30 Best Value Food Science Degrees

mechanical engineer with sustainable agricultural robot in field

Key Takeaways:

  • Our #1 ranking school for best-value food science degree programs is the University of Florida, followed by Fresno State University.
  • Food science degrees integrate STEM, preparing students for various roles in the food industry and ensuring food safety and innovation.
  • Programs emphasize affordability, accreditation, and rankings, providing students with comprehensive education and career opportunities.

In this article, we profile the 30 best-value food science degrees.

Food science is a STEM field in which science, technology, engineering, and mathematics play a crucial role. Food scientists work in every facet of the multi-billion-dollar food industry. Earning a degree from one of the best food science programs can help students start their careers off on the right foot.

Featured Programs

The main role of food scientists is to produce good food that is nutritious and affordable while satisfying demand — a task of increasing complexity in the modern age.

30 Best Value Food Science Degrees Methodology

We looked at approximately 110 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered bachelor’s in food science, food science and safety, food science and technology, nutrition, or closely related degree programs.

We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: accreditation, affordable undergraduate tuition of less than $35,000 per year, and rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We then listed the programs according to raw affordability.

Below is our list of 30 best-value food science degrees.

#30 – Bay Path University

Bachelor’s in Food Science and Safety

The logo fo Bay Path University which placed 30th in our ranking and offer a Bachelor’s in Food Science and SafetyLongmeadow, Massachusetts

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Undergraduate Tuition: $35,781

Bay Path University offers a food science degree that enhances the professional skills that protect the process of food handling and production. This particular program is one of the few on our list that can be completed with the flexibility of online learning.

Course requirements include classes like foodborne diseases, foodborne microorganisms, introduction to food science, leading organizational change, and operations management and decision-making.

Bay Path is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 105th-best regional university in the country. It has also received a prestigious ranking as the 11th most innovative school.

#29 – Clemson University

Bachelor’s in Food Science and Human Nutrition

Clemson, South Carolina

Website

Clemson University - logo

Students in Clemson University’s food science degree program must choose between concentrations in food science and technology or dietetics and nutrition. Dietetics students often pursue careers in community nutrition, public health nutrition, clinical dietetics, and sports/wellness dietetics.

The food science and technology concentration is an IFT-approved program that offers further specialization in science, food and agriculture engineering, statistics and applied mathematics, food packaging, business, human nutrition, or culinary science.

In addition to the wide concentration options, the school offers rankings and prestige from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Clemson ranks #66 among the best national universities.

Undergraduate Tuition: $15,558

#28 – Rutgers University

Bachelor’s in Food Science

New Brunswick, New Jersey

Rutgers University - logo

The Rutgers food science degree offers concentrations in general food science, management, and research. The research option is an IFT-approved program in which excellent students have the opportunity to study and do research abroad in countries like China and Finland.

The research involves experimentation with microbes and chemicals and exploring the ways that different cultures approach food science.

Rutgers also offers a five-year B.S./M.S. program, which allows students to combine their food science degree with an M.S. in food and business economics. Rutgers ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 56th best national university and 122nd best value school.

Undergraduate Tuition: $15,003

#27 – Michigan State University

Bachelor’s in Food Science

East Lansing, Michigan

Website

Michigan State University - Master’s in Supply Chain Management Online- Top 30 Values 2018

Michigan State University’s IFT-approved food science degree offers concentrations in basic science, food technology, food packaging, and food business and industry. Some of the interesting courses students will encounter are food laws and regulations, immunology, agribusiness and food industry sales, and microbial genetics.

Michigan State food science students have interned at over 29 major companies in the industry, including H.J. Heinz Co., Quaker Oats, Hershey Foods, General Mills, Tyson Foods, Nabisco Brands, Gerber Products, Little Caesar’s, and Borden Incorporated.

In addition to the food science program, Michigan State offers accreditation and rankings with U.S. News and World Report.

The most recent ranking lists MSU #85 in best national universities.

Undergraduate Tuition: $14,460

The logo for the University of Delaware which is one of the  best schools for food science degrees#26 – University of Delaware

Bachelor’s in Food Science

Newark, Delaware

Website

The University of Delaware’s IFT-approved degree in food science provides students with three primary ways to take advantage of undergraduate research opportunities, as a volunteer, for a salary, or for credit.

The summer scholars’ program provides top undergraduates the opportunity to conduct in-depth research with university faculty while earning a helpful stipend.

