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2023 Food Science Degree Guide

Food Science Degrees Remain Stable

#305 Most Popular Major
1.8k Degrees Awarded
-0.2% Increase in Graduates

Food Science was the 305th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 1,812 degrees in this year alone. This is approximately the same as the 1,815 graduates the prior year.

Our 2023 Best Food Science Schools ranking analyzes 40 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for food science students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of food sciences programs later in this article.

2023 Best Colleges for Food Science
2023 Overall Best Food Science Colleges >

Best Food Science Schools by Degree

Associate Degrees in Food Science
Bachelor's Degrees in Food Science
Master's Degrees in Food Science
Doctorate Degrees in Food Science

What Are The Requirements For a Degree in Food Science

One of the most important skills you will need for a career in food science is understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times and communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience are all required skills for careers related to this major.

Prior Education for a Food Sciences Program

New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. In addition to these basic food science program qualifications, to serve in some food sciences careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.

Types of Food Science Degrees

There are various different levels of food sciences degrees. You can get anything from a in food science to the highest food sciences degree, a . How long it takes to complete some common food sciences degree levels is shown below.

Degree Credit Requirements Typical Program Length
Associate Degree 60-70 credits 2 years
Bachelor’s Degree 120 credits 4 years
Master’s Degree 50-70 credits 1-3 years
Doctorate Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation At least 4 years

A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to food sciences, with approximately 35.3% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to food sciences tend obtained the following education levels.

Level of Education Percentage of Workers
Bachelor’s Degree 37.9%
Doctoral Degree 30.5%
Master’s Degree 17.0%
Post-Doctoral Training 12.9%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate 2.1%

About 62.1% of workers in careers related to food sciences obtain at least master's degrees. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in food science have received.

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The education level required is different depending on the food sciences career you are seeking.

Food Sciences Careers

Below Average Number of Jobs
81.7k Avg. Related Jobs Salary
7% Growth Job Outlook 2016-26

Growth Projected for Food Sciences Careers

Want a job when you graduate with your food sciences degree? Food Science careers are expected to grow 6.8% between 2016 and 2026.

The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to food science.

Occupation Name Projected Jobs Expected Growth
Food Scientists and Technologists 18,000 5.9%
Agricultural Sciences Professors 13,600 7.9%

How Much Money Do People With a Food Sciences Degree Make?

As you might expect, salaries for food sciences graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.

Highest Paid Food Sciences Careers

Salaries for food science graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers food sciences grads often go into.

Occupation Name Median Average Salary
Agricultural Sciences Professors $90,890
Food Scientists and Technologists $72,570

Getting Your Food Science Degree

With over 171 different food sciences degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased food sciences school rankings to help you with this.

One of 4 majors within the Food Science Technology area of study, Food Science has other similar majors worth exploring.

Majors Similar to Food Sciences

Related Major Annual Graduates
Food Science & Technology, Other 181
Food Technology & Processing 95
Brewing Science 80
Zymology/Fermentation Science 46

View All Food Sciences Related Majors >

References

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