To work as a food scientist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have at least a bachelor's degree in agriculture or food science.

Education after high school

You need a bachelor's degree in agricultural or food science for a job in applied research. In a food science program, you study food chemistry, food analysis, and food processing. A degree in a related science, such as biology or chemistry, also prepares you for jobs in food science.

You need a doctoral degree (PhD) to lead research projects or teach at a college or university. To complete a doctoral degree, you take more courses, do fieldwork, and do your own lab research. The general trend is for food scientists to have a PhD.

All states have land-grant colleges that offer agricultural and food science programs. Many other colleges and universities offer similar programs.

Military training

The military does not provide initial training in this field. However, the military may provide work experience to food scientists who have a master's degree or higher.