UD also offers a very competitive winter term study-abroad program where students take part in a three-credit international field experience. In addition to summer and winter programs, the school offers internships and research opportunities with UDairy Creamery, as well as other organizations and businesses, to gain valuable work experience.

UD ranks #89 in best national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $14,660

#25 – Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

The logo for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University which offers a Bachelor’s in Food Science and TechnologyBachelor’s in Food Science and Technology

Blacksburg, Virginia

Website

Virginia Tech’s IFT-approved food science and technology degree offers concentrations in science, food business, and food and health. There is also a food biology option, which is offered through the Department of Biology.

Virginia Tech provides undergraduate students with the option to involve themselves in research, either by creating their own project, or joining a faculty project.

Some current faculty research priorities are food safety and health, food processing and packaging, muscle foods, and food chemistry, sensory analysis, and food quality. Virginia Tech ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

Indeed, the most recent rankings include #76 in best national universities and #103 in best value schools.

Undergraduate Tuition: $13,749 

#24 – University of Minnesota

Bachelor’s in Food Science

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Website

University of Minnesota- logo

The University of Minnesota’s IFT-approved food science degree offers concentrations in advanced food technology, nutrition, chemistry, microbiology, and biochemistry.

Food science majors can participate in any study-abroad program offered by the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences and use the credits to fulfill elective slots.

There are fourteen short term programs, three semester programs, and one international internship. The programs take place in a diverse array of locations including France, Thailand, Kenya, India, Ecuador, Bahamas, England, and Panama.

University of Minnesota ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 76th best national university and 86th best value school in the country.

Undergraduate Tuition: $15,027

#23 – Montclair State University

Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Food Science

Montclair, New Jersey

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Montclair State University - logo

Students enrolled in the bachelor’s in nutrition and food science program at Montclair State University must choose one out of three concentrations – applied nutrition and wellness, food science, or food systems. Students must then take classes and maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA throughout the program.

Courses cover a wide range of topics appropriate to food handling, production, and nutrition. Montclair is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school #169 in best national universities and #90 in top public schools.

Undergraduate Tuition: $13,073

#22 – Louisiana State University

LSU- logo

Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Food Science

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Website

Louisiana State University’s bachelor’s in food science features concentrations in nutrition health and society, dietetics, nutrition science with pre-med, and food science and technology with both pre-med and non-pre-med options. The food science and technology is an IFT-approved program.

Graduates of LSU’s program have been employed by NASA, Dreyer’s Ice Cream Company, Folger’s, Smucker’s, Gerber, Proctor and Gamble, Pillsbury, Riviana Foods, the USDA, and the FDA.

LSU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent publication of Best Colleges lists LSU #140 in best national universities and #139 in best value schools.

Undergraduate Tuition: $11,962

#21 – University of Georgia

The logo fo University of Georgia which offers a great food science degreeBachelor’s in Food Science

Athens, Georgia

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Undergraduate Tuition: $12,080

The food science degree at the University of Georgia is an IFT-approved program. The two areas of emphasis offered are business, and science, technology, and engineering.

Some UGA food science alumni now work in positions in research microbiology with the USDA, and senior program leadership roles of food and product safety at Chick-fil-A.

Other careers open to graduates of this program are quality assurance, food sales and marketing, and food law if the student decides to earn a law degree. University of Georgia ranks #46 in best national universities and offers one of the most affordable food science programs on our list.

#20 – Colorado State University

The logo for Colorado State University which offers a top food science  degreeBachelor’s in Nutrition and Food Science

Fort Collins, Colorado

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Undergraduate Tuition: $11,814

Colorado State University offers bachelor’s in nutrition and food science degrees with four concentration options. Students choose one of the four concentrations that include emphases in areas like dietetics and nutrition management, food safety and nutrition, nutrition and fitness, and nutritional sciences.

The courses depend on the concentration chosen and allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest or to meet specific career goals.

Colorado State offers affordable tuition and is ranked with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, CSU ranks #140 in best national universities and #141 in best value schools.

#19 – Washington State University

Washington State University which offers of the most affordable food sience degrees Bachelor’s in Food Science

Pullman, Washington

Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $12,170

Washington State University’s food science major is a multidisciplinary program that applies biology, chemistry, engineering, microbiology, nutrition, physics, and other sciences to improve the quality and safety of food products.

