Department of Viticulture and Enology
M.S. in Viticulture and Enology
Dr. James Prince, Department Chair
Dr. Kaan Kurtural, Graduate Program Coordinator
- The MS Degree Program | Our Students | The Research Facility | Scholarships and Assistantships | Faculty | Quick Facts
The MS Degree Program
The Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology at California State University, Fresno is a 30-unit research oriented program designed to provide advanced studies and in-depth knowledge in the fundamentals of plant physiology, microbiology, and chemistry in relation to grape growing and winemaking. The program consists of a 14-unit core that gives all students a background in statistical analysis, research, and communications. Students then choose courses in the areas of plant science, botany, chemistry, and viticulture for an emphasis in viticulture, or in chemistry, microbiology, food science, and enology for an emphasis in enology. Full-time graduate students may earn the degree within 2 years when working closely with an adviser. To accommodate part-time students, graduate courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening.
Our Students
Graduate students in viticulture and enology plan and conduct research, prepare reports, present research results, and sharpen their problem solving skills. Graduate students are required to write a scientific thesis in viticulture-based areas such as vine nutrition, irrigation management, canopy management, evaluation of cultivars, clones, and the use of growth regulators and rootstocks; or in enology-based areas such as microbiology and chemistry of grape juice, wine, and concentrate. Students also apply innovative technologies to improve fruit quality and winemaking processes. Their findings continually open doors to new and more advanced research techniques, increasing efficiency and productivity. Their results are presented at professional meetings nationally and internationally.
Many of our graduate students conduct research for and become employed by the grape and wine industry in the state, nation, and around the globe. The program is also recommended for students wishing to pursue doctoral study. Degree holders may choose from a number of careers upon graduation: chemical supply, export and international consulting, viticulturists, winemakers, farm advising, cooperative extension, government, vineyard and winery management, research and development for major vineyard and winery operations and enterprises, technical sales, associate-level research at universities and private industry, viticulture and enology instruction at the community college level, and other areas including nursery management, biotechnology, and marketing of wines as well as grape and grape products.
The Research Facility
Our students have the opportunity to experience research and production at the interface with industry. Every effort is put forth on behalf of the students to enhance their educational experience. Facilities available to graduate students for their coursework and research activities include the following, in addition to what the university offers in general:
The Viticulture and Enology Research Center (VERC) is recognized as an applied research and education center for the grape and wine industries. The center develops and applies new technologies in viticulture, enology, and related disciplines. It is well equipped for basic and applied research in viticulture and enology.
Equipment and Specialized Materials:
- Scanning Electron Microscope with image analysis capability
- Video Microscope- attaches to any microscope eyepiece tube
- Micro plate Reader (multichannel colorimeter) for ELISA tests
- Atomic Absorption/Emission spectrophotometer (AA)
- Near Infrared Analyzer (NIR)
- Cholorphyll Flourescence System
- Gas Chromatograph (Flame ionization detector)
- Bomb Calorimeter- energy content
- Fiber Digestor
- Fat Extractor
- Total Nitrogen/ protein System (Digestor & Still)
- Ion Selective Analyzer- nitrate, chloride, bromide
- Photosynthetically Active Radiation Meter (PAR meter)
- Leaf area meter
- Porometer ( measures stomatal resistance)
- Hygrometer (digital)- humidity
- Vacuum Oven
- Freeze dryer
- Carbon dioxide meter
- Portable Photosynthesis System
- HPLC with autosampler
- Beckman Spectrophotometer (UV-VIS detector)
- Global Positioning System devices
- Dual-cab field truck
- Four-wheel All Terrain Vehicle
- 6 x 4 carry-all field utility vehicle
- Di-electric soil-water moisture sensors
- Data loggers
- Environmental chambers
- Fourier-Transform Infra-red Spectrophotometer (FTIR-Grape/WineScan)Ceptometer
- Z-Nose (gas chromatographic analyzer)
- Benchtop Centrifuge
- Photosynthesis analyzer
- Firm-Tech 2 pressure tester
- Shimadzu HPLC with autosampler and gradient elution potential
- Buchi Multisample evaporator/dehydrator
- Eppendorf Microfuge
- Ultralow Temperature Freezer
- IsoTemp Drying oven
- Brewing and Fuel Ethanol Production.
The Vincent E. Petrucci Library supports the curriculum of the classes offered in the areas of viticulture and enology as well as research projects being conducted at VERC. The library collects and displays VERC faculty and staff research findings and shares the findings with library users worldwide. The library owns approximately 900 volumes pertaining to the topics of viticulture and enology, 200 historical documents, and has current subscriptions to 38 periodicals in the field, and provides Internet access to some journals. The library also has an extensive collection of out-of-print pamphlets and informational brochures. A librarian is available to answer reference questions and assist with on-site or electronic search.
The Commercial and Research Winery is the first commercial winery on a college campus in the U.S. Wines made by students at the 50,000-gallon winery have won over 200 awards in major national and international wine competitions since operations began in 1999.
The University Graduate Research Building is a facility dedicated to graduate research and includes several analytical and plant tissue culture laboratories.
The University Farm Laboratory is a 1,083-acre farm that includes 160 acres of table, raisin, and wine grapes, which can be used for field research projects.
Scholarships and Assistantships
Financial assistance is available to students in the form of scholarships and/or assistantships. Research grants offer opportunities for students to be involved in research projects targeting industry issues. The department has awarded scholarships and assistantships averaging $60,000 per year. Faculty in viticulture and enology obtained more than $4,200,000 during the 8-year period from 2001-2008 to support their research efforts, offering great opportunities for graduate students to participate.
The MS Degree Program | Our Students | The Research Facility | Scholarships and Assistantships | Faculty | Quick Facts