M.S. in Viticulture & Enology

Entry requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 70

1. Academic Requirements:

• Applicants must have completed a recognized undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent) is required. This translates to approximately 60% or above in the grading system.

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 80.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 53.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 105.

3. Standardized Tests:

• GRE: A minimum GRE score of 300 is required.

California State University, Fresno, is committed to supporting the academic aspirations of international students by offering various scholarships and financial aid opportunities. These scholarships help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education in the United States. 

1. International Student Scholarship: Fresno State offers merit-based scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and may cover a significant portion of tuition costs.

2. Dean's Graduate Medal: This scholarship is awarded to the top graduate student from each academic college at Fresno State. It recognizes outstanding academic achievement and contributions to the college.

3. President's Graduate Medal: The President's Graduate Medal is the highest honor for a graduate student at Fresno State. It is awarded to a graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional scholarship, leadership, and service.

4. Graduate Equity Fellowship: The Graduate Equity Fellowship is designed to support underrepresented and economically disadvantaged graduate students. It provides financial assistance and mentoring to help students succeed in their academic pursuits.

5. Athletic Scholarships: Fresno State offers athletic scholarships to talented student-athletes. These scholarships are typically awarded to individuals who excel in specific sports and contribute to the university's athletic programs.

6. External Scholarships: International students can also explore external scholarship opportunities, including those offered by government agencies, private organizations, and foundations in their home countries.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at Fresno State may offer scholarships to graduate students in specific fields of study. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and application processes.

8. Fulbright Scholarships: Fresno State participates in the Fulbright Program, which offers scholarships for international students to study, teach, or conduct research in the United States. Applicants can apply for Fulbright scholarships through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in their home country.

9. Cultural and Exchange Program Scholarships: Fresno State may offer scholarships to international students participating in cultural exchange programs or partnership agreements with specific universities and organizations.

10. Research and Teaching Assistantships: Graduate students may have opportunities to work as research or teaching assistants, which often come with a stipend and/or tuition remission.

Tips for Scholarship Application:

• Applicants should pay close attention to scholarship application deadlines and ensure that all required documents are submitted on time.
• Strong academic performance, letters of recommendation, a well-written personal statement, and a demonstrated commitment to community involvement and leadership can enhance scholarship application chances.

Graduates of the M.S. in Viticulture & Enology program at California State University, Fresno, are in high demand within the wine and grape industry.  

1. Winemaker: Graduates can pursue careers as winemakers, overseeing the entire winemaking process, from grape selection to bottling. They are responsible for producing high-quality wines that meet industry standards.

2. Vineyard Manager: Vineyard managers oversee the cultivation and management of grapevines, ensuring optimal grape quality for winemaking. They make decisions related to planting, pruning, irrigation, and pest control.

3. Wine Quality Analyst: Quality analysts evaluate wines for sensory attributes and chemical characteristics to ensure that they meet quality standards. They play a crucial role in maintaining wine quality.

4. Wine Consultant: Consultants offer their expertise to wineries, providing advice on winemaking techniques, vineyard management, and wine quality improvement.

5. Researcher: Graduates interested in research can work in research institutions, universities, or for wine industry associations, conducting studies to advance the knowledge of viticulture and enology.

6. Wine Educator: Wine educators teach and share their knowledge with others, offering courses, workshops, and seminars on viticulture, enology, and wine appreciation.

7. Sensory Analyst: Sensory analysts conduct sensory evaluations of wines, helping winemakers and producers assess wine quality and make adjustments as needed.

8. Wine Sales and Marketing Specialist: Specialists in this field focus on marketing and selling wines to distributors, restaurants, and consumers. They create marketing strategies and build brand awareness.

9. Wine Business Manager: These professionals manage the business side of wineries, overseeing budgeting, financial planning, marketing, and strategic decision-making.

10. Sommelier: Graduates with a deep understanding of wine can become sommeliers, working in fine dining restaurants to curate wine lists and provide wine recommendations to customers.

11. Wine Distribution and Sales: Graduates can work in wine distribution and sales, connecting wineries with retailers and consumers, managing portfolios of wines, and ensuring effective distribution.

12. Wine Entrepreneur: Entrepreneurial graduates can start their own wineries, vineyards, wine-related businesses, or wine tourism ventures.

13. Wine Sustainability Specialist: These specialists focus on implementing sustainable practices in vineyards and wineries, aligning with the growing trend toward environmentally conscious winemaking.

14. Wine Import-Export Specialist: Specialists in this field manage the import and export of wines, ensuring compliance with international regulations and optimizing market access.

15. Wine Packaging and Labeling Expert: Experts in wine packaging and labeling ensure that wines meet legal requirements and consumer expectations in terms of packaging and presentation.