Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fermentation Science?

Fermentation Science is an applied science program that builds upon chemistry, biology and microbiology to provide a complete picture of how fermentation affects our lives and is used at home and in industry. The program curriculum was developed to address the needs of both the industries that utilize fermentation to create end products (such as foods, certain medicines and certain industrial chemicals) as well as to prepare students to enter graduate school.

Does the program require a special application?

No! Simply apply to MTSU and declare Fermentation Science as your intended major.

How is the MTSU program different from other programs across the country?

MTSU is the only university in Tennessee, and one of only a handful in the United States that offers an academic program focused on the science of fermentation. Unlike most other programs that exist today, our program covers all aspects of the use of fermentation, including probiotics, foods and beverages, waste water treatment, medicines, and biocatalysis. Beer, wine, cheese, and other food product production is taught, but these are not the focus of the program. The science of fermentation is the same, regardless of what is being produced.

In addition, our program includes 12 hours of business courses, which many other programs ignore. In reality, all applications of fermentation involve businesses, and our graduates need to know and understand business. A Fermentation Science student at MTSU can take 3 - 6 additional business course hours and earn a minor in Entrepreneurship or Business Administration as part of their undergraduate degree program.

Finally, MTSU hosts the only on-campus dairy operation that includes dairy cows and milk processing in Tennessee. This allows us to teach dairy-based fermentation from the farm to the table.

Where are the Fermentation Science facilities?

The Fermentation Science program includes a teaching laboratory in Davis Science Building 200, a classroom in Stark Agriculture Center 204, and a research laboratory in Davis Science Building 127. Students will actually use all of these facilites as they progress through the program. Davis 200 is where we teach our applied courses, in which students get to make fermented products.

In addition, the program has private, industrial, and governmental partners, which allows us to tour, work with, and learn off campus. Our list of partners is constantly growing!

Is it just beer?

Not at all! The program was specifically designed to NOT be focused on beer. Beer is only one product made by fermentation, and this program teaches the science behind all fermented product production. We work with breweries and some of our graduates work in breweries but there is more to beer production than its ingredients and our graduates understand this.

What is fermentation?

Fermentation is the metabolic process microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria utilize to convert sugars to acids, gases and/or alcohol. It is a totally natural process that microorganisms have been using for millenia. Mankind has used fermentation to preserve our foods since before the dawn of recorded history. Pictorial evidence of Human use of fermentation can be found in the pyramids of Egypt and in cave drawings.

Can fermented products produced by the MTSU Fermentation Science program be bought?

Not at present. Neither the program nor our facilities are designed for the production of commercial products. However, as part of our classroom instruction, consumable products are made and at least tasted by our students.

Are scholarships available for this program?

Yes! Scholarships are offered through the MTSU School of Agriculture for Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. Visit this webpage for more information.

If I live in a state other than Tennessee, must I pay out of state tuition for this program?

Not necessarily. The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Academic Common Market, which the State of Tennessee is a member of, offers in-state tuition to students from other member states who wish to pursue academic programs which are not offered in their home states. At present, the MTSU Fermentation Science degree program is the only such program offered within the Academic Common Market, making it possible for students living in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia or West Virginia to apply for and receive in-state tuition to major in this degree program. More details are available on the website, and it must be noted that students must apply for the program. Admission into the program at instate tuition rates is not automatic.