A major in Zymology/Fermentation Science explores A Program That Focuses On The Business, Science, And Technology Of Fermented Food Production. Includes Instruction In Biology, Biochemistry, Brewing, Entrepreneurship, Fermentation, Marketing, Microbiology, Quality Control, And Sanitation. Continue reading for the key facts every zymology/fermentation science student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering zymology/fermentation science programs.
Across the country, zymology/fermentation science is a popular field of study, with 74 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Zymology/Fermentation Science Schools ranking analyzes these 4 schools to determine the best overall colleges for zymology/fermentation science students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of zymology/fermentation science programs later in this article.
Studies in Zymology/Fermentation Science build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations zymology/fermentation science graduates commonly enter.
The skill set developed in a zymology/fermentation science program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a zymology/fermentation science major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several zymology/fermentation 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 11 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 63 |
People currently working in careers related to zymology/fermentation science tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 40.1% |
| Some college courses | 16.7% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 14.4% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 12.9% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 8.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 4.4% |
| Master’s degree | 2.7% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.2% |
| Doctoral degree | 0.2% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.1% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in zymology/fermentation science careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in zymology/fermentation science can lead to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to zymology/fermentation science.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to zymology/fermentation science.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Food Batchmakers | 383,602 | -3.6% |
| Food Science Technicians | 135,157 | 7.3% |
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 132,731 | -4.5% |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | 76,219 | -4.2% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of zymology/fermentation science graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise 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 zymology/fermentation science graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers zymology/fermentation science grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Food Science Technicians | $100,898 |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $55,930 |
| Food Batchmakers | $55,617 |
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $33,975 |
With 4 different zymology/fermentation science programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased zymology/fermentation science school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in zymology/fermentation science, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Food Science | 1,581 |
| Viticulture and Enology | 268 |
| Food Science and Technology, Other | 132 |
| Brewing Science | 118 |
| Food Technology and Processing | 96 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.