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Have you ever wondered how to maximize our food resources? Are you curious about the harvest, processes, and preparations they undergo so people can consume them safely?
If you want to understand thoroughly how foods are created, manufactured, and developed to be safe for consumption, a bachelor’s degree in Food Science can be the right path for you.
According to DataUSA, there were 1,815 Food Science degrees awarded in 2020, which is a 7.96% decline. However, the average wage workers in this sector earn are roughly $75,982, which has increased by 1.41%.
This data tells us that landing work in this field will produce positive outcomes, as you earn a decent wage while choosing a job with high demand among employers and companies.
Quick audio summary:
The field of Food Science promises an interesting, research-focused career! To be prepared for the demanding work in this field, it is important to obtain the right competency and skills! Start by choosing the best Online Bachelor’s in Food Science program that will shape you into becoming a skilled professional food scientist.
We found two Online Bachelor’s in Food Science programs that are a definite fit for college students seeking convenience and flexibility in their studies. The online programs offered by the top-rated colleges on our list all abide by high academic standards, as demonstrated by their accreditation and affiliation with relevant industry organizations, to produce highly capable and well-trained students.
The two online Food Science undergraduate programs on our list also provide student support services and student aid options to qualified students.
Please visit our Methodology page for in-depth information on our selection process.
The Best Online Food Science Bachelor’s Degrees
Bay Path University
The American Women’s College of Bay Path University developed an educational program in conjunction with leaders in food science and safety for producers, organizations, and businesses involved in food handling. When you enroll in this distance learning program, expect to have seasoned and experienced food science experts as your advisers and professors.
Earning the required 120 credits will result in a Bachelor of Arts degree focusing on Food Science & Safety. As the American Women’s College offers this, this will be exclusively offered to all women students only.
It doesn’t matter if you didn’t have any prior Science courses taken as long as you love studying and learning about Science and food. In this 100 percent online program, you will use a virtual lab to complete coursework.
Location:
- Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Accreditation:
- the New England Commission of Higher Education
Program Features:
- Requires 120 credits for completion
- It can be completed by women only
Course Options:
- Food Defense
- Food Chemistry
- Introduction to Food Science
- Food Processing w/ Lab
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation (optional)
- Essay (optional)
Financial Aid:
- Pell Grant
- Signature Scholarship Completion
- Physician Assistant Pathway Program
- Need-based Scholarships
- Federal Work-study
- Federal and State Aid
What’s Unique About The Program:
- The most potent offering of this online program is its avant-garde virtual labs that you can access quickly and conveniently.
Kansas State University
You can specialize in either food business and operations management or industry and technology when you choose to enroll in this online bachelor’s degree in food science. Among the topics covered in this online program are food chemistry, nutrition, processing, and product development, providing you with a good foundation for a career in food science.
Using an emphasis on business and operations management will equip you to take on management and leadership roles in food production and product management. At the same time, a focus on industry and technology will prepare you for jobs in food production and product management.
After program completion, you can work in the industries and sectors in food manufacturing, quality assurance, merchandising, research and product development, and sales and advertising.
Location:
- Manhattan, Kansas
Accreditation:
- the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Program Features:
- 120 credit hours are required for completion
Course Options:
- Intro to Organic and Biochemistry
- Fundamentals of Food Processing
- Basic Nutrition
- Quality Assurance of Food Products
- Poultry Products Technology
Admission Requirements:
- GPA of 3.25
- ACT or SAT scores
- Official transcripts
Financial Aid:
- Nathan and Becky Smit Food Innovation Scholarship
- K-State Global Campus Scholarships
- Financial Assistance Options
What’s Unique About The Program:
- You can choose between two program options such as Food Business and Operations Management and Industry and Technology.
- K-State boasts highly efficient online tools that will allow you to access past courses that can be transferred to K-State. This will be very convenient for you to transfer credits from previous schools.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers nutritional science, which explores how food and nutrition impact health and disease. You can specialize in nutrition as a student in this program.
You have a lot of options with the Nutrition emphasis. Food chemistry, cell biology, and biochemistry are all incorporated into the course, focusing on nutrition and diet.
In addition to preparing you for careers in the food and health industries, it also prepares you for graduate studies and research. By focusing on nutrition, you’ll have the opportunity to explore careers in nutrition, nursing, food science, dental, nutritional biochemistry, veterinary medicine, and physical therapy.
