science backgrounds (such as those with degrees in humanities or business) can qualify by completing about 15 credits of foundational science coursework before applying. Recommended preparatory courses include General Biology, Calculus, Chemistry (including Organic Chemistry), Physics, and Microbiology, preferably with laboratory components. The program features seven specialized focus areas, each designed to build relevant skills and problem-solving abilities for specific food science careers, complete with capstone projects and graduate outcome data.
The food toxicology concentration examines harmful substances in food and their impacts on organisms. Coursework covers endocrine disruptors, natural bioactive compounds, feed toxicant effects on animal metabolism, neurobehavioral studies, and advanced techniques in protein modification and encapsulation.