How to Apply

PhD, Food Studies

You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.

Not required.

Write a brief essay (2-3 pages single-spaced or 4-5 pages double-spaced) on the research area/topic you expect to pursue, your background preparation for advanced work in that area/topic, and some of the scholars whose work in that area has shaped your thinking.

In 500 words or less, write a book review of an academic work that is preferably in the area in which you expect to focus your advanced study. Or: you can submit a published or submitted scholarly article you have written in lieu of the book review.

Submit three letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read detailed instructions.

Upload one official copy of transcripts from every postsecondary institution (college/university) you have attended or are attending. Please note: This includes transcripts from institutions where you received transfer credits or did not complete a degree.  Make sure to request an official copy of the transcript(s) in advance of the deadline.

Transfer Credits

We understand accepted transfer credits may be clearly listed on your degree awarding institution’s transcript. The Office of Graduate Admissions still requires a transcript from the initial credit-granting institution where you took the course(s). Delay in listing and uploading these transcripts can significantly delay the application review process.

Institutions Outside the US or Canada

If you completed or are completing a degree at an institution outside of the US or Canada, you are required to provide a WES or ECE international credentials evaluation. Please review our requirements for translation and a course-by-course evaluation of your transcripts.

See detailed instructions on submitting transcripts.

Optional. The Admissions Committee acknowledges there are several ways to demonstrate graduate school readiness. This may include, but not limited to, professional or academic experience or by submitting the test results from the GRE. Therefore, the GRE is optional for applicants to Food Studies/Food Management PHD program

See testing requirements.

Applicants who pass an initial screening may be invited to interview with specific faculty members in person or by telephone. The acceptance decision is based in part on faculty availability and research interests, as well as on the full range of admission criteria.

The admissions committee uses several criteria in assessing application materials, each of which has multiple measures: evidence of academic talent; suitability of the professional portfolio; and fit with the purposes and capabilities of our program and our faculty. 

Admission criteria include but are not limited to:

• Overall GPA > 3.5 in at least one prior academic degree program
• Undergraduate degree
• Prior relevant professional work or research experience
• Clear focus/goals expressed by applicants through the application and interview process
• Research goals are consistent with current faculty research interests
• Extra consideration will be given for peer-reviewed publications and grants by applicants
• Fluency in non-English will be given consideration

Start your application now

After you fill in and upload the required information, you can submit your completed application. Your application must be completed, dated, electronically signed, and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST of the stated deadline.

You will be prompted to pay a $75 application fee, payable by major credit card only. After submitting your payment, you will see your application status change from “saved” to “submitted.” Please print this screen for your records, as it confirms that your application has been successfully sent to our school. If you have problems submitting your payment, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. Learn more about our fee waiver policy.

If any application materials need to be mailed to our office, mail the materials to NYU Steinhardt, Office of Graduate Admissions, 82 Washington Square East, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10003-6680.  Please do not mail your materials in binders or folders. Any mailed materials must be received by, not postmarked by, the stated deadline. Only completed applications will be considered and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt of mailed materials.

You will be notified about your decision by email. Typically, decisions will start going out in late March or early April for fall enrollment. You may learn of your decision before or after this timeline.