The bachelor’s in food science program offers one specialization track for students wanting to tailor their degree toward fermentation science. Students gain practical and technical skills they can apply to the industry by working at WSU’s Creamery, where the world-renowned Cougar Gold Cheese is made.

Other internships are available through nearby food companies and faculty-led research laboratories. U.S. News and World Report ranks WSU #140 in best national universities and #83 in best value schools.

#18 – University of Akron

Bachelor’s in Food and Environmental Nutrition

Akron, Ohio

The logo for University of Akron which offers a top food since program

Undergraduate Tuition: $11,881

University of Akron’s School of Nutrition and Dietetics offers a bachelor’s in food and environmental nutrition (FEN) designed to meet the needs of the food industry.

This degree prepares undergraduates for the industry’s fast-paced team approach by offering classes covering a wide range of topics.

Some of the required courses include human nutrition, introduction to food regulation, management principles and concepts, principles of microeconomics, and the food industry. Internships are available through the program to enhance the student experience.

The school’s current partnerships exist with local food industry experts, and also large food producers and processing plants. University of Akron ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 230th to 301st best national university in the country.

#17 – University of Maine

University of Maine which is a great  option for a Food Science DegreeBachelor’s in Food Science and Human Nutrition

Orono, Maine

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Undergraduate Tuition: $11,744

The University of Maine’s food science degree offers concentrations in food science, human nutrition and dietetics, and food management. The food science concentration is approved by the Institute of Food Technologists.

Graduates are encouraged to continue in a graduate program at UMaine. An M.S. in Food Science and Human Nutrition is offered as well as a PhD in Food and Nutrition Sciences.

The University of Maine boasts a 100 percent job placement for food science graduates, some of whom have landed jobs at companies like Kellogg’s, Campbell’s Soup, Givaudan Flavors, and Kerry Foods. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Maine #177 in best national universities.

#16 – Oregon State University

The logo for Oregon State University which offers Specializations in fermentationBachelor’s in Food Science and Technology

Corvallis, Oregon

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Undergraduate Tuition: $11,858

The IFT-approved food science degree at Oregon State University offers concentrations in general food science, fermentation science, and enology & viticulture. Fermentation science students will take classes like organic chemistry, fermentation microbiology, and brewing science.

The enology and viticulture program is designed to provide students with a mastery of the end-to-end process of winemaking and includes courses like grapevine growth and physiology, principles and practices of vineyard production, and wine production.

Oregon State University ranks #140 in best national universities and #116 in best value schools with U.S. News and World Report. It is also one of the most affordable schools on our list to offer food science programs.

#15 – Arizona State University

The logo for Arizona State University who offers science degree onlineOnline Bachelor’s in Nutrition

Tempe, Arizona

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Undergraduate Tuition: $11,338

Arizona State University’s bachelor’s in nutrition program prepares students for careers in food production, health and wellness, marketing and journalism, and service management. Courses are delivered online, making it one of the few online nutrition and food science programs offered in this format.

A total of 40 classes are required for the completion of this degree. Classes run 7.5 weeks in length and cover topics from harnessing big data to improve patient outcomes to neuroscience techniques.

Nutrition students interested in business and entrepreneurship may take advantage of the options food entrepreneurship track. ASU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 115th best national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #2 in the country.

#14 – University of Maryland

The logo for University of Maryland which offers a top food science program Bachelor’s in Food Science

College Park, Maryland

Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $10,779

The food science degree at the University of Maryland is approved by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and prepares students for careers in ingredient management, research, teaching, and production management. Students will take courses like nutritional genomics, special problems in food science, and foodservice operations.

Some successful UMD food science graduates have become leaders at companies like BakeCo LLC and Coca Cola, and government organizations like the US Department of Agriculture.

University of Maryland offers accreditation, affordability, and rankings with U.S. News and World Report: UM ranks #63 in best national universities and #108 in best value schools.

#13 – Kansas State University

The logo fo KSU which placed 15th in our ranking for top value schools with food science degrees Bachelor’s in Food Science

Manhattan, Kansas

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Undergraduate Tuition: $10,466

Kansas State University’s food science degree is approved by the Institute of Food Technologists. Kansas State offers concentrations in science and food business and operations management. The science option prepares students for graduate study in food science programs and integrates well with pre-vet and pre-med study.

Those taking the food business and operations management track must minor in business, agribusiness, or agricultural economics. KSU also offers one of the only online bachelor’s completion degrees in food science and industry.

