Nine Degrees For People With A Passion For Food

Italian chef Giada De Laurentiis eloquently expressed the profound impact of food in her quote: "Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body; it’s truly love." However, the food industry encompasses more than just culinary expertise. Individuals with a fervor for food can explore numerous educational paths that open doors to captivating careers within the industry. Whether your passion centers around flavors, aesthetics, nutritional value, or social dynamics, here are some exceptional degree options that can ignite your career or broaden your horizons.

Master of Science in Food Science and Flavor Chemistry

Taste and flavor play a big role in the food industry and with a Master of Science in Food Science and Flavor Chemistry students can get an in-depth knowledge of these elements. This type of degree typically leads to work as a flavor chemist whose job it is to use scientific methods in order to break down food compounds. This is done so that their taste and aromas can be replicated in a laboratory for the purpose of creating new flavors or changing old ones. Course topics for this degree may include Food Chemistry, Sensory Evaluation of Foods, Food Analysis, Flavor Chemistry, and Flavor Technology.

Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition

A Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition is aimed at students who are interested in the whole process of food. This degree also covers the impact of food on both the human body and society. Students learn about the design and manufacturing of food that is convenient, safe, and nutritious. In addition, students are often able to focus their studies on either the food science and technology aspect or nutrition, depending on their preferences.

Master of Food Technology

A Master of Food Technology degree is useful for careers in research and development, quality assurance, sales, and other food-related careers. Course topics may include Food Formulation and Preservation, Food Safety Programs, Food Ingredients, and Functions, Food regulation and Policy, and Food Product Development. Students are taught how to improve food quality and safety as well as how to implement good manufacturing practices in the food industry.

Master of Science in Food Safety

A Master of Science in Food Safety degree is designed for working professionals who want to expand their scientific knowledge of food safety, quality assurance, and risk assessment. This type of degree typically emphasizes aspects such as preventative processes as well as the scientific foundations behind food microbiology, toxicology, and epidemiology. Course topics may include International Food Laws and Regulations, Food Safety Toxicology, Food Safety Research Methods, as well as electives in Packaging for Food Safety, Global Food Safety, Quantifying Food Risk, and more.

 

Master of Professional Studies in Food Business

Students with a love for food and an entrepreneurial spirit can benefit from a Master of Professional Studies in Food Business degree. This degree focuses on the design, marketing, branding, product development, and other factors needed to succeed in food entrepreneurship. These can be helpful for starting new business ventures in the food industry or helping existing businesses to grow. Course topics range from food systems and ethical leadership to business and design thinking.

Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Food Systems

With a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Food Systems degree students will be able to gain a better understanding of the food industry in terms of food security, food equity, economic development, climate change, and sustainable agriculture. Course topics may include Sustainable Ecosystems, Fundamentals of Sustainable Food Systems, Sustainable Food and Farms, and Systems, Dynamics, and Sustainability. This degree can lead to a career as a sustainability specialist, procurement specialist, food scientist, certified health education specialist, agricultural manager, and more.

Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics

Students with a love for food and a passion for helping people can complete a dietetics bachelor’s degree and learn practical ways to enhance the health of others. Completing this type of degree can make students eligible for the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam if they want to become registered dietitian nutritionists. Course topics may include Basic Nutrition, Food Production Management, Human Nutrition, Science of Food, Public Health Nutrition, and Nutrient Metabolism. This degree can lead to careers that focus on the clinical, community, and management aspects of the food industry.

Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition

A Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition degree is great for students who want to become chefs who are equipped with the foundational knowledge of making nutritious food taste great. The degree teaches students culinary fundamentals, applied nutrition, life span nutrition, and other specialized topics. Students can typically also choose a track in either culinary arts or baking and pastry. Culinary Arts cover culinary skills and techniques, leadership in the kitchen, and other skills while Baking and Pastry Arts focus on essential techniques, cake production, artisanal bread, and more.

Master of Arts in Gastronomy

A Master of Arts in Gastronomy degree is beneficial for students with a love for food and an interest in pursuing related careers in media, policy, enterprise, academia, and more. Students hone their knowledge of social theory applicable to the study of food and will be taught how to critically analyze current and foundational issues in food studies and food systems. Students who complete this degree often go on to become brand and product managers, culinary product developers, associate chef instructors, and more.

Conclusion

Food and drink will always remain essential and popular, so there are no shortages of career opportunities in the industry. Most careers in the food industry are also exciting as no two days are the same, and people who are creative thinkers and problem solvers will thrive. In addition, careers in the food industry are often purposeful and benefit others, which is always gratifying.