University of Wisconsin–Madison

Major Advising Page – Food Science

The Food Science Department strongly supports students getting an international experience during their undergraduate years. The benefits of such an experience are numerous, including gaining a broader cultural perspective, gaining insights into the food culture of a different country, and gaining self-confidence by learning to make your own way in an unfamiliar environment. One student said, after returning from a semester abroad, that his experience gave him the confidence in his abilities to tackle almost any challenge.

Prospective Food Science students

As a food science major, you can study abroad during most summer, winter, and spring breaks, and it is possible to study abroad for a semester; however, there are some important factors to consider. If you begin your planning early and intentionally, it is possible to study abroad, even for a full semester, and graduate in four years with a food science major.  The information below will help in your planning and conversations with your food science advisor.  For more information on the food science major, visit the Food Science website. To connect with an advisor, visit the Department of Food Science’s Advising Information Page. Even if you’re not ready to declare the food science major yet, you are encouraged to meet with the academic advisor to discuss and plan for possible study abroad opportunities in the future.

To gain background information about study abroad and the various programs available, attend the Study Abroad Fair on campus, visit the Program Search, and/or meet with CALS Study Abroad Advisors.

To discuss how studying abroad fits within your career or professional goals in relation to the completion of the Food Science major, please visit the CALS Career Services webpage to schedule an appointment with a CALS Career Advisor.

Food Science course considerations abroad

Although the department recognizes the benefits of a semester abroad, our undergraduate curriculum is tightly structured and controlled, leaving few options to take food science courses abroad. Students are best served by simply gaining the international experience and not trying to take food science course equivalents. Further, because of the structure of the last 4 semesters, it is nearly impossible to take a study abroad during junior and senior years without extending the undergraduate program by a year (even if it is only one semester abroad).

The four-year plan shown below provides an option of a study abroad semester during the sophomore year. However, to meet all of the background science prerequisites for the junior year, it is most likely that you must take classes for at least one summer. Thus, you are encouraged to speak with your advisor as early in the program as possible to ensure all prerequisites are met prior to starting the third (junior) year.

Mapping your study abroad experience as a Food Science major

  • Freshman year
    During the first year of the Food Science major, you primarily gain basic disciplinary knowledge that will be applied to upper-level classes. The only FS curriculum course is a career orientation class. If you wish to study abroad during the first year of the major, you could explore winter, spring, and summer breaks.
  • Sophomore year
    During the second year of the Food Science major, you gain further disciplinary knowledge, but you are also introduced to the broad field of Food Science in the introductory course (FS 301). If you are interested in studying abroad for a semester, the spring semester of your sophomore year would be a great time to do so. You could also explore winter, summer, and spring break programs.
  • Junior year
    In Year 3, the primary aim of the Food Science required courses is the development of foundational principles, particularly in food chemistry, microbiology, and processing. It is challenging to participate in a semester program during the junior year because of course sequencing, but winter, summer, and spring break programs that address topics of food science are possible.
  • Senior year
    Integrated and project-based courses in the senior year raise the technical level but also require you to apply your knowledge to solve problems, better preparing you for industry jobs as well as graduate schools. Studying abroad for a semester during senior is extremely challenging given the course sequencing of Food Science requirements, but winter and spring break programs would be a great way to enhance your senior year experience.

Example four-year plan for a Food Science major studying abroad for a semester

YearFallSpringSummer
1st YearGen Chem I

Calc 221

First Year Sem

Comm Elective

Gen Ed Elective

Gen Chem II

Bio 151

Gen Ed Elective

FS 201

Micro 101/102
2nd YearO Chem I

Physics 1

FS 301

Stat elective

Study A

Gen Eds

O Chem 344/345
3rd YearIntro Biochem

FS 410

FS 324/325

FS 440

Gen Ed Elective

FS 321

FS 412

FS 432

NS 332 or 510

FS Elective

Gen Ed Elective

 No courses
4th YearFS 532

FS 602

FS Elective

Science Elective

Gen Ed Elective

FS 514

FS 603

FS Elective

Science Elective

Gen Ed Elective

 No courses

Questions to ask

Yourself

  • What are my priorities for my undergraduate education – is it graduating in 4 years, studying abroad for a semester, or completing multiple majors/certificates? Which of these are most important if it becomes difficult to fit everything in?

Your Academic Advisor

  • What classes must I complete for my degree (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
  • Do I need to be on UW-Madison’s campus for any courses in my major?
  • How many electives do I have outside of my major?

Your Study Abroad Advisor

  • What classes can I take abroad?
  • How and when do I select courses for my program?
  • When will I know course equivalents for my program?
  • What is the class structure like abroad?

Hear from students in your major

Explore student blogs and reflections to see how your peers have connected international experiences to their studies. Discover real stories about the skills, c

Identifying programs that are right for you

The programs listed below have various durations and may be of interest to students pursuing the Food Science major. If you do not have specific requirements you need to fulfill, you will have much more flexibility as to program type and location.

Semester and/or Academic Year programs

Short-term programs

International Internships

International internships are another way to gain valuable professional experience abroad while earning course credit. While you can often participate in a part-time internship as part of your study abroad program, it is also possible to participate in an Internship-focused program or a UW Signature Internship.

Internships that might be of interest to you include:

Search all programs

Research all programs using the Program Search page. The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs that offer courses and experiences of interest to Food Science students, particularly if you are looking to fulfill general education requirements specifically.  There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.

Colleges and Schools