Course description
The Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology is a 30-unit program designed to provide advanced studies and in-depth knowledge in the fundamentals of plant physiology, microbiology, and grape and wine chemistry, as well as technical writing and formal presentation of research reports.
Full-time graduate students may earn the degree within two years when working closely with an adviser. To accommodate part-time students, graduate courses are offered in the late afternoon or evenings.
Admission Requirements. The Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology assumes preparation equivalent to a Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and/or Enology, Agricultural Chemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Plant Science, or a related area from an accredited institution. The following courses or equivalents are expected to be completed prior to enrollment in courses to be applied to the master's program: BIOL 11, 161; CHEM 8, 150; ENOL 116, 125, 166; PLTH 103, 105, 106; SW 2, 100; VIT 101, 102.
Admission Materials. To be considered for admission to the graduate program, the candidate must submit the following materials: evidence of a baccalaureate degree in agricultural chemistry, enology, food science, nutrition, plant science, viticulture, or a related area from an accredited institution; official transcripts of all college work; official scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE); a university application; three letters of reference from employers or faculty at the university most recently attended; and a statement of 500 words or less indicating reasons for pursuing a master's degree.
Admission Criteria: Candidates for admissions will be evaluated using criteria including undergraduate coursework, grade point average of 3.0 or better (last 60 semester units), GRE scores (480V/580Q are equivalent to the 50th percentile), 500-word or less statement of professional goals, and letters of reference. Students lacking in any area with compensating strengths in other areas are encouraged to apply. Admission by the university does not imply acceptance in the Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology program. Applicants whose preparatory education was in a language other than English must earn a minimum TOEFL score of 550 and a minimum score of 4 on the Test of Written English (TWE).
Classified standing will be grated to students who meet all of the admission criteria.
Conditional classified standing may be granted to applicants with 2.75 to 2.99 GPA (last 60 semester units) and/or those required to complete prerequisite coursework. Prerequisite coursework is not included in the 30-unit master's program. Students must request classified standing in the program by the semester in which a maximum of 10 units to be used toward the degree are completed.
