Online Food Science Degree Program Information

Online food science degree programs are available at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Though distance learning programs in this field are rare, food science programs cover the development, packaging, processing, technology and physics of food. Food scientists, also called food technologists, are in increasing demand by food production companies, governmental organizations, research institutions and universities.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Food Science Program Overview

Food science programs are multidisciplinary, integrating the study of agriculture, biology, engineering, nutrition and business. At the bachelor's degree level, food science programs typically focus on either the scientific or business side of the field. Both programs cover the chemistry, processing and engineering of food. Business-focused programs include an additional focus on marketing and distribution.

Program Information and Requirements

Complete Bachelor of Science in Food Science degree programs are four years in length; however, some universities require their online students to complete their general requirements prior to enrolling in the food science program. In this case, the online food science degree can be completed in two years.
Distance learning students must have reliable access to the Internet and a valid e-mail address. Food science coursework may be disseminated through class websites, recorded lectures, chat rooms discussions, e-mail correspondence, informational videos and audiotapes. Some required courses may not be fully available online and must be supplemented with onsite labs or classroom study.

Common Courses in an Online Bachelor's Degree in Food Science Program

Food science bachelor's degree programs require in-depth study of hard sciences such as microbiology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, engineering and agricultural science. In addition to the core program courses, bachelor's degree candidates must complete general education requirements for the school, such as expository writing and humanities electives. Core education courses for most food science program include:

Food Science Fundamentals Course

In this entry-level class, students are introduced to modern food production systems. Coursework explores connections between hard science, food preservation and processing. Students become informed about emerging developments in the food industry and food science research.

Nutrition Course

This distance learning course focuses on the effects of nutrition on personal health and may also include a macro-level look at how agricultural practices affect public health as a whole. Students study various nutrients and their relation to the human metabolism, including how nutrients are absorbed, digested and stored and how this relates to wellness and disease prevention.

Food Processing Course

Students learn about the processes that go into food preservation and packaging and study various chemicals and ingredients that assist with extending a product's shelf life and attractiveness. This online course also covers FDA and USDA laws concerning food safety and sanitation.

Food Chemistry Course

This online class covers the chemical structures of various food products, in order to understand how they react to other chemicals and change over time. Food constituents such as minerals, water, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, colorings and flavorings are examined extensively.

Career Information

Graduates of a food science online bachelor's degree program can work for governmental regulatory departments, such as the USDA or FDA, or for private food companies in manufacturing, quality assurance, processing technology design, research and product development. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest percentage of food scientists work for manufacturing companies, followed by private corporations and educational facilities (www.bls.gov). Demand for food scientists is growing faster than the average for all occupations, and job openings are expected to grow 16% between 2008 and 2018. In May 2008, the median annual wage for food scientists was $59,520, according to the BLS.

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Online Master's Degree in Food Science Program Overview

Master's degree programs in food science are also available online, often targeted towards professional already working in the food industry. Master's degree students are given a substantial degree of flexibility in choosing their course subjects in order to suit individual career goals. Distance learning students typically have the option of choosing to focus their research in different product areas, such as dairy technology, food chemistry, product development, meats, grains or food safety.

Program Information and Requirements

Master's degree programs in food science may require applicants to already be working in the field, others may only require applicants to have a bachelor's degree and have completed specific classes in physics, organic chemistry or biochemistry, botany, zoology and biology.
Online food science programs at the graduate level also require students to have computer access and an e-mail address. These programs also utilize recorded lectures, chat rooms, online videos and other mediums to transmit information. Students may need to appear on-campus for an oral exam at the end of the program.

Common Courses in an Online Master's Degree in Food Science Program

Online courses in food science program cover food safety, nutrition, food engineering and product development. The core course may vary depending on the student's chosen area of focus, as well as if they are taking a report or non-thesis program.

Advanced Food Analysis Course

This online course explores chemical and physical methodology for analyzing food makeup and quality. Students not only learn how to measure caloric content, fat, protein, and carbohydrates, but also color, water holding capacity, oil quality, color and texture. They also learn to determine shelf life and stability.

Food Safety and Risk Analysis Course

Students learn to manage risk by studying toxicants and methods to prevent and control food-borne illness. The distance learning course may touch on human diseases, agricultural integrity, emergency communication, bioterrorism, border security, site security or epidemiology.

Quality Assurance Course

Students learn to navigate the laws and regulations surrounding the food industry and review sanitation issues. Food chemistry and microbiology are put into context for specific food products. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System are also discussed in this online class.

Career Information

Employment options for graduates with advanced degrees in food science are varied. A graduate degree is required for most positions in education, especially at colleges and universities. After a few years of experience, graduates may also be qualified for leadership roles at research institutions or manufacturing facilities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for food scientists working in colleges, universities of professional fields was $54,680 as of May 2009.