Description | Skills | Experience | Sample Careers/Work Settings | Salary
Double Majors/Minors | Advanced Degrees | NCSU Orgs | Prof. Orgs | Links | Next Steps

Description of Major

Food Science is the combined study of science and engineering to process, evaluate, package and distribute food. Students in this major study the chemical, biological, microbiological, nutritional, engineering and economic aspects of food. It is the application of principles from diverse scientific disciplines to develop new methods of processing, packaging, and distributing food. Food scientists seek to improve food flavor, color, texture, nutritional vale, safety, and cost through an understanding of the basic sciences. The nature of the food scientist work can vary based on the employer and products produced.

Students may choose from a concentration in science or technology. The science program is designed for students with interest in graduate school or for those desiring more rigorous science courses for technical careers in the food industry. Students more interested in business opportunities for technically trained individuals find the technology program permits greater flexibility in complementing Food Science coursework with business and agricultural commodity courses.

Courses include:

Food Science and the Consumer, Food Engineering, Muscle Foods and Eggs, Milk and Dairy Products, Principles of Human Nutrition, Quality Control of Food Products, Food Preservation, Processing Dairy Products, Food Laws and Regulations, Postharvest Physiology

The Undergraduate Catalog shows a listing of Food Science courses, and the degree audit shows the curriculum course requirements for this major. If you are interested in expanding your career options, consider double-majoring and/or adding a minor.

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Skills You Develop In This Major

• Scientific ability
• Analytical skills
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Mechanical abilities
• Mathematical aptitude

Gaining Career-Related Experience

You are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op. Course credit is available for this experience through the College of Agriculture and Sciences. You may or may not expect compensation from the employer.

Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation.

Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The CALS Career Services office provides services to help you get started.

Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time.

Internship Example

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Sample Career Titles and Possible Work Settings

The following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.

Sample Career Titles	Sample Work Settings
Research Technician	Product Development
Product Demo Coordinator	Private Industry
Sensory Scientist	Regulatory Agencies
Product Development Scientist	Food Research
Food Science Technician	Food Processing
Quality Assurance Technician	Production and Operations Management

Careers Needing Advanced Degrees

• Food Engineer
• Nutrition Scientist
• Food Chemist

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Salary

Baccalaureate - $ 45,000
From Institute of Food Scientists

The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees.

Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience.

NC State Related Organizations & Clubs

Food Science Club
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Chris Daubert, 513-2092, chris_daubert@ncsu.edu

Professional Resources (Outside NC State)

These resources include organizations, clubs, and conferences not affiliated with NC State and can be an important part of your career pursuit.

• Institute of Food Technologists
• International Food and Agribusiness Management Association

Links to Related Resources

• University Career Center
• For more specific information on occupation/job skills, expectations, and salary, go to the Occupational Information Network site and search for a specific job. (hint: for salary info, select a report on one of the jobs and find the wages link at the bottom of the page.)
• The list of available Minors at NC State.
• Experimental Courses Listing (a.k.a. Special Topics)
• Department of Food Science
• College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
• Cooperative Education Program
  

Next Steps

Need more information about this major? Contact the expert on this major,
Coordinator of Advising.

Don't want this major? Continue exploring the available majors.
Still unsure of your major and/or not sure what to do next?
You know you want this major. What do you need to do now?

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Last updated: 1st of September, 2009 at 2:29:42 PM

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