Frequently Asked Questions

Gastronomy and Food Studies

Overview

What is the Gastronomy program?

Gastronomy, or food studies, is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the many roles of food in culture and society. Its subject matter encompasses arts and humanities as well as natural and social sciences. Our understanding of the role of food in historical and contemporary societies and its impact on world civilization is a serious and important pursuit undertaken within disciplines including anthropology, archaeology, economics, history, and political science. The Food Studies Graduate Certificate and Master of Arts in Gastronomy degree each give graduate students an introduction and grounding in an interdisciplinary approach to studying food in culture and society.

What is the difference between the graduate certificate and the MA degree programs?

The Master of Arts (MA) is a 40-credit graduate degree program, while the Food Studies Certificate is a 16-credit graduate certificate. Certificate students complete two of the four core courses that are required of MA candidates, and all elective courses are available to both degree candidates and certificate students.

Certificate students are not degree candidates and do not qualify for financial aid programs.

What is Metropolitan College? Is it part of Boston University?

Metropolitan College (MET) is one of Boston University’s 17 degree-granting schools and colleges and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of areas. Courses are typically held at night to accommodate the schedules of those who wish to pursue further education part-time while continuing to work or meet other obligations. Some programs are offered online or in a blended format.

What can I do with a Gastronomy degree or a Food Studies certificate?

Graduates of our programs pursue many different careers—teaching at the college level, food writing and publishing, wine and food consulting, running various food businesses, and careers in tourism, to name a few. Read more at What Do My Career Prospects Look Like with a BU Master’s in Gastronomy?

Do I have to have a food background to apply?

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree but are not required to have a specific background. The admissions committee will look for candidates who demonstrate the ability to complete graduate-level work in the liberal arts and will want to understand how you have come to have an interest in studying food.

What is the Gastronomy program like?

As with any graduate program, you will be expected to read and analyze seminal and cutting-edge texts concerning food studies, conduct academic research, write papers, and participate in lively discussions with faculty and fellow students. This interdisciplinary program will teach you to view food through many different lenses—anthropology, history, entrepreneurship, communications, and public policy, among others. The MA in Gastronomy program also provides hands-on learning opportunities such as the Professional Culinary Arts Program and courses in Cheese Studies and Wine Studies.

Who are the faculty?

Courses are taught by faculty who either hold advanced degrees or have professional positions and achievements that make them uniquely qualified educators in their field.

Application and Enrollment

Are there prerequisites to the program?

We require you to have a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate an interest in pursuing academic study in the field of food studies. There are no specific prerequisites.

What are the application deadlines?

The Gastronomy program and Food Studies graduate certificate have rolling admissions; you may submit your application at any time. Applicants are encouraged to apply for fall or spring admission. You are advised to apply at least three months prior to the start date of the semester you would like to attend.

Can I start the program at any time?

At Metropolitan College, you may take courses at any time without being admitted to a degree or certificate program (up to 8 credits). Once admitted, you may start the program by simply registering for courses. Please contact your academic advisor for advice in choosing your courses. You will be assigned an advisor when you accept your offer of admission.

Are most students part-time or full-time?

Most students are part-time and pursue the degree or certificate while working part- or full-time jobs. Students wishing to study full-time may take between 12 and 18 credits per semester.

Are the Gastronomy courses offered in the evening?

Yes, most on-campus courses offered through the Gastronomy program are on weekday evenings, typically from 6 to 9 pm. However, degree students taking the Professional Culinary Arts Program (fall terms) or the Professional Pastry Arts Program (spring terms) attend classes during the daytime. Also, students may take approved daytime courses in other graduate departments throughout Boston University.

Can I take Gastronomy courses before officially enrolling?

Yes, you can register as a non-degree student and take up to two Gastronomy courses (8 credits) in the program before officially enrolling.

Which courses are required for MA candidates?

