Food Science
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.
Career Outcomes
Where do students work after graduation?
Where do students work after graduation?
| Job Title | Organization | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Scientist | Artisan Row Food Design + Strategy | Minneapolis, MN |
| Associate Sensory Scientist | Cargill | Wayzata, MN |
| Culinary R&D Specialist | Edible Brands | Atlanta, GA |
| ITQ Dynamic Talent Bench R&D Contractor | Medallion Labs | Minneapolis, MN |
| Manufacturing Management Trainee | Land O Lakes | Melrose, MN |
| NIR Technician | Land O Lakes | Arden Hills, MN |
| Quality Manager | Hormel Food | Rochelle, IL |
| R&D Rotational Associate | Mars Wrigley | Chicago, IL |
| R&D Scientist 1 | JonnyPops | Elk River, MN |
| R&D Technologist | Rise Baking Company | Minneapolis, MN |
| Research and Development Technician | Post Consumer Brands | Minneapolis, MN |
| Research Chef | Puris | Minneapolis, MN |
| Research Specialist | Plant Protein Innovation Center | Minneapolis, MN |
| Research Specialist | University of Minnesota | St. Paul, MN |
| Researcher | University of Minnesota | Falcon Heights, MN |
Where do students continue education after graduation?
Where do students continue education after graduation?
| Program | School |
|---|---|
| Food Science | University of Minnesota Twin Cities |
| Food Science | University of Minnesota Twin Cities |
Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?
Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Business Development Coordinator | Atalanta Corporation |
| eCommerce Key Account Manager | Reckitt |
| Food Scientist | Cargill |
| National Raw Material Specifications Specialist | Taylor Farms |
| Product Development Manager | WellMore Holdings |
| Quality Assurance in-Process Coordinator | Danone |
| Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician | Saputo |
| Quality Assurance Technician | Lund & Byerlys |
| RD Specification Specialist | Michael Foods |
| Technical Service Associate | Ingredion |
| Trade Planning Lead | General Mills |
Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?
Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Consumer Safety Officer | FDA |
| External Quality Specialist | Hawkins |
| Global Key Account Manager | DSM-Firmenich |
| Managing Director | Cremeria di Dee Gelato |
| Product Developer | Post Consumer Brand |
| Product Development & Quality Assurance Manager | UNFI |
| Research Scientist | Cargill |
| Sales & Marketing Coordinator | Phenix Marble Company |
| Technical Marketing Manager | PURIS |
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
- Cargill
- E.A. Sween Company
- Eurofins Product Safety Labs
- General Mills
- Hormel Foods
- Land O' Lakes
- Michael Foods
- Milk Specialties Global
- Plant Protein Innovation Center
- Post Consumer Brands
- SunOpta
- University of Minnesota
Types of Employers
- Food and beverage companies
- Government agencies (i.e. FDA)
- Ingredient manufacturers
- Public health agencies
- Universities and colleges
Top Career Resources
- Food Science Job Postings in Handshake
- Careers in Food Science
- IFT (previously Institute of Food Technologists)
- Food Science Professional Associations
- Food Science and Technology Professional and Career Resources
- Food Science Jobs
- USA Jobs including USDA Agricultural Research Service, Food Safety and Inspecti…
- International Students Find Employers Valuing Language and Multicultural Experi…
Meet Your Career Consultant
Maddie (she/her) can assist you with
- Major and career exploration
- Internship planning
- Job searching
- Interview prep and practice
- Grad school planning and more...
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