Admissions Information

Admission is granted for the terms beginning in September, January, and May for each academic year. The Admissions Committee meets on a continuing basis to review completed applications and render prompt decisions. While applications are reviewed on a rolling basis without a set deadline, we recommend that students apply by Augst 1 for September (fall) admission and by December 1 for January (spring) admission to secure first priority.

To review detailed admissions requirements, learn more about tuition and fees, available financial assistance, and to apply to a program, visit the Metropolitan College website.

Master of Arts in Gastronomy

MA in Gastronomy applicants must have a bachelor’s degree. Candidates for admission to the degree program are selected on the basis of academic transcripts, academic and personal references, and a required application essay.

A maximum of two relevant graduate-level courses (8 credits) in the liberal arts may be transferred from accredited institutions for credit with the approval of an advisor. A maximum of two courses (8 credits) taken at Metropolitan College prior to acceptance into the degree program may be applied toward the degree, except if students have taken the Graduate Certificate in Food Studies, in which case up to 16 credits will be accepted. To satisfy the degree requirements, an average grade of B- must be maintained.

Graduate Certificate in Food Studies Program

Graduate Certificate in Food Studies applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate an interest in pursuing academic study in the field of food studies. There are no other prerequisites. Students may also transfer to the Master of Liberal Arts in Gastronomy program after completion of the certificate program.

Tuition & Fees

For complete information on tuition and fees, please visit the Metropolitan College website.

To allow for processing time, applicants requiring student visas must submit completed application materials and International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) forms at least eight weeks prior to the start of the semester. International students should contact the ISSO regarding potential additional expenses.

Financial Aid

For information on financial aid, scholarships, graduate loans, and other forms of financing, please visit the Metropolitan College website.

Graduate Assistantships

The Gastronomy program offers a limited number of paid graduate assistantships for students per term. Students are eligible to apply for an assistantship position. Applicants will be required to submit a resume/CV, and interview for the position. Candidates will be matched and selected for open positions based on job duties and applicant skills. Duties may include program support and academic research assistance.

The terms of the Graduate Assistantship require that applicants must:

  • Be a candidate for the MA in Gastronomy
  • Interview with the Program Manager and/or Faculty
  • Maintain a GPA of 3.0
  • Be eligible to work in the United States (International students may be eligible to work up to 20 hours per week after approval from the ISSO)
  • Perform the duties as assigned for the number of hours agreed

For further information, email gastramla@bu.edu.

Tuition and Travel Reimbursement Awards

Julia Child Student Writing Award

First established at Boston University’s Metropolitan College by the Fisheries Foundation, the Julia Child Student Writing Award honors the late Julia Child, world-renowned chef and author who introduced French cuisine to American audiences through her cookbooks and television programs, including “The French Chef,” on PBS. In 1976, Boston University awarded Julia Child an honorary degree. Child was a frequent visitor to the University’s culinary arts program, where she taught classes alone or with her good friend, Chef Jacques Pépin, part-time faculty member at Metropolitan College.

The Julia Child Student Writing Award is used to recognize academic excellence in the Gastronomy Program. Each semester up to three awards are given to students for outstanding work in a course. Students must be currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Gastronomy. Students are nominated by their instructors. Recipients are selected by a committee. Awardees receive $500 and a certificate.

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