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Start a Career with a Degree in Food Science

Start a Career with a Degree in Food Science

Students who have a passion for all things food-related will find a degree in Food Science particularly appealing. Food Science is a multidisciplinary program that applies science (chemistry, microbiology, etc.) with engineering and nutrition to develop new food products. This degree program also requires students to  study and develop processes to improve food safety, quality, and sustainability.

The Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences says its Food Science degree program prepares students for careers in "food quality management, processing, research and development, marketing, and distribution" noting career opportunities with companies "that manufacture retail food products as well as companies supporting food manufacturers by supplying food ingredients, processing equipment, and packaging materials or providing services related to institutional feeding."

Food Science graduates can pursue a wide variety of jobs. Notable career fields include:
  • Health and Nutrition
  • Exercise Science
  • Nutrition Science and Dietetics
  • Public Health
  • Policy Studies
  • Anthropology
Food Science degrees are most commonly offered as Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. Students may also find this degree path listed as Food Studies. These are excellent degrees that complement and expand the opportunities for those who have previously earned a certificate or Associate Degree in Culinary Arts.
 

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science

A Bachelor’s in Food Science will have classes in core areas including:
  • Food chemistry
  • Food safety
  • Microbiology
  • Food engineering
  • Food processing
  • Product development
  • Food business
  • Marketing
  • Food packaging
Upon graduation, students can choose to enter the workforce and/or pursue further education by earning a graduate degree.

Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science

  • Food Science Technician - Assist agricultural and food scientists. Technicians work in laboratories, processing plants, farms and ranches, greenhouses, and offices. Median Annual Salary: $42,000.
  • Public Relations Specialist - Create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent, specifically as it relates to a food product client. Median Annual Salary: $63,000.
  • Food Scientist - Research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products. Median Annual Salary: $69,000.
Ready to start your Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:  

Michigan State University

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Food Studies. Michigan State also offers a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs in Food Studies. Michigan State participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.



George Mason University

Offers Food Systems as a minor for its undergraduate degrees. George Mason participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.



Online Bachelor's Degrees in Food Science

Kansas State University

Offers a fully online Bachelor’s in Food Science and Industry. KState participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.



Master's Degree in Food Science

A Master’s Degree in Food Science is a popular choice for those seeking to become an expert in this field. A graduate degree will offer a multi-disciplinary approach in topics from food production to consumption. At the graduate level students are encouraged to choose one or more areas of in-depth study. Popular areas of concentration include:
  • Politics
  • Community food systems
  • Gastronomy
  • Agroecology (Sustainable and eco-friendly practices of food production)
  • Food Security (Access to safe, affordable, nutritional, and appealing food)
  • Food Business (including sustainability and commercial production)
A graduate degree will also further develop student skills in research, communication, and writing. An advanced degree is a great choice for those choosing career paths such as research, writing, or teaching.

Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Food Science:

GI Bill-Approved Schools and Yellow Ribbon Schools with a Master's Degree in Food Science

Ready to start your Master’s Degree in Food Science? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:  

Syracuse University

Offers a Master of Science in Food Studies and an undergraduate degree in Food Studies. Syracuse participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.



Online Master's in Food Science Programs

Kansas State University

Offers a fully online Master’s in Food Science. KState participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.