After nine years in the restaurant industry, Bethany Marcinik found herself in a dead-end job.  She knew she wanted to go back to school. Food was her passion, and the technology involved in food production was intriguing. A Master in Food Technology seemed to be the next step. After some research, all signs pointed to taking online classes at UGA.

“The flexibility of being able to get my degree from my home was awesome,” said Marcinik. “If I was traveling for work, I could complete the classes from my hotel room without missing valuable information.”

Marcinik’s experience reflects that of many other online students. Great professors and flexibility are defining aspects of the UGA online experience.

“This was my first time taking instructor-led online classes,” explained Marcinik. “I really liked that [my instructor] brought in guest lecturers from around the world to impart their food technology knowledge.”

Soon after completing her MFT degree in 2013, Marcinik was promoted to Quality Systems Manager of the Protein Division at Golden State Foods. She now works for the Gwinnett County Government.

Food remains her passion, as seen through two of her favorite hobbies: cooking and trying new recipes. Getting her MFT degree was a way to become more educated about what she loves, and she appreciates everything her online classes taught her. “Overall, it was a good experience,” Marcinik concluded.