The Food Studies programs at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) provide a hands-on, multidisciplinary exploration of the many roles of food in culture and society, and include the following:

Graduate Degree & Certificate

Professional Certificates

Founded by Rebecca Alssid with Julia Child and Jacques Pépin, BU Metropolitan College Food Studies programs bring together diverse, dynamic, and enriching educational opportunities focused on food and drink. Boston University is the only school in the country that offers the unique option to combine hands-on experience with academic approaches to food and drink. The interplay between thinking critically and engaging the senses ensures that students benefit from an experience of exceptional range and depth.

Students in BU MET’s Food Studies programs have access to the incredible resources and faculty of a highly respected university, as well as the wealth of perspectives and experiences introduced by our diverse community. Classes are taught by BU faculty members, professional chefs, visiting lecturers, and industry professionals with expertise in a wide range of fields, including fine dining, policy, history, anthropology, sociology, entrepreneurship, marketing, hospitality, journalism, and science. Our interdisciplinary programs emphasize both experiential learning and sensory training, with the unique option to gain hands-on experience through state-of-the-art courses and certificate programs in culinary arts, pastry arts, cheese studies, and wine studies.

Graduates of BU’s programs in Food Studies have gone on to launch food businesses, pursue doctorates in related fields, teach, write for and edit food-centric publications, open restaurants, become chefs, work in food marketing, research food trends, and work for nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups—among many other careers.

BU’s Metropolitan College offers flexible modes of study that complement busy lifestyles and careers. Most Food Studies programs are available online as well as on campus—with the exception of the wine studies and cheese studies certificates, which are available solely on campus.

BU MET’s hands-on, professional certificate programs and courses in culinary arts, pastry arts, cheese studies, and wine studies are open to learners of every age, professional level, and background. The BU MET master’s degree program in Gastronomy and the Graduate Certificate in Food Studies are open to learners who have earned a bachelor’s degree.