Food Science (B.S.)

In DelVal's food science program you will study a range of topics that will prepare you for a career in the food industry. Courses range from nutrition, food chemistry and microbiology to product development, processing, and quality assurance and safety. Courses are specified by the Institute of Food Technologists and are recommended for students interested in graduate studies in food science, research, and applications in the food industry. You will learn through:


Ìý

  • small classes and close faculty interaction
  • field trips and summer employment at area food processors and government laboratories
  • internships, some paid, at area food corporations

You will engage in hands-on learning at DelVal's facilities, including:

  • dedicated food science classroom with food preparation area
  • food science teaching and research lab
  • Life Sciences Building with seven classrooms and four multi-purpose labs

DelVal graduates of this program have been employed at top food corporations including Campbell's, Clemens Food Group, Wawa Bakeries, Godshall's Quality Meats, Del-Val Food Ingredients, Kellog's, McCormack, Ocean Spray, Pepsi, Turkey Hill and more.

100%
real-world experience
student working in a commercial kitchen with fruits and vegetables in the foreground
Four college-aged students walking together under some trees.
$28,000
average scholarship and grant amount awarded to freshmen in 2023-24
14:1
student to faculty ratio
College-aged students in a classroom.
Chemistry professor, Melissa Langston, is teaching two students in the chemistry lab.
Influencer: Dr.Melissa Langston

See what "hands-on" means in Dr. Langston's chemistry labs.

Jobs and InternshipsÌý

  • Bimbo BakeriesÌý
  • Blommer's ChocolateÌý
  • Campbell'sÌý
  • Clemons Food GroupÌý
  • Del-Val Food IngredientsÌý
  • FreshPetÌý
  • IFF International Flavors and FragrancesÌý
  • IngredionÌý
  • Just Born Quality Confections
  • Keystone WineryÌý
  • Molson CoorsÌý
  • Ocean SprayÌý
  • Owowcow CreameryÌý
  • Turkey HillÌý
  • USDA Eastern Research CenterÌý
  • Warrell CorporationÌý
  • WawaÌý
  • World FlavorsÌý

Salaries in Food Science and Food Technology

FlavoristÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý$141,000
Produce DeveloperÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý $98,470
Research ChefÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý$97,400
Sensory Evaluation SpecialistÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý $88,886
Food Scientist/Food Technologist.Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý$86,000
Quality Assurance/Quality ControlÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý$77,000

Source: Institute of Food Technologists, Salary Survey 2022

FOOD SCIENCE AT-A-GLANCE

Food science courses are specified by the Institute of Food Technologists and are recommended for students interested in graduate studies in food science, research, and applications in the food industry.

Core Food Science Courses
  • Introduction to Food Science
  • Sanitation and Safety
  • Introduction to Nutrition
  • Food Chemistry
  • Food Microbiology
  • Product Development
  • Quality Assurance
  • Food Analysis
  • Food Processing
RecommendedÌýMinors
  • Agribusiness
  • Biochemistry
  • Biotechnology
  • Business Administration
  • Communication
  • Food Systems
  • One Health Communication
  • Policy Studies
  • Writing
Chef's Kitchen at DelVal
DelVal Students Practice Their Food Passion with Amazing Chefs on “The Chef’s Kitchen†TV Show

Four students with a passion in the food industry joined renowned Chef’s,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý, andÌýÌýfor an episode ofÌý, which aired on NBC10, and several other networks, reaching over 78 million households.ÌýThe showÌýprovides tips and techniques from the country's most exclusive restaurants and features award-winning chefs, notable bakers, and the world's most-learned sommeliers.

Food Science
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The Experience360 Program in food science gives you the opportunity to apply classroom lessons to real-world activities through internships, career exploration experiences, student research, study abroad, leadership development and more.

Career Paths

With 100 percent of our students having real-world, hands-on experience, graduates with a degree in food science find careers in various areas of the industry such as:

  • Product development
  • Quality assurance and food safety
  • Research and development
  • Sensory evaluation
  • Laboratory analytical testing
  • Product management
Brian Lutz with students
NEW! One Health Communication Minor

The One Health Communication minor provides students with the opportunity to bridge the study of writing and rhetoric with the sciences. Students who complete this minor will enhance their analytical and communication skills related to sciences including the University’s pre-veterinary, pre-health, STEM and science programs. They will gain skills for effectively communicating science topics to non-scientists and the general public.

Food Industry Club
Student Clubs and Organizations
Food Industry Club

The Food Industry Club is a student chapter of the Institute of Food Technologists.

DelVal students at a food technology conference.
Professional Development

Food Science students volunteer at the Philadelphia Flower Show for professional development.

CONTACT
Laura Herbst, Chair, Department of Agribusiness and Food Science Technology, Instructor

Office Location: Mandel 109

 Students in DelVal's food research testing laboratory
Food Science
Female student in lab coat with safety glasses in laboratory
A close-up photo of a leave with aphids on the underside of a leaf
Food Science