Kansas State ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 147th best national university and 75th top public school.

The logo for Mizzou which is a great school for degrees in food science#12 – University of Missouri

Bachelor’s in Food Science

Columbia, Missouri

Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $10,723

The University of Missouri food science degree offers business, science, enology, and culinary concentrations.

The science option is IFT-approved. Enology students might be interested in the study-abroad opportunity called French Agriculture, Viticulture, & Culture. The program is two months long and worth nine credits if the student opts into the second month internship.

Students earn six academic credits in international agriculture and natural resources. The internship counts for three credits in international agriculture, food, and natural resources. University of Missouri ranks #129 in best national universities and #78 in best value schools by U.S. News and World Report.

#11 – Alabama A & M University

The logo for Alabama A & M University which placed 11th in our ranking of food science programsBachelor’s in Food Science

Normal, Alabama

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Undergraduate Tuition: $10,024

Students in the food science program at Alabama A&M University have the option to minor in chemistry, nutrition, or business.

There is also a minor for non-food science students for 18 credit hours from five different courses. As a food science major, you will learn about the current food production and approaches to meet demands. Courses prepare students for careers in this industry.

According to the program website, graduates of the food science program at Alabama A&M have gone on to work for companies like Costco, Kellogg’s, Pinnacle Foods, and the USDA. U.S. News and World Report ranks Alabama A&M #107 – #141 in best regional universities in the South.

#10 – North Dakota State University

The logo fo NDSU one of the best value food science degreesBachelor’s in Food Science

Fargo, North Dakota

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Undergraduate Tuition: $10,168

North Dakota State makes our list of the best food science programs according to value. NDSU’s IFT-approved bachelor’s in food science offers emphases in food safety, microbiology, sciences, business and management, engineering, nutrition, and processing.

Students will have the opportunity to intern at companies like General Mills, Hormel, ConAgra, Roman Meal, and American Crystal Sugar.

Graduates of the program often fill positions at these and similar companies, working in areas like product development, quality control, food inspection, or sales and marketing.

North Dakota State ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 215th best national university and 121st top public school.

#9 – University of Nebraska

The logo fo University of Nebraska which placed 9th in our ranking of best food degreesBachelor’s in Food Science and Technology

Lincoln, Nebraska

Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $9,872

University of Nebraska’s IFT-approved degree in food science prepares students for careers in food plant management, product development, food research, and education.

The program doesn’t offer specific emphasis areas, which allows students the freedom to choose up to 11 credits of technical electives in agriculture, economics, accounting, chemistry, horticulture, nutrition, management, and marketing, and five credits of free electives, which provides them with a variety of interdisciplinary options.

UNL stresses the importance of internships, and students have been placed with companies like Nestle, Cargill, ConAgra, Schwann’s Foods, Wells’ Dairy Inc., and Farmland Foods.

In addition to internship opportunities, the school offers a solid reputation with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, University of Nebraska ranks #129 in best national universities and #95 in best value schools.

#8 – Texas Tech University

The logo for Texas Tech University which has a food science best value programBachelor’s in Food Science

Lubbock, Texas

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Undergraduate Tuition: $11,600

The two food science tracks offered by Texas Tech are industry and science. The industry option provides students with the flexibility to pursue a minor in business or nutritional science. Career opportunities for the industry concentration include food engineering, genetics and nutrition, and government positions with agencies like the FDA or USDA.

The science option includes a minor in chemistry and functions as a pre-professional program for students interested in medical, pharmacy, dental, veterinary medicine, allied health, and law professions.

Texas Tech has earned rankings from U.S. News and World Report as the 187th best national university and the 100th top public school.

#7 – Oklahoma State University

The logo for Oklahoma State University which is a top valued school for food science programs.Bachelor’s in Food Science

Stillwater, Oklahoma

Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $9,019

Oklahoma State University’s food science degree offers concentrations in food safety, industry, meat science, and science.

Some of the careers OSU students have pursued are food toxicology, fats and oil research, flavor chemist, cereal scientist, and market researcher.

The school and program offer extensive undergraduate research opportunities with the Department of Animal and Food Sciences Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. Students work alongside faculty, graduate students, and unit managers.

Oklahoma State ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 157th best national university and 80th top public school. Oklahoma State offers one of the most affordable food science programs on our list.