Location:
- Tempe, Arizona
Accreditation:
- The Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- Requires 120 credits
Course Options:
- Therapeutic Diets
- Food Science and Safety
- Nutritional Biology and Metabolism
- Nutrition Assessment
Admission Requirements:
- Official Transcripts
- Online application form
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Loans
- Grants
What’s Unique About The Program:
- After graduation, you can pursue graduate studies in dietetics, pharmacy, nursing, medicine, or other healthcare fields.
- With a degree in Nutritional Sciences, you may be able to help others live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Food Science?
It’s crucial to understand what food science is, first and foremost. Several fields, such as biology, biochemistry, and chemical engineering, are involved in food science, and all of these fields help improve food products and processes for all consumers.
Researchers study food from a physical, chemical, and microbiological perspective. Following that, these findings are applied to developing safer and more nutritious foods and packaging those foods.
The study of food products involves many different aspects. Scientists ensure that foods are safe, healthy, sustainable, and tasty, from safety regulations to flavor and even their aesthetics.
As a food scientist, you will have the chance to work on diverse career paths on diverse projects that revolve around developing better food products to serve as a tool for improving consumers’ lives. Ultimately, you’ll be able to contribute to making wider choices of healthy foods for all consumers worldwide.
Along with basic food processing knowledge, students also experience evaluating alternative food manufacturing processes and understanding food market processes.
Also, they can determine if food manufacturing methods comply with industry and consumer standards. Many food science programs include internships in food industry companies, giving students extensive hands-on experience.
Now, if all these studies and activities appeal to you, it’s time to take action and enroll in an online bachelor’s degree in Food Science.
What Career Can You Pursue with an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science?
A graduate from an online program in food science may pursue a wide range of career fields based on your interest and background.
Although becoming a food scientist is the most obvious path to take, versatile career options are waiting for you if you’re ready to explore more opportunities. For instance, here are some of the jobs that you can have after finishing an online degree in Food Science:
- Food and Agricultural Scientist
From the word scientist, you’re revolving around working on the science of food. Agricultural and food scientists are busy improving the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of products, organizations, and services.
In addition to conducting research and testing, these professionals may develop new food products and processes and manage various projects at different sites.
Researchers in food science and technology use biology, chemistry, and various other sciences to develop innovations for food. Other aspects to focus on are food packaging, safety handling protocols and distribution, and studying all the ingredients and procedures.
The majority of these professionals hold master’s degrees or higher, but holding a bachelor’s degree will suffice if you’re aiming to pursue a career as an agricultural scientist. As a student interested in pursuing a career in food science, internships are a tremendous advantage, as they help develop research and teamwork skills.
- Biological Technician
Scientists and their technicians work together to conduct laboratory experiments and tests. They may have to maintain laboratory equipment, collect and test samples, record and analyze data, and prepare reports based on their findings. Companies in the food industry are hiring for these essential jobs more and more these days.
In addition to using computer software, removing proteins, and collecting samples on-site, the specific duties of this job can vary based on their position and field of expertise.
Job descriptions and requirements will also vary depending on the company and employer. A biotechnologist typically needs a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field and hands-on laboratory experience.
- Food Researcher and Developer
With so many new foods being offered today, it’s a wonder who behind such products are. They’re the food researchers and developers. Technical food researchers assist teams of researchers in developing new food recipes and products. They may also handle other laboratory tasks from time to time.
Maintaining clear, organized records is also a duty they must perform to ensure that samples are correctly prepared and weighed, and measured. If you’re keen on research, this job should be good for you.
- Agricultural and Food Science Technician
While there are food and agricultural scientists, there are also food technicians who help the scientists perform tasks related to analyzing agricultural and food products. Technicians are responsible for gathering and testing samples of food, ingredients, and additives and studying them altogether. After which, they should create a report on their findings.
As well as gathering and maintaining chemicals for testing, reviewing results, and ensuring that laboratories are sterile and safe, they may also create results presentations. To be a food technician, you can acquire an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Food Science.
- Nutritionist
Dietitians and nutritionists help individuals improve their physical and mental health by following a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Generally speaking, nutritionists create a customized nutrition plan that meets the wellness goals of each patient.
