Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields
Food Science and Technology
Colleges award this field under 6 named programs, from Food Science to Food Science and Technology, Other.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 6 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Food Science
- 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. Covers 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.
- Food Technology and Processing
- Focuses on the application of chemical, physical, and engineering principles to the development and implementation of manufacturing, packaging, storage, and distribution technologies and processes for food products. Covers food engineering, food preservation and handling, food preparation, food packaging and display, food storage and shipment, and related equipment and facilities design, operation, and maintenance.
- Brewing Science
- Focuses on the business, science, and technology of beer brewing operations. Covers biology, biochemistry, brewing, entrepreneurship, fermentation, malting, marketing, microbiology, quality control, and sanitation.
- Viticulture and Enology
- Focuses on the application of scientific and agribusiness principles to the production of grapes, the making of wine, and the wine business. Covers grapes and wines of the world; grape production; winemaking technology; plant biology; chemistry; food science, safety, and packaging; soil science; pest management; and marketing and business management.
- Zymology/Fermentation Science
- Focuses on the business, science, and technology of fermented food production. Covers biology, biochemistry, brewing, entrepreneurship, fermentation, marketing, microbiology, quality control, and sanitation.
- Food Science and Technology, Other
- Food sciences and technology not listed above.
Also called Food Safety
Also called Sustainable Brewing
Also called Viticulture, Enology
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
- Median pay
- $89,900
- Hiring change through 2035
- −3.4%
- Job openings a year
- 70,800
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career GrowingFood Batchmakers
- Median pay
- $42,290
- Hiring change through 2035
- 6.5%
- Job openings a year
- 23,100
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career Growing with the economyFood Science Technicians
- Median pay
- $52,130
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.8%
- Job openings a year
- 3,000
To get hiredAssociate's degree
Explore this career ShrinkingSeparating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Median pay
- $51,610
- Hiring change through 2035
- −5.7%
- Job openings a year
- 5,200
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career GrowingFood Scientists and Technologists
- Median pay
- $88,720
- Hiring change through 2035
- 6.2%
- Job openings a year
- 1,000
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyFirst-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
- Median pay
- $59,320
- Hiring change through 2035
- 3.8%
- Job openings a year
- 7,200
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career Growing with the economyAgricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $98,700
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.9%
- Job openings a year
- 800
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career GrowingSoil and Plant Scientists
- Median pay
- $78,850
- Hiring change through 2035
- 6.7%
- Job openings a year
- 1,400
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it. The figures beside each career are the pay of that work, across everyone doing it. Graduates of this field earn $46,124 one year after completing the program, which is the start of a career rather than the shape of one.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
This field leads to a mix of in-person and computer-based work. About 21 of every 100 openings require working close to other people or spending time on your feet.
College options
Where to study it
Ordered by how many degrees each college awards in this field. Sort by any numbered column.