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 | 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?
| 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?
| 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?
| 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
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