Graduate Program Description

Programs leading to both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are offered in the Department of Cereal and Food Sciences. Areas for thesis research are:

• Proteins, Carbohydrates, Enzymes, and Lipids of cereals and other northern-grown crops
• Bioprocessing
• Wheat Milling and Baking
• Pasta Processing

In addition to the basic courses in cereal chemistry and technology, students usually select courses in biochemistry, bacteriology, agronomy, business administration, and industrial engineering. The departments in these areas frequently work closely with the Department of Cereal and Food Sciences in assisting students with their course work. Some laboratory work is required to familiarize the students with various special areas so that they can select their research problem wisely. Students arrange approval of course work with their adviser and committee. Theses are required for graduate degrees. Knowledge of a foreign language is not required.

Admission Requirements NDSU Graduate School

The Department of Cereal and Food Sciences graduate program is open to all qualified graduates of universities and colleges of recognized standing. To be admitted with full standing status to the program the applicant must:

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from an educational institution of recognized standing;
   
2. Have adequate preparation in chemistry and biological sciences and must show potential to undertake advanced study and research as evidenced by academic performance and experience;
   
3. At the baccalaureate level, must have earned a cumulative grade point average in all courses of at least 3.0 or equivalent.

Students who do not meet all requirements for admission or have deficiencies in prerequisite course work but show good potential for graduate study may be admitted conditionally. Dependent upon the student's academic performance after the first or second semester of study the conditional status may be changed to full graduate standing.

Applications should be submitted directly to the Graduate School before May 1 for the upcoming academic year although applications will be considered at any time they are submitted.

Official transcripts (transcripts having an appropriate seal or stamp) of all previous undergraduate or graduate studies, an updated transcript showing all course credits and grades must be provided in advance of the initial registration at NDSU.

Three letters of recommendation are generally required before action is taken on any application. Reference report forms are available from the Graduate School. The TOEFL examination is required for international applicants. A score of 550 or greater must be achieved.

Financial Assistance

The number of assistantships varies from year to year, depending on industrial support, grants, and the number of students in residence. Applicants are considered on the basis of scholarship, academic performance, and financial need. Application to the Graduate School, including three letters of reference and official transcripts, are required to be considered for an assistantship. International students must also submit a TOEFL score.

Degree requirements

The Master of Science program requires a minimum of 20 semester credits of course work with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. The Ph D. program requires the completion of a minimum of 40-50 semester credits of course work with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. With assistance from the adviser, an advisory and examining committee is established and a Plan of Study developed. The student is required to prepare and defend a written research proposal.

For M.S. candidates, a written examination on course work is required prior to scheduling the final oral examination in defense of the disquisition and testing of academic subject matter.

Ph.D. candidates are required to take a preliminary written and oral examination directed to academic subject matter and a final oral defense of a research based disquisition.