#6 – Iowa State University

The logo for Iowa State University one of the Oklahoma State University is a top valued schools for food science programs.Bachelor’s in Food Science

Ames, Iowa

Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $9,316

Iowa State’s IFT-approved bachelor’s of food science offers five minors: culinary science, food and society, food safety, food science, and nutrition.

The food and society minor focuses on how food science can help alleviate major social issues through classes like food and the consumer, societal impacts on food systems, world food issues, and issues in food and society.

Students in the culinary science minor will take courses like advanced food preparation, quantity food production management, and scientific study of food. Iowa State ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 119th best national university and the 81st best value school.

#5 – Mississippi State University

The logo for Mississippi State University which offers a top degree in food scienceBachelor’s in Food Science and Technology

Mississippi State, Mississippi

Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $8,910

Mississippi State University’s bachelor’s in food science and technology program is designed to train students to either go to graduate school for a food science degree or work in a variety of food science and research fields.

Courses cover topics such as career planning and success skills in food science, child health and nutrition, food products evaluation, individual and family nutrition, introduction to food science, and research methods in food and nutrition.

The school and its programs are accredited, and U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution. In fact, MSU ranks #177 in best national universities and #97 in top public schools.

#4 – University of Idaho

The logo for University of Idaho who offer one of the best Food Science DegreesBachelor’s in Food Science

Moscow, Idaho

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Undergraduate Tuition: $8,304

The University of Idaho’s food science degree offers concentrations in dairy foods management and processing.

The processing concentration is an IFT-approved program. Food science students at the University of Idaho have interned at companies like Darigold, J.R. Simplot, Starbucks, Glanbia, and Kraft Foods.

Graduates of the program have gone on to work at major industry companies like Stone Mill Foods, General Mills, and Heinz Frozen Food Company. The University of Idaho ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 165th best national university and the 87th best top public school in the country.

#3 – Texas Woman’s University

The logo for Texas Woman's University which placed 3rd in our ranking for best valued degrees in food scienceBachelor’s in Food and Nutrition in Business Industry

Denton, Texas

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Undergraduate Tuition: $8,255

Texas Woman’s University offers a bachelor’s in food and nutrition in business industry program designed for individuals seeking careers in the business side of food manufacturing and distribution. The program offers small class sizes and expert faculty with contacts to local food industry leaders.

These established partnerships provide students with access to research opportunities in areas like diabetes control, effect of berries on bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis, and parameters that influence ovulation regulation.

U.S. News and World Report ranks Texas Woman’s University among the top 300 best national universities. The school and its programs are fully accredited.

#2 – Fresno State University

The logo for Fresno State University which offers a great Bachelor’s in Food and Nutritional Sciences programBachelor’s in Food and Nutritional Sciences

Fresno, California

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Undergraduate Tuition: $6,643

Fresno State University’s Department of Food Science and Nutrition offers a bachelor’s in food and nutritional science program designed to equip students with the skills needed to work in the food industry.

Through the Center for Food Science and Nutrition Research, students gain research experience applicable to career pathways in food production, research, and management. A total of 120 semester credits are required and include 51 credits in general education.

What makes Fresno State unique is the number of internship opportunities, projects, supervised work experience options, and cooperative research partnerships for students.

Graduates find themselves prepared to enter all areas of the food industry with a strong foundational knowledge. Fresno State ranks #2 on our list of most affordable and best value food science degrees.

#1 – University of Florida

The logo for University of Florida which placed 1st in our ranking of top food science degree programs Bachelor’s in Food Science

Gainesville, Florida

Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $6,381

Ranked as offering the most affordable food science program on our list, University of Florida is recognized for its quality education offerings and academic reputation. The food science program at UF offers formal food science training for students pursuing their bachelor’s degree.

Students gain the knowledge and training needed to enter careers in food and beverage scaling and processing, food product design and development, microbiology analytical laboratories, and regulatory agencies (FDA and USDA).

UF ranks #35 in best national universities and #91 in best value schools. It is our #1 pick for most affordable and best value food science degrees.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a food science degree?

A food science degree is a versatile one; however, the most common career path is to enter the food industry as a skilled food scientist, researcher, or technologist.

Food scientists work to research and improve the efficiency and safety of food products. They typically conduct research and create new food products or develop methods to improve the process, packaging, and delivery of food.

Most food scientist jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in food science or closely related nutrition or technology discipline. Since food scientists utilize a wide range of skills in biology, chemistry, and nutrition, it helps to have a strong background in these scientific areas.

