Program Overview

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Culinary Food Science Program

The Culinary Food Science major combines a strong foundation in science with basic culinary skills. As a Culinary Food Science major, students focus on how food is prepared by testing recipes and adjusting ingredients to optimize food products. With hands-on experience in food labs and test kitchens, students develop practical culinary skills that set them apart in the industry.

Program Description

Students study food chemistry, nutrition, and food microbiology, as well as food safety, sanitation, quantity food production, and fine dining management with courses in food science, human nutrition, and hospitality management. Iowa State’s Culinary Food Science major is an approved Research Chefs Association (RCA) Culinology program. Because the program is part of RCA, graduates have the option to become certified research chefs and certified culinary scientists.

Careers in Culinary Food Science

• Culinary Development
• Digital Content Creator
• Food Editor/Food Stylist
• Food Quality Assurance
• Food Research & Development
• Regulatory/Food Safety
• Sensory Food Technologist
• Technical Services and Ingredient Procurement
• Test Kitchen Recipe Developer

Experiences and Internships

Internships

As a culinary food scientist, students are prepared for employment in food research and development, food marketing, test kitchens, and much more. Students gain real-world experience by completing an internship in food science or the culinary industry.

Career Services

Career Services staff help students with job searches, interview preparation, and resume/cover letter review. As a student in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences or the College of Health and Human Sciences, students use the career services offices associated with their college.

Graduate Program Preparation

Some students may choose to further their education with a graduate degree, such as a:

• Master of Food Science and Technology
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Program Information

• Curriculum Requirements
• Sample Four-Year Plan
• Course Sequence Flow Sheet
• Transfer Plans

Accelerated Degree Option

An accelerated degree option is available for the culinary food science program.

Study Abroad Programs

Various international opportunities are available through the College of Health and Human Sciences International Programs office.