Food Science major

Why major in food science?

Food scientists are working to solve one of the world’s greatest challenges — feeding the world, studying how to create new food products and bring them to market. The steps along the farm to fork pathway involve creativity, chemistry, biology, innovation, compassion (ethics and social conscience), nutrition, microbiology, engineering, social reasoning and critical thinking. Food scientists are revolutionizing the way we think about food!

What makes our program unique?

The University of Delaware provides a personalized, comprehensive education in all aspects of food science in a setting that allows close relationships with fellow students and faculty. Our program is accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), which means that we perform detailed assessments on teaching our students the most up-to-date information concerning all food science fields. When studying at UD, students simultaneously receive the incredible offerings of a medium-sized research university and a learning environment characterized by small class sizes. Opportunities abound for undergraduate research, leadership roles in clubs and organizations and internships. At the onsite UDairy Creamery and the Genuardi Food Innovation Laboratory, students invent new ice cream flavors, engage in cheese production, and perform sensory and market analysis. This delicious opportunity is a great way for students to see and experience food development first-hand.

Career paths

Graduates acquire the skills and knowledge for a successful and well-paid career. Sustainable food production is key to the U.S. and its role in the global economy. Our students have a nearly 100 percent job placement in the careers of their choice, working in areas like:

• Product development
• Quality assurance
• Quality control
• Sensory science
• Regulatory
• Food safety

Graduate school paths

• Sensory science
• Microbiology
• Engineering
• Nutritional sciences
• Genomics and the human microbiome
• Business and economics

Structure

UD's food science undergraduate major is accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). Students obtain a broad background in the sciences (chemistry, biology, physics and math) as a basis for in-depth studies of the food science disciplines of food chemistry, food processing, food engineering, food safety, food microbiology and food product development.

For more information, visit the UD Online Catalog.