Knowledge and thorough familiarity with the composition of food is required in this job position. Hence, a degree in Food Science is an advantage. The professionals offer guidance on taking supplements and avoiding allergens and recommendations on how to recover nutritional balance.
- Agricultural Worker
Agricultural workers are typically assigned to manage the fields, crops, livestock, and dairy products produced by farmers and ranchers. Among them are crop managers and farmers who oversee plants, trees, and other agricultural produce. Certain livestock, poultry, dairy farmers, ranchers, and managers can also be found in this job category.
Depending on your employer, there should be flexible educational attainment to be considered by them. However, having a bachelor’s degree in Food Science will open more opportunities for higher and better positions and salaries.
- Flavor Scientist
A flavor scientist performs experiments on foods. Their ultimate goal is to elevate the taste, improve nutrition, and extend their shelf life.
These food science professionals improve, modify, change, and create new food flavors by conducting lab experiments and fieldwork. At times, this may involve visiting factories or collecting samples. Creative thinking and teamwork skills are essential to this position.
What is the Job Outlook for a Career in Food Science?
Agricultural and food scientists are expected to grow faster than other occupations from 2021 to 2031, growing by 8%. Researchers will continue to explore ways to improve agricultural production methods and techniques, resulting in a growth in agricultural and food scientist employment.
Most especially due to the alterations of food processes that impact the environment, most food factories and agricultural companies are innovating methods for sustainability goals.
The need to tackle healthier alternatives and nutritious ingredients as people become more health-conscious will open doors for more food scientists to get hired.
Nevertheless, the demand for agricultural sustainability and innovation is ongoing, needing more workers in such sectors. The diet, living conditions, and genetic makeup of livestock will need to be researched and improved by animal scientists.
In parallel, food scientists and technologists will continue focusing on ensuring food safety and nutritious foods for all consumers. By working together, these two positions will be able to reach their goal of limiting waste, saving the environment, creating a lesser impact on resources, and ensuring high-quality foods and produce.
Why Should You Choose to Study Food Science?
- Job Security
Food is a necessity among humans, so all food companies and manufacturers will always need people to work on food processes and development. Therefore, when you land a job in this industry, you’ll most likely be employed for the longest time.
- Diverse Job Opportunities
As the food industry is diverse, the opportunities available to a food scientist/ food technologist are thousands of different ones. Whatever kind of food category you want to belong to, you’ll have a wide variety of choices. You can even work in beverages and winery companies too. A myriad of work opportunities is available when you get a degree in Food Science.
- Good Pay
Degrees in food science can lead to good salaries, as well as a high growth rate. Payscale reports that food scientists earn $70,634 per year on average. Now, that’s relatively decent pay than any other job.
- Travels and Cultural Exposure
Food companies are very adaptive and innovative; that’s why they constantly want to know what’s going on in their industry from the world’s view. You, as a food scientist, will get to travel and be exposed to many cultures worldwide. You can study all about food and apply them to your company too.
- Passion for Food
A career in the food industry is like a dream come true if you enjoy food and you’re a certified foodie. You will become acquainted with good food by creating and testing products. Additionally, you will be able to sample new flavors and dishes. You’ll feel encouraged and inspired to enhance more food products as you launch successful products and projects.
Is a Food Science Degree Worth It?
Yes, a degree in food science is worth your while. Multi-billion-dollar food industries involve food scientists in every aspect. The right degree from a top food science program can help students kick-start their careers. If you have the knack and the skills to study food, the food industry offers diverse sectors for you to explore.
As food scientists, your main task is to produce nutritious and affordable food that meets demand – a challenge of increasing complexity as time goes on. With innovation and consistent discoveries of ingredients and produce, food has become more complex than before.
The food we eat is being scrutinized more than ever, evaluating factors such as its source, quality, price, nutritional value, and convenience. And, of course, the topmost important consideration is its safety. Consumers have nutritional needs and questions that the food processing industry has to satisfy.
The food processing industry offers many career opportunities for the young generation since it is a broad and versatile industry; there are even cool jobs you might want to apply for. If you become a food scientist in a few years, you’ll expect to tackle all about food processes.
However, before you get hired as one, you need to generate the skills required in the food processing industry and a degree. Thankfully, online education for a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science is now accessible through the click of your fingers and a speedy internet connection.
Learn this study from a distance and prepare to participate in your desired food industry after graduating from the program.
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