Degree students must take 16 credits of required core courses, normally offered twice a year:

MET ML 622 History of Food (4 credits)
MET ML 641 Anthropology of Food (4 credits)
MET ML 701 Introduction to Gastronomy (4 credits)
MET ML 715 Food and the Senses (4 credits)

We recommend that degree students take Introduction to Gastronomy (MET ML 701) during their first year in the program. This course introduces key theories and methodologies pertaining to food studies using a multidisciplinary approach.

Find detailed descriptions on these core courses and other Gastronomy courses here.

What other courses can I take as an MA candidate?

For the complete list of available classes, visit our Gastronomy master’s program page.

Which courses are required for certificate students?

Certificate students must complete any two of the four required courses in the MA program and may choose from elective courses for their remaining 8 credits.

What elective courses can certificate students take?

Certificate students can choose from a wide variety of Gastronomy electives. For details, view the Food Studies graduate certificate program page.

Are the Food Studies certificate courses the same as the MA in Gastronomy courses?

Certificate students take the same graduate courses as students in the MA in Gastronomy. You will also be graded according to the same graduate school standards.

As a Food Studies certificate student, can I continue on to or transfer into the MA in Gastronomy degree program?

Certificate students may apply all 16 credits toward their degree requirements. Students currently enrolled in a graduate certificate who are interested in transitioning into a master’s degree should contact Food Studies Program Manager Catie Duckworth at catied@bu.edu to declare their interest in this pathway. A new master’s degree application is not required.

Can I transfer credits from another institution or take classes on a pass/fail basis as an MA candidate?

Yes. You can apply up to 8 credits as a waiver. In other words, certain courses can be counted as credits toward the degree for up to 8 credits on a pass or fail basis that will not have an impact on your GPA. These courses include:

Courses taken at other institutions that have been approved by the Food Studies Programs director, with the exception of culinary arts courses taken at other institutions.
Some Food Studies Programs courses taken prior to being admitted to the MA program (further coursework and examinations may be required). The instructor and the Food Studies Programs director must approve courses if they are taken as pass/fail credits.

Please contact the faculty coordinator for more information.

Can I get credit towards the degree for culinary programs completed elsewhere?

No, credit may not be applied toward the degree for previous formal culinary training outside of the Boston University Professional Culinary Arts Program.

Can I complete the Gastronomy MA program online or away from Boston?

Yes. You have the option to complete our MA program or the Graduate Certificate in Food Studies online, on campus, or by mixing both online and on-campus courses.

Tuition and Financial Information

What is the tuition price difference between part-time and full-time study?

Metropolitan College tuition can differ from semester to semester and year to year. Students taking over 11.5 credits are considered full-time and pay higher tuition. View current tuition rates.

What is the total cost of the program?

That will depend entirely on how you complete your requirements. Since you may transfer courses to the degree, complete one or more of our certificate programs, and take regular graduate classes, it will add up differently for each student. Tuition is set annually by the Trustees of Boston University and is subject to change.

For more information, read How Long Does a Master’s in Gastronomy Take to Complete—and What is the Cost?

What sort of financial assistance is offered through BU’s Metropolitan College?

If you are enrolled in the Gastronomy master’s program and taking 6 credits or more per semester, you may apply for federal loans. Several scholarships are also available to students who are eligible. For detailed information, please consult the Metropolitan College Financial Aid office.

There are also a limited number of graduate assistantships available each term. Duties include support of academic research and other projects in the Gastronomy program. See MET’s Graduate Assistantships page for more information.

In addition, during the application process for the MA in Gastronomy program, all US citizens and permanent residents are automatically considered for Merit Scholarships and nominated based on eligibility. Learn more.

Are there tuition benefits for Boston University employees?

Yes, regular full-time employees of Boston University, and their families, receive tuition remission that covers up to two graduate courses per term. There are some minimal costs and tax implications involved. Information can be found on the BU Human Resources Tuition Remission page. This is an excellent program, and a number of Gastronomy students have been employed on campus while pursuing their studies. Note that tuition remission is not currently available for online courses.

How do I access my student account/bill?

You can access your student account in the MyBU Student Portal, where you can find your tuition bill and information on any financial aid you receive. If you believe your bill is incorrect, please contact Student Accounting Services.

