The undergraduate curriculum is approved by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and offers two tracks, a Food Science Option and an Industry Option. These tracks provide promising career opportunities in areas such as food product, process design, research and development, marketing, corporate sales, operations management and many more.
Numerous opportunities are available for corporate internships, scholarships and study abroad programs that provide real-world experience and enhance opportunities for employment upon graduation. Possible jobs through this program are Food Product Developer, Quality Assurance Manager, Food Chemist, Food Marketer, Research Scientist and Processing Plant Manager.
Food Science Option
The Food Science option provides a strong knowledge base and fundamental understanding of chemistry, biology, engineering, physics, statistics, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, and nutrition that is applied toward the preservation, processing, packaging and distribution of foods that are wholesome, affordable and safe.
The goal of the curriculum is to prepare Food Scientists for career opportunities in food and allied industries, or further studies in graduate or professional schools. See an academic advisor for specific course listings.
Food Industry Option
The Food Industry option integrates knowledge from the basic disciplines of chemistry, microbiology, physics and biology. As it applies to scientific principles from food engineering, food processing operations, sensory evaluation, food safety, quality assurance and management to produce foods that are wholesome, affordable and safe.
The goal of the curriculum is the prepare Food Technologists for careers in food and related industries. These careers may involve food processing, manufacturing, technical service, food product development, operations management, regulatory oversight and other technology-based opportunities. See an academic advisor for specific course listings.
Food Systems Industry Management
The Bachelor of Science in Food Systems Industry Management is a program that focuses on the application of chemical, physical, and engineering principles to the development and implementation of manufacturing, packaging, storage, and distribution technologies and processes for food products.
The program capitalizes on the food system supply chain from a post-harvest to table perspective. It is a unique and integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics degree program with an interdisciplinary approach with equal input from Agricultural Systems Management, Food Science and Technology, and Agricultural Economics.