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Food Science

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences

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What is Food Science?

This major combines chemistry, biology, and engineering to improve food. You will learn how to improve product safety, quality, and affordability. Food Science will teach you about the psychology of humans and their connection to food. You will also learn about food production and how raw materials become safe food products. Other topics cover problems with harvesting, handling, and storing foods. You will have the opportunity to work in interactive classrooms, labs, and field trips to specialized operations.

Career Options

  • Flavor chemistry
  • Quality assurance
  • Package design
  • Product development
  • Sensory evaluation
  • Technical sales

Post-Graduation Success1

92% employed or continuing education

30% employed after graduation

62% attending graduate school

$76,910 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: PepsiCo (4), Prinova (2), Profile Food Ingredients (2) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Rush University, Cornell University View All

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Strong science and math coursework and performance
  • Experiences related to the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention2

3.9 years to degree

94% first-year retention rate

72% four-year graduation rate

82% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $15,578
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $18,884
  • Total: $39,516

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $35,930
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses:$19,224
  • Total: $60,208

International

  • Tuition: $36,924
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $19,224
  • Total: $61,202
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