Academics, Resources, and Registration

Which libraries are available to me?

The Boston University library system maintains multiple resources that support the research interests of students. Learn more about the Boston University Libraries.

In addition, the Boston area is rich in library resources. For instance, Gastronomy students have access to the Schlesinger Women’s History Library on the Harvard Campus. The Schlesinger has a renowned collection of historic culinary books, diaries, letters, and cookbooks, including Julia Child’s papers. The Boston Public Library is also a terrific resource.

Students have access to the Boston Library Consortium, allowing them to easily borrow from the libraries at Boston College, Brandeis University, and Northeastern University using their Terrier Card. Access to more than twenty libraries is available to those with Boston Library Consortium (BLC) card. Learn more about obtaining a BLC card.

Do students eat in class?

Yes, we frequently eat in class. Cooking, sharing, and hospitality are major elements of experiencing food culture. Students and faculty alike bring theme-related dishes to class to share during breaks. Other courses take food-related field trips or have meals together outside the classroom. We learn a great deal about our fellow students, including what good cooks they are! Gastronomy students also occasionally dine out together in local restaurants, have wine and food gatherings, and keep in close touch through departmental activities and events.

Can I attend events offered through Food Studies programs?

Yes, Gastronomy students are welcome and encouraged to attend Food Studies events, including lectures and seminars. Most are open to Gastronomy students at no cost or at a reduced price. View our Events calendar.

Are there advisors?

Yes, you will be assigned an advisor when you accept our offer of admission. Your advisor will also be added to your account in the MyBU Student Portal.

To whom should I direct my questions about courses and academic issues?

Contact Dr. Megan J. Elias, director of Food Studies Programs and director of the Gastronomy Program, at 617-358-6291 or mjelias@bu.edu.

How do I access my online courses?

Each Gastronomy course has a site on Blackboard where all online course materials, including the link to join the live Zoom classroom, can be found. If you are having trouble accessing Blackboard for a particular course, email metit@bu.edu.

Where can I find my grades posted?

The final grades for your courses can be found in the MyBU Student Portal under Academics (course list or transcript preview).

How do I register for classes?

Eligible students can register for courses each term according to the Registrar’s schedule. You will add courses through the registration portal in MyBU Student. Review this Course Registration Tutorial for step-by-step instructions on registering through the MyBU Student Portal.

If a course requires department consent, please contact Program Manager Catie Duckworth at catied@bu.edu.

How do I drop my registered classes?

The program manager cannot drop courses for students except in rare circumstances. If you are swapping a course or dropping a course but maintaining enrollment in at least one course, you can drop course through the Enrollment tab in MyBU Student. If you need to drop all of your enrolled courses for a term, you will need to fill out an Enrollment Status Change Request.

How do I request an official copy of my BU transcript?

BU uses a third-party service called Parchment for sending official transcripts. Follow the instructions provided by the Registrar under Ordering a Transcript.

There is a hold on my account. What do I need to do?

You could have a hold on your account for several reasons, including an unpaid balance or non-compliance with a Boston University requirement. You will not be permitted to register for classes while a hold is placed on your account.

If you have an unpaid balance from a prior term, you can pay the bill to remove the hold or work with the Metropolitan College Financial Aid office to find a loan solution that could help cover your past-due balance.

Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded to a student’s graduate application. Official electronic transcripts will be required upon enrollment. Questions can be directed to MET Admissions & Enrollment Services at metadmit@bu.edu.

If neither of the above situations apply, you should check your compliance status in the MyBU Student Portal to ensure your current address and emergency contact information is up-to-date. You may also be out of date on MET’s Academic Integrity Training or BU’s Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training. Contact metess@bu.edu for questions about the Academic Integrity training (which is accessed through Blackboard) or wellcourses@bu.edu for the Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training (which is sent via email). These trainings are to be completed annually.

Gastronomy and Food Studies

Overview

Application and Enrollment

Tuition and Financial Information

Academics, Resources, and Registration

Wine Studies

Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts

Cook Like a Pro and Bake Like a Pro