Food Science is a multidisciplinary major that includes core competencies in food chemistry and analysis, food safety and microbiology, and food processing and engineering. After completing the preparatory course work, students focus on advanced subject courses in food chemistry and biochemistry, food processing, sensory evaluation, and food microbiology applied to improve the safety, stability, taste, nutrition, convenience, sustainability and value of foods.
Whatever you choose, it was probably grown, processed, delivered and prepared using techniques developed by food scientists and technologists. Food scientists help solve problems of producing and distributing food safely across broad geographical ranges and in varying climatic conditions. They also respond to market demands by creating food products that meet modern consumers needs for nutrition, taste and convenience. During your first two years of study, you will concentrate on developing the scientific and general background necessary for advanced coursework by taking courses in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics and (optionally) introductory food science. In your upper-division courses, you will study nutrition, microbiology and food chemistry, analysis and processing. You may choose to specialize in one of seven career-oriented options: food technology, food business and management, consumer food science, fermentation science, food biology/microbiology, food chemistry or food biochemistry.
Opportunities for employment include positions in the food and allied industries, government agencies, and educational and research institutions. Graduate study for the food science student may lead to the M.S. or Ph.D. degree in food science, or in related fields such as agricultural chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition and health sciences.