There are several organizations that hire well-qualified food scientists. We detail the organizations that hire food scientists below.

At colleges and universities, food scientists typically conduct research and investigate how to improve current methods for the production of food. They also research nutrition and food quality.

Government agencies hire food scientists to conduct research on animal safety and to help improve food and crop production. Food scientists working for the federal government usually spend most of their time working with clinical trials.

The first step in securing a career as a food scientist is to enroll in a bachelor’s in food science program at a reputable and accredited institution.

How long does it take to earn a food science degree?

While the time to completion for food science degrees varies by institution and program, the average length is four years. There are a few ways to cut the time it typically takes to complete a food science degree, which we discuss below.

Online food science programs are limited, but accredited online food science programs do exist from reputable institutions. In fact, we named a couple on our list, including the online bachelor’s in nutrition and food science at Arizona State University.

Some online programs give students added flexibility when completing classes. Courses take less time to complete and students can work at their own pace. In non-cohort programs, this flexibility allows students to earn their bachelor’s degree in less than four years.

Enrollment status also impacts completion time. For programs that allow flexibility, enrolling as a part-time or full-time student can impact the time it takes to earn your food science degree. Both enrollment statuses offer benefits and drawbacks.

Part-time programs allow students to take a lighter course load, which can be helpful for working individuals. Full-time programs allow students to move at a quicker pace and finish their degree in less time than is required for a part-time program.

How much money can I make with a food science degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for agricultural and food scientists was $76,400 as of May 2022. Ten percent of the lowest earners made under $46,010, while the highest earners made more than $129,560. Drilling the numbers down even further showed that food scientists and technologists earned a median annual wage of $82,090.

BLS also lists the top paying industries for food scientists. According to numbers published in May of 2018, research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences industry paid agricultural and food scientists $76,590 in median annual wages.

Other high-paying industries include government – $68,040; management, scientific, technical consulting services – $65,780; food manufacturing – $63,430; and colleges, universities, and professional schools at the local, state, and private level – $54,640. Food scientists work full time.

PayScale, a global research compensation organization that compiles salary data for specific occupations, reports pay differences by location and experience. This means food scientists living in certain cities and areas can earn more than their colleagues working in other locations.

According to PayScale, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles were high-paying areas for food scientists, though cost of living should be factored into the salary earnings.

What is the job outlook for individuals with a food science degree?

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow six percent through 2032. This is about as fast as is expected for all other occupations, but slightly higher than the average.

Due to the anticipated continuation of research in agricultural production, methods, and techniques, growth is expected.

Over the next several years, the food industry will face challenges as the human population grows. There will be an increased demand for clean water, changes in climate and weather patterns, and the need for pest control as resistances develop.

All of these challenges impact the food industry. Food scientists and researchers with specialized skills in these areas will be needed to help improve food-processing techniques and methods.

Looking at the occupational employment statistics, as listed by the Occupational Outlook Handbook, states with the highest employment of food scientists include: California, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. This means these states are likely to have more jobs available for food scientists.

If you are willing to relocate to any one of these areas, you may see better job prospects. Also, these states report higher wages for food scientists, according to BLS.

What kinds of classes will I take in food science degree programs?

As with most degrees, you will need to take general education classes. These can be obtained by attending a community college, either locally or out of state.

Most food science programs are designed as multidisciplinary, which means integrating studies in biology, business, chemistry, engineering, nutrition, and technology. The programs usually cover a wide range of classes that emphasize research, production, and the engineering of food.

Related:

What is an Associates Degree in Science?

Common classes required for bachelor’s in food science degrees can be broken into four major categories.

Food chemistry: Most of the food chemistry courses are designed to prepare students with knowledge of chemical structures of various food products. Food constituents are also examined, such as carbohydrates, fats, lipids, proteins, and sugars; as well as flavorings, minerals, and water components.

Food processing: In the food processing classes, students learn what types of processes go into food packaging, production, and the preservation of food products. These courses examine shelf life, food safety, and sanitation. Also, students take courses that cover FDA and USDA laws and regulations.

Food science: Students take introductory and fundamental classes in food science that introduce them to modern food production systems, research, processes, and methods.

Nutrition: Nutrition classes cover content such as personal health and how the practice of food science affects the public as a whole. Students may take classes in human metabolism, wellness and disease prevention, and macronutrient absorption.

CVO Staff

This concludes our list of 30 best value food science degrees.

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