Food Technology and Processing

<h2 id="section---IsFoodTechnologyAndProcessingForMe">Is Food Technology and Processing for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>The field of food technology and processing applies scientific principles to the production and distribution of food. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Food_Technologist_Your_Salary_and_Career_Questions_Answered.html">Food technologists</a> often develop new ways to better preserve, process, package, store and deliver food items. They may also work to find additional food sources, improve the nutritional profile of foods and ensure that processing methods comply with industry and government regulations. You need to possess a genuine desire to ensure availability of clean, high-quality foods, as well as strong quantitative skills, to do well in this area of work. </p> <p>Food technology and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Jobs_in_the_Food_Processing_Industry_Your_Questions_Answered.html">food processing careers</a> are available in commercial industries, private companies, academic institutions and federal government agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Many jobs in this field are in the quality control and administration areas. As a food quality specialist, for example, you may be responsible for the appearance, taste and nutritional value of the food being processed, while also preventing unwanted toxins from infiltrating the process. Other job titles you may qualify for include <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Food_Technician.html">food technician</a>, quality assurance director and food biologist. Careers in areas like packaging, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Food_Marketing_Bachelors_Degree.html">food marketing</a> and product development are also possible with a degree in this field. </p> <h3 id="section---Employment">Employment</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 11% employment growth is expected for <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Food_Scientist_Job_Duties_Occupational_Outlook_and_Education_Prerequisites.html">food scientists</a> and technologists for the period 2012-2022 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>); this rate is roughly equal to the national average for all occupations during that same decade. The BLS reported that a need to increase the production of food to meet the demands of a growing population, while minimizing adverse environmental impacts, would drive much of this job growth. As of 2012, the median annual salary for food scientists and technologists was $58,070, and the top-earning ten percent earned $106,550 or more, per the BLS. </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInFoodTechnologyAndProcessing">How Can I Work in Food Technology and Processing?</h2> <h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3> <p>Various programs exist in the field of food technology and processing, from certificates and 2-year associate's degree programs to master's and doctoral degree programs. According to the BLS, most jobs in the food processing industry require at least a bachelor's degree. Some schools offer combined associate's and bachelor's degrees, whereby you may transfer credits earned in an associate's degree to partially satisfy requirements of a bachelor's degree program in the field. Master's and doctoral degrees are typically required for research-based careers. Sample graduate degrees that you may pursue include a Master of Science in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Food_Science_Become_a_Food_Scientist_in_5_Steps.html">Food Science</a>, Master of Food Process Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science and Technology. </p> <p>Certificate programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels are in closely related fields of study like <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Can_I_Earn_a_Food_Safety_Certification.html">food safety</a> for careers like food processing specialist. Some schools allow students to apply certificate credits towards completion of a degree program. A closely related degree in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Food_Science_Degree_and_Training_Programs_Answers_To_Your_Questions.html">food science</a> or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Nutritional_Science_Degree_Programs_Frequently_Asked_Questions.html">nutritional science</a> may also help you prepare for a career in the food technology and processing field. </p> <p>Food technology and processing programs often require courses in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Biochemistry_Courses_and_Schools_Frequently_Asked_Questions.html">biochemistry</a>, food microbiology, food processing, food analysis, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Free_Online_Nutrition_Courses_Where_Can_I_Find_Them.html">nutrition</a> and food engineering, as well as <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_Economics_Courses_Your_Questions_Answered.html">economics</a>, statistics, food safety and food law. Some degree programs provide practicum components where you can gain first-hand experience in the food processing industry, such as through summer employment or field trips. Many schools further offer specialties within the field like <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Food_Safety_Certification.html">food safety</a> and food industry management. Most master's and doctoral degree programs require either a thesis (master's) or dissertation (Ph.D.), though non-thesis master's degree programs also exist.</p>