Please note that most online Food Studies courses run on a 14-week schedule.
**Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Unlock Food’s True Meaning through Gastronomy
A unique, multidisciplinary program created in collaboration with Jacques Pépin and Julia Child, the Master of Arts (MA) in Gastronomy at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) encompasses the arts, the humanities, and the natural and social sciences. Students in the program examine the role of food in historical and contemporary societies from a variety of perspectives, leading to careers in media, policy, enterprise, and academia, among others.
One of the only online master’s programs of its kind, BU MET’s MA in Gastronomy program offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach to food studies that hones the critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary to tackle today’s complex food issues, while developing a deep understanding of food in the context of arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. You will engage with distinguished scholars and academic departments across BU’s many schools and colleges, as well as with renowned visiting faculty and notable food industry professionals and thought leaders—developing the practical and theoretical expertise required for working in food-related industries, governance, and non-profit organizations.
Additionally, BU MET’s Gastronomy master’s broad range of program electives can be combined to focus on specific areas of interest, such as Business & Entrepreneurship, Communication, Food Policy, or History & Culture.
BU MET is proud to be the only school in the country with a food studies master’s degree program that offers the unique option to gain hands-on experience through wine studies courses and a state-of-the-art culinary arts laboratory. Additionally, Boston University’s Programs in Food & Wine include a variety of seminars, lectures, and certificates, including: Cheese Studies; Culinary Arts; Pastry Arts; Seminars in Food & Wine; and Wine Studies.
The MA in Gastronomy is also available on campus in Boston.
Boston University’s Master of Arts in Gastronomy consists of ten required courses (40 credits): four required courses (16 credits) and a choice of Electives (24 Credits)
Please note that most online Gastronomy courses run on a 14-week schedule, with the exception of online cooking and baking courses, which follow a seven-week schedule.
Choose at least two courses from the following:
Degree Core Courses
(Four Courses / 16 Credits)
The remaining 24 credits are completed with elective courses. Students may choose any of the courses offered below to fulfill the elective requirement, or may select approved electives from other schools and colleges at Boston University or from any of the 18 institutions in the Boston Consortium, with approval from the Program Director. Within the elective credit requirement, students may opt to complete one or more of the following 8-credit focus areas:
Electives
Business and Entrepreneurship
Select 8 credits in consultation with an advisor. Suggested courses include
Communication
Select 8 credits in consultation with an advisor. Suggested courses include
Food Policy
Select 8 credits in consultation with an advisor. Suggested courses include
History and Culture
Select 8 credits in consultation with an advisor. Suggested courses include
General Electives
Select 8 credits in consultation with an advisor. Suggested courses include
Learn about application requirements for BU MET graduate degree and certificate programs.
How You Benefit from a Boston University Education
A BU credential can help lay the foundation for career advancement and personal success.
Enjoy a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio in courses that are 100% online, while tackling complex issues alongside peers with solid academic and practical experience.
Food Studies courses offer interplay between academic research and critical thinking as well as exploring food through the senses—providing rare and exceptional range and depth to food studies scholarship. Courses are enhanced by regular guest lectures and special events.
Benefit from working closely with highly qualified Boston University faculty who draw from active research and extensive field experience in all aspects of food studies: policy, history, anthropology, marketing, entrepreneurship, hospitality, journalism, and science.
Experience one of the only programs in which you can earn academic credit by completing hands-on culinary courses in Cheese Studies, Pastry Arts, and Wine Studies.
In honor of the late Julia Child, up to three awards per semester are given to enrolled Master of Arts in Gastronomy students for outstanding work in a course.
BU MET’s legacy in food studies goes back to 1991, when the Gastronomy Master’s degree program was founded by Jacques Pépin and Julia Child, two legends of the culinary world.
US citizens and permanent residents are automatically considered for Merit Scholarships during the application process and nominated based on eligibility.
#4
America’s Top Online Colleges
Graduate with Expertise
Boston University’s Gastronomy master’s degree will equip you with:
Advanced knowledge of social theory applicable to the study of food.
An ability to critically analyze current and foundational issues in food studies and food systems.
Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative methodologies for interdisciplinary food studies research.
Competence in the written and oral presentation of complex ideas and arguments in scholarly and professional contexts.
Advance Your Career
BU MET’s Gastronomy master’s degree program prepares graduates who are insightful, adaptable, and creative. BU’s Gastronomy alumni hold positions in academia, food writing and publications, media and communications, policy, tourism, marketing, food enterprise and distribution, and many other areas. Their range of professions and endeavors is as unusual,exciting, and diverse as they come.
Take Advantage of Career Resources at BU MET
You will find the support you need in reaching your career goals through MET’s Career Development office, which offers a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for online students. You can also take advantage of tools and resources available online through BU’s Center for Career Development.
Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths in companies such as:
Johnson & Wales University
America’s Test Kitchen
The Pioneer Woman and Food Network Magazines
Food Tours at Intrepid Travel
PepsiCo
Oceania Cruises
Legal Sea Foods
Amazon
Oldways Trust
Culture Brewing Co.
The Boston Globe
Allrecipes.com
Datassential
culture: the word on cheese magazine
Clean Plates OmniMedia
Aramark
Whetstone Media
Cornell University
Oxfam America
New England Culinary Institute
Kimi Ceridon
I chose the gastronomy program because it is one of the few food studies programs in the country. The Gastronomy program has been central to my entrepreneurship journey.
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