Student’s Perspective
“Food science has allowed me to make connections, be involved, gain leadership and professional skills, and make lifelong friends while gaining knowledge both inside and outside the classroom. Food science has it all from chemistry and engineering to microbiology and sensory evaluation. Food science is an exciting and emerging field with new and novel technologies that innovate our food supply. Go Cougs!”
Lauren Rooney, CAHNRS Ambassador, AGGIE of the Year – Nominee, Class of 2020. Lauren is an Entomology Research Assistant with the WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, WA.
Employment and Career Possibilities Within This Major
- Food Production (food/beverage processor)
- Food Product Development
- Sensory Analysis
- Government Inspection or Food Safety Officer
- Manufacturer/Supplier (ingredients, packaging or equipment)
- Quality Control/Quality Assurance
- Sales and /or Marketing
- Technical/Laboratory
- Graduate School, post-graduate studies or advanced degrees
Food science graduates are leaders in food processing and production, quality assurance, sales and marketing of foods, food safety, food product development, sensory analysis, as well as the inspection and enforcement of food regulations.
Examples of Required/Preferred Classes for First-Year Students
- FS 110: Intro to Food Science
- Biology 107: Intro Biology: Cell Biology/Genetics
- Chem 105/106: Princ. Of Chem I and II
Required Math
- Math 140 Calculus For Life Scientists or Math 171 Calculus I
Transfer Pathways
Many of our best students attend local community colleges prior to transferring to WSU. Below is a list of suggested WSU courses to take locally and transfer into WSU. You can find your institution’s equivalent courses with our Transfer Course Search Tool or submit a course for evaluation with our Course Evaluation Request.
- BIOLOGY 107: Introductory to Cell Biology and Genetics
- BIOLOGY 140: Introductory to Nutritional Science
- CHEM 105: Principles of Chem I
- CHEM 106: Principles of Chem II
- MATH 106: College Algebra and MATH 108: Trigonometry (Prereq’s to MATH 140: Calculus for Life Scientists or Math 171 Calculus I)
- ECONS 101: Fundamentals of Microeconomics (recommend for Social Science [SSCI])
- ENGLISH 101: Introductory Writing
- Com 102: Public Speaking or H D 205: Communication for Human Relations
- WSU UCORE [DIVR] course
- WSU UCORE [ARTS] course
- WSU UCORE [HUM] course
- STAT 212: Introduction to Statistical Methods
- Physics 101: General Physics
- MBIOS 101: Introductory Microbiology
- MBIOS 303: Introductory Biochemistry or Chem 370: Chemical Biology
Check out our Transfer Student page for more information about the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) Transfer Student Experience!
Food Science Advising Sheet (pdf)
Student Organizations/Clubs Associated with this Major
Information for New students
This is a Bachelor of Science (B.S) Degree in Food Science with an Option in General Science. An internship is recommended in this major, along with any undergraduate research, experiential learning opportunity, working in the WSU Creamery or Wheat Quality Lab or Study Abroad. Students will work with their advisor to locate an appropriate internship. It is managed by the School of Food Science.