10-04-2017, 09:04 PM
Food Technology
Food technology is concerned with the process of getting food from the farm to the supermarket. Food technologists work in food research and development to ensure the quality and safety of food products. Continue reading to learn more about the field of food technology.
Inside Food Technology
Food technology involves all aspects of food science, including production, processing and distribution. Professionals work to improve manufacturing methods through preservation, storage and new product development. They work with food scientists to enhance the nutritional value of foods. Degree programs are available in food science, packaging science and food technology. A bachelor's degree is sufficient to work as a food technologist, but those wanting to work in research may need a master's or doctoral degree.
Does a career in food technology sound interesting to you? If so, Study.com has many resources that can help you decide if it's the right field for you.
Education Information
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has established education standards for approved undergraduate curricula (ift.org). According to the IFT, degree programs should address the chemical, physical and microbiological structure of food, food processing and engineering, applied food science and computer skills. Graduates must have knowledge of agriculture, chemistry, biology, physics, engineering and biotechnology. They should be able to use statistical techniques to analyze data.
Food technology degree programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels of study. The articles below provide more information on your education options in the field.
Food Science Programs
Food Manufacturing Programs
Food Process Engineering Programs
Food Science Graduate Programs
Postgraduate Food Technology Courses
Distance Learning
Distance learning programs in areas related to food technology are available. These programs may have both online and in-person requirements. Learn about your options by studying the following pages.
Online Food Science Programs
Online Food Science Technician Options
Online Health Inspector Classes
Certification
Certification can open the doors to a wide variety of careers because it establishes you as an expert. Some careers require certification. Explore the following articles to learn more about certification options in the field.
Food Safety Certification
Food Safety and Quality Manager Certification
Food Inspector Career and Certification Information
Public Health Inspector Certification
Career Options
Food technology professionals enter careers as food scientists, food technologists, food safety technicians, food product developers, food safety analysts and food systems managers. Food technologists typically work in the food and pharmaceutical industries, but they may also find employment with manufacturing companies, research institutes and the government.
The following careers are a sample of those available with a degree in food technology or a related degree, such as food science. By reading about the academic requirements and the job responsibilities, you can decide which career path is right for you.
Food Technologist
Food and Drug Inspector
Food Scientist
Food Science Technician
Food Manufacturing Specialist
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of food scientists and food technologists was predicted to grow by 11% from 2012-2022 because of an increase in new food products and safety measures (bls.gov). The BLS stated that the median annual salary for food scientists and technologists was $59,630 as of May 2013.
