Food Science

Explore Endless Possibilities

Food Science is a major offered within the College of Agriculture at Purdue University. Simply stated, food science is the study of food. Food scientists are the people who turn raw agricultural crops like corn, wheat, rice, soybean, potatoes, tomatoes, sugar, cocao, coffee beans, hops, barley, and more into the safe delicious foods and beverages consumers buy at grocery stores and restaurants. Have you ever wondered about the processes involved to get the food on your table? See why Purdue Food Science could be the perfect fit for you!

Contact Us

Department of Food Science
foodsci@purdue.edu
745 Agriculture Mall Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47906
(765) 494-8256

PROGRAMS

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the right fit for you

tcam2246-082-1704.jpgIf you can answer YES to some of these questions, talk to our food science academic advisor, Patrick Tiffany, ptiffan@purdue.edu, about a bachelor's degree in food science and schedule a visit.
  • Do you like food?
  • Do you like science?
  • Do you wonder how food is made?
  • Do you like to create foods and beverages?
  • Do you want to help people have access to safe, nutritious, delicious, affordable food and beverages?
  • Are you interested in biology, chemistry, engineering, technology, food safety, food security, food processing, culinary arts, nutrition, medicine?
  • Are you interested in food law, regulations, policy?
  • Do you like to solve problems?

careers in food science

Food scientists have many career paths including product development, research and development, quality assurance, food safety, food law, food policy, food supply chain, procurement, sales, and more!  Some of our bachelor's degree graduates continue their education and pursue medical school, law school, or business school.  Check out the Institute of Food Technologists Careers in Food Science page for more information about food science jobs, salary, food scientist profiles. You can also contact Purdue Department of Food Science Senior Academic Advisor, Patrick Tiffany, ptiffan@purdue.edu for more information. 

Plan of study

Purdue University's Food Science bachelor of science degree program consists of 120 credit hours that can be completed in 8 semesters on the West Lafayette, Indiana campus. The Purdue University catalog lists the detailed requirements and list of food science courses. 

Bachelor of Science Degree Food Science Major Details and Plan of Study

Scholarship
Scholarships

Purdue Food Science offers scholarships specifically for students pursing a food science bachelor's degree. Every year, our students receive departmental scholarships totaling over $150,000! Check out the Purdue Food Science Scholarship page for details.

Job Outlook
Job Outlook
 As the largest industry in the United States, food processing employs nearly 2 million people and accounts for more than 16% of the country's gross national product. As the industry strives to meet consumers' demands, the job market for trained food scientists grows. 
Salary
Salary for Food Scientists
The average starting salary for Purdue Food Science students with a bachelor's degree is ~$53,000 per year. As food scientists grow in their careers, they can expect to earn over $100,000 per year.
Scholarship
Scholarships

Purdue Food Science offers scholarships specifically for students pursing a food science bachelor's degree. Every year, our students receive departmental scholarships totaling over $150,000! Check out the Purdue Food Science Scholarship page for details.

Job Outlook
Job Outlook

 As the largest industry in the United States, food processing employs nearly 2 million people and accounts for more than 16% of the country's gross national product. As the industry strives to meet consumers' demands, the job market for trained food scientists grows. 

Salary
Salary for Food Scientists

The average starting salary for Purdue Food Science students with a bachelor's degree is ~$53,000 per year. As food scientists grow in their careers, they can expect to earn over $100,000 per year.

TAKE YOUR NEXT GIANT LEAP

Discover Purdue Food Science! Set up a campus visit to see if Purdue Food Science is the right fit for you.

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