Prospective Students
At the Department of Food Science at Purdue, we are committed to impacting the world food system and quality of life by educating and training undergraduate and graduate students for careers in industry, government and academia. Our department offers two undergraduate majors- Food Science and Fermentation Science, as well as Master's and Ph.D. programs. See why Purdue Food Science may 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
Transforming Lives Through the Science of Food
I attended a small high school with a graduating class of 30 where everyone knew everyone. When I came to a large school like Purdue, I worried I wouldn't have the same connections with my classmates, staff, and professors. But Purdue Food Science has become my home away from home. I love being able to walk into Nelson and know everyone that I see in the hallways and in my classes.
Taylor Main
Class of 2024
Taylor Main Class of 2024
As long as I can remember, I have been in the kitchen with my mom or with my dad outside grilling, and in high school, I found a passion for chemistry. Food Science combines two of my passions and allows me to make a career out of it.
Ryan Stachler
Class of 2024
Ryan Stachler Class of 2024
The small, tight-knit community within Purdue Food Science is unmatched. From friends to classmates to professors, each one has made every day at Purdue special and memorable.
Malerie Kleiman
Class of 2024
Malerie Kleiman Class of 2024
Learn more about our Programs
Majors within the Food Science Department
Plan your future at Purdue!
The cost of attendance varies depending on factors including where a student chooses to live, travel expenses, food costs, enrollment in a specific program, etc. For current information about estimated cost of tuition, please visit the Purdue Bursar's Office website.
Over 50% of students in the Department of Food Science receive scholarships from the University, College and/or Department. Approximately 40% of students in the Department receive scholarships specifically for students in the Department of Food Science.Check out the scholarships available through the university. There are also opportunities for work both in the department and around the university, which can help cover the cost of your degree.
The impact of Purdue Agriculture reaches all over the globe. Our graduates are being placed in Indiana, nationally and internationally. Since our department's inception, our graduates have consistently reported 100% job placement within 6 months of graduation. Check out the Purdue AG May Employment Summary to learn more about where our graduates landed!
The average starting salary for students who earn a bachelor's degree from Purdue Food Science program is ~$62,000. Geographic location of jobs does make a difference in salary offers.
There are several online resources that can be helpful to research salary information such as:
- Salary Expert (includes global cost of living comparisons)
- MoneyGeek's Cost of Living Calculator
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Food Science falls in the Life, Physical and Social Science category
Students within the Food Science Department can major in either Food Science or Fermentation Science.
100% of Purdue Food Science students land a job or graduate school placement within 6 months of graduation.
Purdue Food Science has a network of industry partners to connect students with hands-on experiences, internships, and full-time positions.
Students within the Food Science Department can major in either Food Science or Fermentation Science.
100% of Purdue Food Science students land a job or graduate school placement within 6 months of graduation.
Purdue Food Science has a network of industry partners to connect students with hands-on experiences, internships, and full-time positions.
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.
Visit Purdue