What is Food Science and what could I do with a degree in Food Science?

By definition, food scientists identify, develop, and apply the appropriate concepts, theories, and emerging methodologies from the fundamental disciplines of biochemistry, chemistry, engineering, microbiology, and nutrition to the investigation of critical issues in food systems, components, products, and processes and maintain and improve the safety, variety, and quality of food products.

In other words...Food Science is what happens to food from the time it's harvested (or from it's beginning in a lab) until you swallow it ...

If you are a student that is excited by science, math or biology, there are many opportunities for university graduates in the world's largest manufacturing industry: the food and beverage industry. As a food science professional you may be involved in the discovery of new food sources, new methods of food preservation or even development of specialized foods for space travel!

Food scientists create new foods and innovative processes to manufacture these foods. They work independently and on teams to ensure the safety and quality of foods. They apply basic scientific principles to solve problems, protect the food and beverage supply, manage food processing facilities and develop strategies to transport foods while maintaining quality.

Food scientists are found in every state in the USA and all over the world. They provide technical support to the food and beverage industry, government and international agencies. The need for new food scientists is increasing as the food industry continues to expand.

Nothing is more rewarding than spending your working life doing what is enjoyable to you and pursuing the professional career for which you have been trained. The employment rate for food scientists is very high. Opportunities for employment exist virtually everywhere foods and beverages are manufactured, including large cities and small towns. Income potential and opportunities for advancement are excellent.

The Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences at NC State University offers Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Ph.D. programs. Undergraduates take classes in the basic sciences of biology chemistry, math, physics, biochemistry and microbiology and specialized courses in food chemistry, food analysis, food microbiology, food engineering, food product development and food processing.