Food Technology (B.S.)

In DelVal's food technology 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. You will learn through:


 

  • 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 technology classroom with food preparation area
  • food technology 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
DelVal Real World Experience
DelVal Student to Faculty Ratio
$28,000
average scholarship and grant amount awarded to freshmen in 2023-24
14:1
student to faculty ratio
two students and a professor are using food science technology with beakers in the food science lab

Jobs and Internships 

  • Bimbo Bakeries 
  • Blommer's Chocolate 
  • Campbell's 
  • Clemons Food Group 
  • Del-Val Food Ingredients 
  • FreshPet 
  • IFF International Flavors and Fragrances 
  • Ingredion 
  • Just Born Quality Confections
  • Keystone Winery 
  • Molson Coors 
  • Ocean Spray 
  • Owowcow Creamery 
  • Turkey Hill 
  • USDA Eastern Research Center 
  • Warrell Corporation 
  • Wawa 
  • World Flavors 

Salaries in Food Science and Food Technology                                              

Flavorist                                              $141,000 

Produce Developer                              $98,470

Research Chef                                     $97,400

Sensory Evaluation Specialist              $88,886

Food Scientist/Food Technologist        $86,000

Quality Assurance/Quality Control     $77,000

Source: Institute of Food Technologists, Salary Survey 2022

Food Technology at a glance

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

Core Food Technology Courses

  • Introduction to Food Science 
  • Sanitation and Safety
  • Introduction to Nutrition
  • Food Chemistry
  • Food Microbiology
  • Product Development
  • Quality Assurance
  • Food Analysis
  • Food Processing

Recommended Minors

  • 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, Michael SolomonovLee ChizmarRyan Zellner, and Anthony Bonett for an episode of The Chef’s Kitchen College Campus Cooking, which aired on NBC10, and several other networks, reaching over 78 million households. The show provides tips and techniques from the country's most exclusive restaurants and features award-winning chefs, notable bakers, and the world's most-learned sommeliers.

a student and a chef are making a dish in the food science lab
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The Experience360 Program in food technology 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
  • Sensory evaluation
  • Laboratory analytical testing
  • Product management
DelVal students at a food technology conference.
Professional Development

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

A closeup of fresh fruits and vegetables in a basket.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Food Industry Club

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

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

Office Location: Mandell 109

two students and a professor are working in the food science lab
Terrain Cheese Board
Laura Herbst with students
Finished meal
Student's in Chef's Kitchen