Program Overview

Food Science and Technology Program

The Food Science and Technology program at Virginia Tech is designed for students who are interested in using science in creative and innovative ways to create a healthier, safer, high-quality food supply. Food scientists develop new and improved foods, evaluate food for its nutritional value and safety, and establish better ways to preserve the global food supply. The program focuses on protecting human health and enhancing taste and convenience.

Program Options

Students in the Food Science and Technology program have four options to choose from:

• Food safety and microbiology
• Food and flavor chemistry
• Food product and packaging development
• Food economics and marketing

Career Opportunities

Food science students have opportunities to gain skills, experience, and professional opportunities through internships in the food industry. Graduates of the program have nearly 100% career placement success into food product development, quality assurance, research, sales and marketing, technical services, and regulatory food inspection, or graduate school and professional schools.

Degree Types

The program offers the following degree types:

• Bachelor of Science
• Master of Science
• Doctor of Philosophy

Related Programs

Related programs include:

• Agricultural Technology (Associate Degree)
• Dairy Science
• Agribusiness
• Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise

Keywords

The program is associated with the following keywords:

• Food Chemistry
• Food Processing
• Food Safety
• Pre-Health
• Pre-Med
• Pre-Medical
• Sensory

Undergraduate Major

The program is offered as an undergraduate major in Food Science and Technology, with options for Pre-Health Professions.

Undergraduate Advising

The program falls under the following undergraduate advising categories:

• Business and Administration
• Engineering and Technology
• Health and Wellness
• Sustainability, Environmental, and Natural Sciences

Admissions

The program is available to:

• Fall Transfer Applicants
• First-Year Applicants It is not available to Spring Transfer Applicants.