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.
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
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.
DelVal Food Science Alumni Success
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
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.
Food Science and Technology students volunteer at the Philadelphia Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Supplier Expo for professional development.
The Food Industry Club is a student chapter of the Institute of Food Technologists.
Office Location: Mandell 109
POV of Food Science and Technology Students