Food Science and Technology (B.S.)

In DelVal's food science and 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:


  • food science and technology coursework 
  • 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, McCormick, Ocean Spray, Pepsi, Turkey Hill and more.

100%
real world experience
DelVal Real World Experience
DelVal Student to Faculty Ratio
$27,700
average scholarship and grant amount awarded to freshmen in 2024-25
13:1
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 
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • FreshPet 
  • 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                                       

Career Median Salary
Marketing/ Sales/ Business Development $133,000
Flavors $115,000
Research $110,000
Food Safety $100,003
Product Development $94,600
Sensory and Consumer Science $89,621
Quality Assurance $88,000
Laboratory $74,000

Source: Institute of Food Technologists, Salary Survey 2026

Food Science and Technology at a glance

Food science and 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 Science and 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
Specialization

The nutrition science specialization promotes health, disease management, and quality of life. Courses focus on science, nutrition, the human body, and psychology, with advanced coursework in medical nutrition therapy. 

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 science and 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 and technology 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 and Technology students volunteer at the Philadelphia Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Supplier Expo 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

POV of Food Science and Technology Students

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