Online Course Information

Online and blended courses will be noted on the BU University Class Schedule, or you may contact our office to learn about distance education options each semester.

Both the MA in Gastronomy and the  Food Studies Graduate Certificate may be completed entirely online, or on campus, or with a combination of on-campus and online coursework.

Candidates for the MA in Gastronomy who wish to limit their time spent in Boston, make take the four required core courses (Introduction to Gastronomy, History of Food, Food and the Senses, and Anthropology of Food) online. Please contact our program to discuss tailoring a study plan according to your availability to complete the elective requirements. Options for this include:

Online Core Classes: Our four required courses are offered online on a regular rotation:

  • MET ML 701, Introduction to Gastronomy  – offered online in spring semester
  • MET ML 715, Food and the Seneses – offered online in spring semesters
  • MET ML 622, History of Food – offered online in fall semesters
  • MET ML 641, Anthropology of Food — offered online in fall semesters

Online Elective Classes: The Gastronomy Program regularly offers elective classes in online format. Select classes in other programs may also be applied to the MA in Gastronomy, such as MET AD 648, Ecommerce, and MET AD 741, Developing New Products and Services, which are regularly offered as online courses.

Additional Options for Distance Students:

  • Blended Format Classes: Some Gastronomy classes are offered in blended format, which combine online communication with two or three on-campus meetings over the course of the spring or fall semesters.
  • Summer Term Classes: Intensive Summer Term classes are offered in both of Boston University’s six-week summer sessions, offering an opportunity to complete up to 8 credits in each session.
  • Course Waivers: Students may transfer up to two relevant graduate level courses (8 credits) to the degree as course waivers (Pass/Fail). Prior approval is mandatory and students must earn a B- or better. Credit transfer is dependent on course hours. Official transcripts, course descriptions, and syllabi must be submitted.
  • Directed Studies: Once in the program, students may work with a faculty member to complete a Directed Study project on a topic relevant to the program. A Directed Study may also take the form of an internship. Directed Study courses may be completed off campus. Students are expected to communicate with faculty on a regular basis via email and phone. These projects must be approved in advance by the Faculty Coordinator.
  • Master’s Thesis: The optional 8-credit Master’s Thesis may be researched and written wherever you choose. It must be coordinated with a full-time BU faculty member and approved by the Program Director.

Please contact our program director to discuss developing a study plan tailored to your individual interests and course delivery preferences.

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