{"id":500,"date":"2024-10-02T14:02:19","date_gmt":"2024-10-02T18:02:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/foodstudies\/?page_id=500"},"modified":"2026-07-06T13:10:05","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T17:10:05","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/foodstudies\/about\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gastronomy and Food Studies<\/h2>
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Overview<\/h3>\n

What is the Gastronomy program?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/a> and Master of Arts in Gastronomy<\/a> degree each give graduate students an introduction and grounding in an interdisciplinary approach to studying food in culture and society.<\/p>\n

What is the difference between the graduate certificate and the MA degree programs?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Certificate students are not degree candidates and do not qualify for financial aid programs.<\/p>\n

What is Metropolitan College? Is it part of Boston University?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Metropolitan College (MET) is one of Boston University\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

What can I do with a Gastronomy degree or a Food Studies certificate?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Graduates of our programs pursue many different careers\u2014teaching 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\u2019s in Gastronomy?<\/a><\/p>\n

Do I have to have a food background to apply?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Applicants must have a bachelor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

What is the Gastronomy program like?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2014anthropology, 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.<\/p>\n

Who are the faculty?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Application and Enrollment<\/h3>\n

Are there prerequisites to the program?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We require you to have a bachelor\u2019s degree and demonstrate an interest in pursuing academic study in the field of food studies. There are no specific prerequisites.<\/p>\n

What are the application deadlines?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Can I start the program at any time?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Are most students part-time or full-time?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Are the Gastronomy courses offered in the evening?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/a> (fall terms) or the Professional Pastry Arts Program<\/a> (spring terms) attend classes during the daytime. Also, students may take approved daytime courses in other graduate departments throughout Boston University.<\/p>\n

Can I take Gastronomy courses before officially enrolling?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Which courses are required for MA candidates?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Degree students must take 16 credits of required core courses, normally offered twice a year:<\/p>\n