Food Science and Technology (B.S.)

Delaware Valley University’s Food Science and Technology program prepares you for success in the thriving food industry. What is food science? We are glad you asked. 


What is Food Science?

“Food science looks at the biological, chemical and physical makeup of food. Food Scientists are looking at the science and engineering of food to preserve and produce food that is safe and high quality. One way to look at it is the intersection between biology, chemistry and cooking.”

~Laura Herbst, Chair, Department of Agribusiness and Food Science

Why Study Food Science at DelVal?

  • You can turn your love of science and food into a successful career path in a growing industry.
  • You will prepare for an industry where the median salary in food science jobs in 2026 was $76,000 to $100,000.
  • Over the past eight years, 100% of DelVal Food Science graduates have been employed at graduation.
  • You will have internship and employment at top companies including The Campbells’ Company, Clemens Food Group, Turkey Hill, Ocean Spray, the Food and Drug Administration and many others.
  • You will study a range of topics 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 in classrooms and our dedicated food science laboratories with hands-on experience in your first year. 
  • You will enjoy small classes with close faculty interaction and mentoring.
  • You will join an alumni network of food science professionals who love to network.
100%
real world experience
DelVal Real World Experience
DelVal Student to Faculty Ratio
$30,100
average scholarship and grant amount awarded to freshmen in 2025-26
18
Average class size
two students and a professor are using food science technology with beakers in the food science lab

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. 

Career Paths

Your degree in food science opens many career paths from product development, quality assurance and food safety, flavor development, research and development,  sensory evaluation, technology development, marketing, product management, laboratory analytical testing and more.  

DelVal Food Science Alumni Success

Headshot of Arabella Benducci '23 in the food science lab.
Arabella Benducci ‘22, Flavorist Chemist Apprentice, Flavor Development Corporation
"A flavorist makes all the food flavors and pharmaceutical flavors as well. Flavor is a part of food science because I use a lot of organic chemistry throughout the process of creating a flavor."
A headshot of Tori Brockrath '26 in the food science lab.
Tori Bockrath ‘26, Cheesemaker, Gorgeous Goat Creamery, Stockton, NJ
"I wanted to go to culinary school and my parents wanted me to get a degree first. I thought that with my passion for science and food, DelVal was a really good option for me."
A headshot of Brian Cochetti in a campbell's kitchen setting.
Brian Cochetti ‘22, Research and Development Scientist, The Campbell’s Company
"The R and D scientist career at the Campbell’s Company really includes a mix of understanding business, as well as the hard science of chemistry, the way people digest food from nutrition and biology, as well as the culinary experience of how people enjoy and experience food differently."

DelVal Student Jobs and Internships 

  • Bimbo Bakeries 
  • Blommer's Chocolate 
  • The Campbell's Company
  • Clemons Food Group 
  • Del-Val Food Ingredients 
  • Flavor Development Corporation
  • 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

a student and a chef are making a dish in the food science lab
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Much More Than an Internship Program

The Experience360 Program gives you the opportunity to apply classroom lessons to real-world experiences in the field of food science and technology. In addition to valuable internships, E360 includes career exploration including hiring trends and salaries, opportunities for student research, week-long study abroad, leadership development and community service.

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