Students studying in food science learn about how food affects a person's health. This includes how to prepare and preserve so that they will not spoil or lose nutritional value. Food scientists also closely examine the ingredients in foods to determine what is and what is not healthy. In addition, food science majors might work directly with companies to ensure requirements are met in sanitation, storage, quality control and marketing.
Students who earn a degree in food science can find work in a number of different fields. Positions for food science majors include nutritionist, dietitian, food service manager, food consultant, food science researcher and food sales. Jobs can be found in many locations, as business owners are now hiring food scientists to help create a healthier work environment. Companies such as hospitals, health clinics, nursing care establishments, correctional institutes, universities and private entities might look for a food scientist to join their staff.
Of the 50 colleges listed by Campus Explorer as having a food science program, most are located in the Eastern United States. These schools range from Framing State College in Massachusetts, where tuition costs less than $1,000 for in-state students, to Cornell University, a prestigious campus in New York where tuition costs more than $34,000 per year as of 2011. Other East Coast schools offering food science programs include North Carolina State, Penn State, Rutgers, the University of Delaware and the University of Florida.
Outside of the Eastern United States, there are many more options for students seeking a food science degree. Three schools in California, including California State Polytechnic Institutes in Pomona and San Luis Obispo, offer a food science major. In addition, students can take course work through online schools, such as Kansas State and Kaplan University. The community college level also offers food science courses. Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon, provides the program, and tuition costs about $2,610 per year as of 2011.