Food Science

Student Gathering Food

About the Major

The Food Science major prepares you for a career in managing food production and processing facilities; designing, researching and developing new food products; researching and monitoring the microbiological safety of foods; and overseeing the processing of safe, nutritious and attractive foods to be packaged and distributed to meet the needs of consumers.

The curriculum applies chemistry, microbiology, and engineering to the study and technology of making foods.

Study Food Science

Career Outcomes

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Where do students work after graduation?

Where do students work after graduation?

Job titles and employers for graduates reported within 6 months of graduation
Job Title Employer
Analytical Lab Technician Medallion Labs
Associate Food Scientist Pepsico
Associate Processing Scientist Clasen Quality Chocolate
Business Management Associate General Mills
Data Analyst NielsenIQ
Finished Product Specification Specialist General Mills
Food Safety and Regulatory Associate Cargill
Food Technologist Rise Baking Company
Graduate Research Assistant University of Minnesota
Ingredient Specialist General Mills
ITQ technician General Mills
Lab Assistant University of Minnesota
Manager Trainee Seneca Foods
Microbiology Lab Technician Michael Foods
Product Development Manager NightHawk Frozen Foods
Product Manager Target
Quality Assurance Associate AstaReal Inc.
Quality Assurance Technician Lunds and Byerlys
Quality Compliance Specialist Taylor Farms Pacific
Quality Control Lab Technician Cold Spring Brewing Company
Quality Control Lab Technician Saputo Dairy
Quality Lab Technician King & Prince Seafood
Research Assistant University of Minnesota
Research Chef Fat Snacks
Spec Specialist General Mills
SSQA Regulatory Specialist Russ Davis Wholesale
Wheat Research Quality Intern Ardent Mills

Where do students continue education after graduation?

Where do students continue education after graduation?

Programs and schools students enrolled in after graduation
Program School
Animal Science University of Minnesota
Business & Science Rutgers University
Culinary Saint Paul College
Food Science University of Minnesota
Food Science University of Minnesota
Food Science UC-Davis
Food Science University of Minnesota
Food Science University of Minnesota
Food science University of Minnesota
Food Science University of Minnesota
Food Science Ohio State University
Food Science and Technology University of Copenhagen
Food Science and Technology Ohio State University
Pharmacy University of Minnesota

Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?

Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?

Sampling of job titles and employers 5 years after graduation
Job Title Employer
Account Executive National Flavors
Business Owner Greenhouse Juice Bar
Consumer Safety Officer FDA
Food Scientist II Dairy Farmers of America
ITQ Technologist General Mills
Managing Director Cremeria di Dee Gelato
Product Development & Quality Assurance Specialist UNFI
Product Development Specialist General Mills
QA Supervisor Apex International Mfg
Quality Control Technician Rahr Malting Co.
R&D Lab Technician II Post Consumer Brands
Research Assistant University of Maryland Baltimore County

Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?

Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?

Sampling of job titles and employers 10 years after graduation
Job Title Employer
Agriculture Specialist Minnesota Department of Agriculture
CI Lead Cargill
Development Manager Pilot R&D
Engagement Manager The Chartis Group
Food Specialist General Mills
Key Account Specialist - Supply Chain Food Science NSF International
Owner Steady Pour LLC
Quality Assurance Manager Old Dutch Foods
Research and Development Scientist General Mills
Researcher CJ Cheiljedang

Full outcomes report including salary, locations, satisfaction, and more

Common Entry-Level Job Titles

  • Associate Food Scientist
  • Business Management Associate
  • Food Production Manager
  • Ingredient Specialist
  • Lab Analyst
  • Manager Trainee
  • Public Health Sanitarian
  • Quality Assurance Technician/Supervisor
  • Research and Development Technician/Specialist
  • Research Chef

Top Employers

  • E.A. Sween - Deli Express
  • General Mills
  • Land O' Lakes
  • Michael Foods
  • Seneca Foods
  • University of Minnesota

Meet Your Career Consultant

Maddie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maddie (she/her) can assist you with

  • Major and career exploration
  • Internship planning
  • Job searching
  • Interview prep and practice
  • Grad school planning and more...

Make an Appointment Maddie's bio

Additional Resources

In addition to these resources we recommend the following strategies to locate more information about careers related to your major:

  • O*NET and Careerwise. These tools provide comprehensive information about a wide range of careers including typical duties, salaries, employment outlook, skills and interests.
  • Locate professional associations related to your major or career interests by conducting a Google Search on “(Name of major/career area/industry) professional associations.” Try these keywords: food science, food quality assurance, food research and development, food safety, flavor, sensory food science.
  • Get involved in one of the many industry-related student groups on campus. These groups provide links to experiences, guest speakers, and discussion with like-minded students.
  • Study Abroad Information for Food Science