Program Overview
Food Science and Technology Program
Overview
The Food Science and Technology program at Ohio State University produces graduates who are well-prepared to work in the public or private sector. Students learn the chemistry, microbiology, engineering, safety, and nutrition of food as it is processed, packaged, distributed, stored, and consumed.
Degree Details
- Degree: BS
- Campus: Columbus
- College: Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Curriculum
The curriculum includes core courses such as:
- Organic chemistry
- Introduction to food processing
- Food chemistry and analysis
- Food microbiology
- Food additives
- Food processing
- Technical problem solving
- Product development
Internship
Each student is required to complete an internship to gain hands-on, practical experience in the food industry. Juniors and seniors work part-time or over the summer in industry jobs and earn credit for the learning experience.
Research
The Food Science Undergraduate Research Experience (FoodS.U.R.E.) connects undergraduate food science students with faculty advisors for a research project in an area of the student's choosing. The project culminates in a presentation at the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences' undergraduate research forum. Participants typically earn course credit and receive scholarship funding.
Student Organizations
Student organizations, such as the Food Science and Technology Club, Citation Needed, and Know Food Waste, provide excellent opportunities for food science students to meet peers with common interests and to develop leadership, scientific communication, and networking skills.
Possible Careers
Food science and technology graduates work in the food industry, academia, and government positions to produce safe, sustainably-produced, health-promoting food. Graduates are employed all over the world by companies of all sizes and hold titles such as president, senior vice president for research, vice president for regulatory affairs and product safety, director of research and development, and product development manager.
Salary Estimates
The median salary for a food scientist in 2019 was $95,000. Average salary breakdown for specific work settings:
- Academia: $101,000
- Government: $125,460
- Industry: $100,000
- Nonprofits: $122,000
- Self-employed: $119,000
Academic Support
Students who pursue food science and technology benefit from a student-centered learning experience with one-on-one faculty advising. The department annually awards more than $274,000 in scholarships to students.