What Are the Different Types of Food Science Degree Programs?

Students can participate in a wide variety of different food science degree programs, including those providing bachelor's, master's, or doctoral certifications. In fact, many of these programs are provided through online classes, as well as within the traditional classroom. Additionally, food science degree programs may concentrate on particular areas, such as food packaging, safety, production, and development.

One of the most common food science degree programs is the four-year bachelor's certification. This undergraduate degree gives the student an overview of the entire food science industry; typical classes cover food-related microbiology and quality assurance. Students should keep in mind that the bachelor's degree will not concentrate on a specific niche within food science, such as engineering; rather, they will graduate with a basic understanding of all portions of the food industry.

Those students looking to concentrate in a particular food science niche should continue their studies to earn a master's degree. Typically a two-year commitment, master's food science degree programs allow students to choose an area of concentration, such as chemistry. The student will need to complete a thesis — a long research and writing project — to meet the graduation requirements. For example, students may perform chemistry experiments to improve the taste of a particular food product, like powdered lemonade; the process and final outcome is documented within the thesis paper.

The highest certification available within food science degree programs is a doctorate. This advanced degree certification requires each student to contribute to the food science industry by inventing a new or modified way of using, treating, or creating food items. An example of a successful contribution for a doctoral degree would be creating a new flavor of ice cream.

Undergraduate degrees are taught through online classes and traditional classroom sites at a local community college or university. Online classes may require the student to attend hybrid classes; these mixed classes combine both physical classroom attendance and online participation. As a result, professors can observe the students' hands-on experience within the classroom and advise them on any improvements that may be necessary. Higher degrees are not commonly offered online.

The bachelor's degree gives an overview of the entire food science industry; students who work toward higher degrees can pursue some areas of study in greater depth. Some students may analyze and improve food packaging, like designing packages for cheeses with a tighter vacuum seal. Food safety during production is another important concentration that can be pursued at the graduate level. In addition, food product development is another niche that can always use a graduate with a creative mind to come up with new and exciting tastes and smells.