What Can I Do With a Major In Food Science?
UGA Specific Information for Food Science
Food Science is the application of science, technology, and engineering to the study of food materials, ingredients, and their products. This knowledge is used by food scientists to make our foods safer, healthier, tastier, and less likely to spoil. Food scientists study biology to understand the natural processes that fresh plant and animal products undergo after harvest and that affect their quality and shelf-life. They study chemistry to make sure that nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins in our foods are available to us when we eat them as well as to make sure that the ingredients in a food are safe and produce the aroma, taste, and texture we expect. Knowledge of microbiology is needed to understand the causes of food borne illness, while principles of mathematics and engineering help food scientists develop safe and sustainable ways to treat foods to prevent outbreaks and calculate expiration dates. After a rigorous background in the basic sciences, food science students apply this knowledge in a series of practical courses that prepare them for careers in the food industry or governmental agencies and prepare them well to pursue graduate studies in Food Science. Food Science is an excellent major for students who like science and want to see the immediate practical applications of their knowledge. Because of its multidisciplinary and experiential nature, food science classes tend to be smaller and instructors can interact frequently with individual students, enhancing their learning experience.
Food Science graduates enjoy challenging and well-paid positions in the world’s largest and most dynamic industry. Food scientists design and develop new foods like high-protein bars, chocolate confections, frozen pizza and sports drinks to meet the needs and desires of today’s consumers. They test foods before they leave for the supermarket to ensure safety and consistent high quality. Others evaluate existing food processes to ensure their safety and design new processes for innovative products. They also work for companies that design packages to keep food from becoming contaminated and add to the convenience of preparing our foods. Some food scientists work for government agencies to monitor the safety of our food supply.
Class of 2024 Career Outcomes for Food Science*
** Includes Self-Employed
Campus Resources
UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Clubs and Organizations
To find additional clubs and organizations, go to the Center for Student Organizations
Connect with your Career Consultant for guidance and support.
Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations
Food Science and Technology
Food Science is the application of science, technology, and engineering to the study of food materials, ingredients and their products. This knowledge is used by food scientists to make our foods safer, healthier, more tempting and less likely to spoil. Food Science courses include:
- Food Processing where you will learn how foods are manufactured to preserve quality and maintain safety with the lab operated as a virtual food company;
- Food Microbiology which describes the microbes that spoil foods, make us sick or preserve foods and how they can be measured and controlled;
- Food Chemistry teaches about the chemicals in foods that contribute to the quality, safety, and nutrition as they are affected by food processes;
- Food Engineering where you will learn about the principles behind operations in manufacturing plants to preserve foods;
- Nutritional Quality which describes the effects of food preservation the nutritional quality of foods;
- Instrumental Methods of Food Analysis covers the techniques used to determine the chemical components of foods;
- Food Quality Control teaches about developing systems to maintain quality of food products and prevent food hazards;
- Governmental Regulation of Food Safety and Quality where you will learn about how the government protects our food supply;
- Food Packaging which describes the types of packaging used to protect food products and involves a group project to design a new food package;
- Food Fermentations teaches how microbes preserve foods such as beer, bread, sausage and yogurt;
- Food Biotechnology teaches how food substances can be transformed by recombinant DNA;
- New Food Product Development where will you learn about the intricate process of designing a new food product and develop a new product as part of a team; and
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point which describes a system used to prevent food hazards before they occur.
If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree, check out our website for assistance with this process
Additional Career Research Resources
O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.
My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.
Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.
Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.
Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.
UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.
Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance.
Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.
Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.
Employment Websites
GENERAL:
- Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)
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LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!)
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Idealist (non-profit jobs)
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USAJobs (federal jobs)
MAJOR/CAREER SPECIFIC:
Professional Associations/Resources
- The Institute of Food Technologists
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Food Insight: International Food Information Council Foundation
- FoodService Packaging Institute
Tip: Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. Need help finding groups? Check out the Groups You May Like link under the Interests/Groups tab. Review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well
Employers/Position Titles Reported by Class of 2024 Food Science Majors
The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2024 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
| Employer | Position Title(s) |
|---|---|
| Hydrite | Account Manager | PepsiCo | Associate Food Scientist |
Graduate/Professional Schools Attended by Class of 2024 Food Science Majors
The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2024 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
| Graduate School | Program(s) |
|---|---|
| * | * |