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- Fall January 10
- Spring July 1
- Tri-Cities
International students may need to surpass the Graduate School’s minimum English language proficiency exam scores for this program. If the graduate program has unique score requirements, they will be detailed below. Otherwise, please refer to the Graduate School’s minimum score guidelines.
Degree Description:
The Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology is a research-based graduate degree that provides advanced scientific training in grape growing and winemaking. Students develop expertise through a formal research project culminating in a written thesis, with coursework spanning viticulture, enology, wine chemistry, microbiology, and sensory analysis. The program is housed at WSU Tri-Cities and draws on the world-class resources of the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Wine Science Center and the Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (IAREC) in Prosser.
By enrolling in the graduate program in Viticulture and Enology at Washington State University, you become part of a collaborative team of students, faculty, and staff dedicated to the scientific and intellectual pursuit of knowledge in grape and wine sciences. Depending on your career goals, your studies may focus on foundational sciences such as plant physiology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, or fermentation dynamics. You may also explore complementary subjects, including plant pathology, soil science, biological systems engineering, environmental science, or food science, to enhance your graduate education. With your research interests and goals in mind, your research project, coursework, and teaching and/or extension experiences will be tailored and determined in consultation with your faculty advisor and graduate committee.
Students with undergraduate majors in plant sciences, including viticulture and enology, crop science, plant pathology, environmental science, genetics, plant physiology, food science, chemistry or biochemistry, are well prepared for graduate work in Viticulture and Enology. If your undergraduate degree is not directly related to grape and wine science, you may be eligible by strengthening your preparation through additional coursework before applying or while pursuing your graduate degree. Undergraduate students pursuing studies outside the aforementioned related majors but considering graduate work in Viticulture and Enology are encouraged to take as many courses in the basic physical and biological sciences as possible. Your graduate studies will be designed to accommodate your individual background and needs.
Program Details:
- Minimum 30 credit hours
- Thesis required
- Typical completion: 2–3 years
- Campus: WSU Tri-Cities
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Develop advanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to address complex, global challenges in the viticulture and enology industries.
2. Demonstrate advanced technical proficiency in viticulture and enology, with a focus on research-driven viticulture practices, winemaking processes, and the chemical, microbiological, and sensory analysis of wines.
3. Critically assess and innovate foundational viticultural and enological practices to promote environmental sustainability and social equity within the global wine industry.
4. Foster a commitment to lifelong learning by engaging in professional development and collaboration with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry leaders.
Admission Requirements:
- Application Deadlines:
- The deadline to apply to start the program in fall is August 1st, with applications received by January 10th receiving priority consideration
- The deadline to apply to start the program in spring is December 1st, with applications received by July 1st receiving priority consideration
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in viticulture, enology, horticulture, food science, chemistry, or a closely related field
- Minimum 3.0 GPA recommended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose describing research interests and career goals
- Contact the department to discuss potential faculty advisors prior to applying
Student Opportunities:
Research Excellence
- Hands-on research at the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Wine Science Center, featuring state-of-the-art enology and analytical chemistry laboratories
- Field research opportunities at IAREC vineyards in Prosser
- Access to a fully operational research winery for small-scale winemaking experiments
- Mentorship from internationally recognized faculty in viticulture, enology, wine chemistry, and microbiology
- Opportunities to present research at national conferences including the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) Annual Conference
- Engagement with Washington’s wine industry through industry partnerships, extension programs, and professional networks
Career Opportunities:
Industry Sector
- Viticulturist or vineyard manager
- Enologist or winemaker
- Director of vineyard or winery operations
- Research and development specialist
- Sustainability and innovation consultant
Academic Sector
- PhD program preparation in viticulture, enology, or related disciplines
- Research positions at universities and agricultural experiment stations
- Extension education and outreach
Contact Information:
- Professor Jean Dodson Peterson jdodson.peterson@wsu.edu
- Niamh O’Leary, Graduate Academic Coordinator niamh.oleary@wsu.edu