Bachelor of Science in Food Science

Graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree in food science may be employed by food and allied industries, federal and state governments, and universities to work at the interface between the production and delivery of food. The program also prepares students for advanced study in graduate and professional schools. The required courses stress the principles of food safety and preservation and the application of scientific principles to control and enhance the flavor, color, texture, and nutritive value. In addition to the core program, students in food science must complete one of the following interdisciplinary concentrations that are designed to provide additional breadth and depth: basic food science, food business and industry, food packaging, or food technology. Basic Food Science - This concentration is designed for students with an interest in integrating in-depth study of basic sciences with the core of their food science education. Advanced courses in chemistry, microbiology, food safety, toxicology and pharmacology are among the fields students may elect to strengthen their bachelor's degree. Students interested in professional post-graduate education such as medicine and dentistry may elect to take a series of courses that meets the admission standards for most professional colleges. Food Business and Industry - This concentration is designed for students who are interested in working for food or food-related businesses, where knowledge of both food science and of food business management, economics, and marketing is important. Students who complete this concentration may pursue careers in manufacturing management, technical sales, food product marketing, or similar areas or may pursue graduate study in business. Food Packaging - This concentration is designed to prepare students for careers in the food industry with an emphasis in food packaging. The concentration focuses on the design, use, and evaluation of food packaging materials and the effect of packaging materials on the shelf life of food. Students who complete this concentration may pursue graduate study in packaging or food science. Food Technology - This concentration focuses on food processing methods and their effect on food quality and process characteristics. Students who complete this concentration may pursue careers in production supervision, quality assurance, inspection, product development, and process development. They may also pursue graduate study to prepare for positions in research, production, and management in the food industry, government, or universities. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science.