Master of Liberal Arts in Gastronomy

Degree Requirements

A total of 42 credits is required. Students must complete the Core Courses, their chosen concentration courses, and electives.

Required Core Courses

5 courses/18 credits:

  • MET ML 622 Survey of the History of Food
  • MET ML 641 Anthropology of Food
  • MET ML 701 Understanding Food: Theory, Methodology, and Readings
  • MET ML 715 Experiencing Food Through the Senses
  • MET ML 800 Final Project

Concentration Courses

24 credits

Business Concentration Courses
Communication Concentration Courses
Food Policy Concentration Courses
History & Culture Concentration Course

View course descriptions for Gastronomy.

Master's Thesis Option

A Master's Thesis option is available for qualified students, and can be arranged through the Gastronomy program.

Certificate Options

Students may also be interested in certificate programs offered through Seminars in the Arts and Culinary Arts. Up to eight credits from certificate courses may be applied to the MLA in Gastronomy, which will reduce or waive the requirements for the degree by up to the equivalent of eight credits. Upon completion of the certificate course, a copy of the certificate must be submitted so that it can be placed on your official transcript. This will also apply to transfer graduate credits from other colleges. The certificates involved in this are:

  • The Certificate Program in Culinary Arts (8 credits)
  • The Cheese Certificate Course (2 credits)
  • Wine Studies Level 1: Fundamentals of Wine (2 credits)
  • Wine Studies Level 2: A Comprehensive Survey of Wine, Spirits, and Beer (2 credits)
  • Wine Studies Level 3: Mastering Wine: Skill Development (4 credits)
  • Wine Studies Level 4: Wine Trade: Global, National, and Local Perspectives (4 credits)

Learn more about these Lifelong Learning Programs.

Students may substitute courses from other departments or disciplines with approval of the program advisor.