Food Science
Food science has lots to chew on
Food science careers bring the farm to the table. If you have an appetite for technology and the processes involved in turning raw products into consumable foods, the food science industry has lots to offer.
Outlined below is a sampling of careers the food science sector has to offer. The amount of training required is a general guide. More or less training could be necessary for a specific job.
High school tips
If you're in high school and interested in a food science career requiring a four-year degree or additional education, it is recommended you take science and business courses in addition to the suggested college preparatory courses determined by the college of your choice. It is also beneficial to take career and technical education courses relating to agriculture, business, or health/nutrition sciences.
If a food science career requiring less training than a four-year college degree appeals to you, you're encouraged to participate in a career and technical education program relating to agriculture, business or heath/nutrition sciences.
Careers that require advanced degrees:
- Dietitian
- Food Engineer
- Food Science Research-storage, canning, drying, freezing, food-borne illnesses, etc
Careers that require a 4-year college degree:
- Account Executive
- Brand Manager
- Brewmaster
- Cereal Scientist
- Clinical Dietitian
- Data Analyst
- Director of Research and Development
- Distribution/Logistics Manager
- Education and Research
- Food Microbiologist
- Food Scientist
- Food Service Supervisor/Manager
- General Manager, Research
- Government Inspector
- Marketing Specialist
- Nutrition Services Management
- Plant Supervisor
- Processing Specialist
- Public Health Nutritionist
- Quality Assurance Manager
- Retail Buyer
- Sensory Scientist
- Technical Sales/Service Representative
- Wholesale Buyer
Careers that require at least some post-high school training or a 2-year degree:
- Butcher
- Processing plant worker
Careers that do not require a college degree but require certifications and training:
- Line, maintenance worker