Food Science Degree Online

What is Food Science?

Individuals who major in food science explore the science behind the foods that people consume. The broad and comprehensive study includes the planting and harvesting, the raising and slaughtering, the processing, packaging, and the shipping of food. A food science degree program will be heavy on math and chemistry.

Is Food Science a Good Major / Degree for Me?

Do you enjoy your lab science classes? Are you good at math? Do you enjoy critical thinking? Do you enjoy doing research? Are you a hands-on learner? Are you a health nut? Do you find yourself thinking about where your food comes from? Do you enjoy movies like Food, Inc. and King Corn? If you answered yes to some of these questions, then a food science degree might be for you!

High School Classes Needed for a Food Science Degree in College:

• 4 English Credits
• At least 4 Math Credits
• Biology with a Lab
• Chemistry with a Lab
• Physics with a Lab
• 3 Social Studies Credits
• 2 Foreign Language Credits
• If your high school offers the following courses, take advantage!
  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Calculus

Common Food Science Courses in College:

• Agricultural Economics
• Biology
• Calculus
• Chemistry
• Dairy Foods
• Food Engineering
• Food Law
• Microbiology
• Nutrition
• Quality Control

Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:

• Agriculture: the study of the science and business of producing crops and raising livestock
• Biology: the study of living organisms
• Biotechnology: the study of utilizing microorganisms and biological substances in industry and manufacturing
• Chemical Engineering: the study of math and science as it applies to production
• Consumer Science (sometimes called Home Economics): the study of how to provide for the well-being of individuals and families and of how consumers are influenced by culture and community
• Culinary Arts: the study of preparing and cooking food
• Dietetics: a course of nutrition studies that prepare students to become registered dietitians
• Environmental Science: the study of the environment, including physics, biology, chemistry, and geology
• Health Care Administration: a program that prepares students to manage the business aspects in the health care industry
• Nutrition: the study of food science and how that food nourishes humans

Food Science Careers:

Individuals who earn degrees in food science often go on to work as:

• Food Retailers
• Food Wholesalers
• Food Technologists
• Food Researchers
• Food Inspectors
• Food Engineers
• Food Packaging Experts

These people can end up working for the government or for private companies. Many food science majors also go on to graduate school.