by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Food Science involves the study of Food Science. A Program That Focuses On The Application Of Biological, Chemical, And Physical Principles To The Study Of Converting Raw Agricultural Products Into Processed Forms Suitable For Direct Human Consumption, And The Storage Of Such Products. Includes Instruction In Applicable Aspects Of The Agricultural Sciences, Human Physiology And Nutrition, Food Chemistry, Agricultural Products Processing, Food Additives, Food Preparation And Packaging, Food Storage And Shipment, And Related Aspects Of Human Health And Safety Including Toxicology And Pathology. Examples: [Food Safety]. Read on to learn the essential details every food science major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering food science programs.
Nationwide, food science is a widely-pursued major, with 1,581 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Food Science Schools ranking analyzes these 66 schools to determine the best overall colleges for food science students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of food science programs later in this article.
Coursework for Food Science build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations food science graduates commonly enter.
Skills emphasized by a food science program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a food science major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several food science degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 9 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 942 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 466 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 164 |
People currently working in careers related to food science tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 32.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 22.4% |
| Post-doctoral training | 16.0% |
| Master’s degree | 12.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 7.5% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 4.2% |
| Some college courses | 3.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 1.5% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.5% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in food science careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in food science can lead to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to food science.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to food science.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 297,433 | 4.5% |
| Food Science Technicians | 135,157 | 7.3% |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | 76,219 | -4.2% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of food science graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $55,828 |
| 4 years | $59,662 |
| 5 years | $68,842 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for food science graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers food science grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Food Science Technicians | $100,898 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,903 |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $55,930 |
With 66 different food science programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased food science school rankings to help you.
Those considering food science, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Viticulture and Enology | 268 |
| Food Science and Technology, Other | 132 |
| Brewing Science | 118 |
| Food Technology and Processing | 96 |
| Zymology/Fermentation Science | 74 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
