Applied research:
Novel preservation methods
Sustainable food processing
Active and smart food packaging
Product development
Basic research:
Food microbiology and safety
Food chemistry and quality
Foods for health
Bioactive/functional foods for
Preventing or treating diseases
Food process engineering
Food processing industry
Food ingredient suppliers
Food equipment suppliers
Packaging manufacturers
Consumer products companies
Test kitchens/food laboratories
Universities and research institutes
Federal government:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Defense
Federal government:
State government agencies
Department of Agriculture
Department of Health
Maintain a good GPA, and become active in undergraduate research to prepare for graduate school.
Gain relevant experience through internships or volunteer to work in a faculty member’s lab.
Participate in professional organizations such as the Institute of Food Technologists and seek leadership roles in student section.
Demonstrate creativity and curiosity when interacting with faculty mentors.
Obtain a graduate degree to reach higher levels of research and management.
Food safety
Quality inspection
Quality assurance
Process inspection
Sensory evaluation/analysis
Federal government:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Department of Defense
State government agencies
Food processing industry
Food ingredient suppliers
Food equipment suppliers
Consumer product companies
Quality-control laboratories
Test kitchens/food laboratories
Pharmaceutical companies
Universities and colleges
Nonprofit research organizations (e.g., National Science Foundation)
Gain related experience through internships.
Assist a professor with research to gain laboratory and technical skills.
Take additional courses in the sciences.
Become highly detail oriented.
Join the Institute of Food Technologists to learn more about the field and for networking opportunities
Participate in research paper competitions or summer research programs sponsored by professional associations or government agencies.
Obtain a graduate degree to reach higher levels of
research and administration. Maintain a good GPA and secure strong faculty recommendations to prepare for graduate school.
Agribusiness: livestock and feed
Pharmaceutical companies
Equipment and supply companies
Food and meat processing companies
Food distributors
Food processing industry
Food manufacturing plants
Food ingredient suppliers
Food equipment suppliers
Container manufacturers
Large retail chains (e.g., Starbucks, Target)
Consumer products companies
Test kitchens/food laboratories
Federal government:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Defense
State government agencies
Production management
Sales
Marketing
Distribution
Consumer education
Earn a minor in business or agribusiness. Take courses in statistics.
Become adept using computers.
Gain relevant experience through internships.
Participate in student professional organizations and seek leadership roles.
Compete on a meat or dairy products judging team.
Join the Institute of Food Technologists to learn more about the field and for networking opportunities.
Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Learn to work well in a team.
Demonstrate creativity and curiosity for positions in product development.
Earn a graduate degree for advanced opportunities in research or management.
Schools (e.g., secondary and post-secondary)
Extension services
Agricultural agencies
Agricultural communications and media firms
Agribusinesses
Government:
U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
U.S. National Science Foundation
Teaching
Agriculture literacy
Non-classroom education (e.g., Adult Agricultural Education, Young Farmer Extension Programs)
Develop excellent communication skills including verbal, written, and interpersonal.
Obtain teacher certification, which varies by state, for public school opportunities.
Secure master’s degree for teaching at community or two-year institutions; a doctoral degree is necessary for college and university teaching.
Gain related experience through volunteer positions, summer jobs or internships with age group of interest.
Seek leadership roles in student organizations.
Be prepared to live in rural communities for extension positions.
Medicine
Dentistry
Optometry
Podiatry
Pharmacy
Veterinary medicine
Allied health:
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Medical technology
Nuclear medicine
Dietitian
Nutritionist
Hospitals
Clinics
Private or group practice
Health networks
Nursing homes
Rehabilitation centers
Mental health institutions
Federal, state, and local health departments
U.S. Government agencies
U.S. Armed services
Correctional facilities
Colleges and universities
Pharmaceutical companies
Retail pharmacy chains
Research laboratories
Animal food companies
Zoos
Food science is good preparation for professional graduate programs in pharmacy, veterinary science, dentistry, or medicine because of the strong science background that is developed.
Maintain a high grade point average, particularly in the sciences, to improve chances of admission to graduate or professional school.
Research accredited institutions. Check graduation rates, success rates on licensing exams, cost, location, admission requirements, etc.
Secure strong faculty recommendations.
Join related student organizations and demonstrate leadership abilities.
Meet with a pre-health advisor periodically to discuss curricular decisions.
Seek research experience and participate in undergraduate research competitions.
Gain exposure to field of interest through volunteering, part-time or summer jobs, or internships etc.
Speak with current students if possible. Shadow a pharmacist, dentist, physician, etc. to learn more about the occupation.
The food processing industry is one of the largest in the US and throughout the world, so many opportunities exist for students trained in food science.
A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for some opportunities in applied research and in food processing. Earn a master’s or doctoral degree to conduct basic research. The doctoral degree is required for university teaching. A masters degree is required for work as a occupational therapist, dietitian, and nutritionist.
A high percentage of food scientists work for local, state, or federal government. Learn government application procedures and gain assistance from your college career center.
Learn to work both independently and as part of a team.
Develop strong written and oral communication skills. Also develop analytical skills and an attention to detail.
Join professional associations and student organizations to stay abreast of current issues in the field and to develop networking contacts. Get involved with the Institute of Food Technologists.
Talk to professionals in your desired field regarding their backgrounds. Arrange a shadowing experience.