Entering into graduate studies is a big commitment financially, socially and emotionally. The information on this website is developed to help students better understand the application process.
How do I begin?
Our program is heavily focused on winemaking, and in viticulture as it regards producing grapes for better wine. Our M.S. program takes a minimum of 2 years of full-time, on-campus study to complete.
The Viticulture & Enology Department offers two Master’s degree programs, leading to the same Master of Science in Viticulture & Enology:
- The Plan I option is a Thesis Master's Program for students who wish to do a standard research thesis in conjunction with a faculty advisor in the graduate group
- The Plan II option is a Professional Science Master's degree which incorporates a winery internship and a comprehensive examination to lead to a non-thesis Master's degree
Applicants need not commit to which track they are applying for at the time of application, and the admission requirements are the same for both tracks.
Applicants must ensure they complete the prerequisites and apply for the Master’s program. A significant number of applicants are graduates from unrelated fields of study. These applicants typically complete prerequisites at two- or four-year institutions convenient to them prior to applying (e.g.: at a local community college). When starting with none of the prerequisites complete, it typically takes two years to complete the full series of pre-requisites.
This Graduate Group does not currently offer a Ph.D. However, students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in this field can pursue admission into a partner graduate group: Agricultural & Environmental Chemistry, Food Science, Horticulture and Agronomy, Microbiology, or Genetics. Additionally, students wishing to focus on viticulture and vineyard management typically opt for a degree in Horticulture and Agronomy, which offers viticulture as a specialization, and is partnered with our viticulture faculty.
The University also offers several one and two day short courses, distance learning courses, and a Certificate Program in Winemaking, through the UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education Office.
Diversity
The Department of Viticulture and Enology is committed to building and nurturing a community of inclusion, one that thrives on diversity, equity and equality. The foundation of our community is respect for each other and for that which makes us different. The discovery, innovation, and application of new knowledge, for which we are known internationally, derives from the vibrancy and connectedness of our diverse and extended community of current and former student, staff, industry and faculty members. We embrace the UCD Principles of Community and “confront and reject all manifestations of discrimination, including those based on race, ethnicity, gender and gender expression, age, visible and non-visible disability, nationality, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, religious/non-religious, spiritual, or political beliefs, socio-economic class, status within or outside the university, or any of the other differences among people which have been excuses for misunderstanding, dissension or hatred.”