A degree in nutrition and food science provides a student with an education in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, nutrition, food, microbiology and physiology. Students may also complete coursework in food management, business, statistics and psychology courses. Careers are available in food and nutrition that require a bachelor’s degree or less, while careers in research require a graduate degree.
Family scientists have a goal of improving and strengthening the family structure. This is done through training and educating families in an array of topics like nutrition, health, money management, communication and child development. In addition to careers in education, skills acquired in family science programs are also transferable to positions in social service, government, child and senior care.
Careers that combine science and history allow you to acquire scientific knowledge and investigate the past. Whether you're planning your career path or considering a career change, there are jobs involving science and history that you can pursue. The careers vary in titles, duties and educational requirements. For example, archivists working at natural-history museums maintain and oversee artifacts related to science.
Organic agriculture is a growing field in which careers are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that organic food is a growth industry. If you are interested in a career in organic agriculture, you have a few options. The options are as varied as needing no prior schooling (for organic farm laborers) or needing a degree (for a soil scientist). There are many colleges and universities offering degrees in agricultural science.
Food science is more than the art of cooking. It includes understanding the nutritional value of foods, food safety and quality and even reaches beyond the kitchen or lab to new ways of growing crops and producing better food. World-class chefs hold degrees in food science, but it is also common to find people with similar degrees in the forest or in the garden.
Food science careers combine education in science and engineering to improve the color, flavor, nutritional value, texture and cost of food. Students in food science majors specialize in science or technology aspects of food science. Food scientists may work in product development, food research, food processing, production, regulation or private industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2009, the median annual salary for food scientists and technologists was $59,630.
Jobs in science labs range from assistants who help clean and maintain facilities to geneticists who participate in cutting-edge research. A technician's work can include testing samples of fluids and cells, analyzing data and counting cells. A wide range of advanced technology is used in science labs, so workers must have not only a science background, but they must also be trained in using laboratory equipment, as well.
Food scientists are vital in making sure the food supply for the United States maintains levels of safety and quality. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, food scientists improve the overall selection, processing and distribution of food to the nation's population. Many food science careers occur within the federal government or food industry and apply the science-based education to increase the quality of food.
Food science combines the chemical, biological and physical knowledge of food and it effects on the human body. Food science and management employment opportunities are typically found in food manufacturing companies, academic settings and government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture.