Moira McGrath, OPUS International
FST Soapbox

We Need More Qualified Food Scientists

By Moira McGrath
1 Comment
Moira McGrath, OPUS International

Although the number of U.S. students involved in food science has grown, there will continue to be a growing need for more innovation, and thus more qualified professionals entering this workforce.

I oversee an executive search firm that specializes in placing food scientists in the food industries. In many of our searches, we are asked specifically for individuals who have food science degrees versus other scientific degrees. When we asked the universities how many students were graduating in the 33 universities approved by IFT, we received a variety of answers. So, in 2006 we started our Food Science Student Survey, asking the chairs of each of the departments to provide the answers to three questions: How many students are in the program, how many are seniors, and how many are pursuing a graduate degree. The survey has been completed every other year since 2006.

The good news is that the numbers have doubled. In 2006, there were only 462 seniors in 33 U.S. universities in food science programs. In 2018, there were 931. The departments vary in size, from UC Davis being the largest program with 249 undergraduate students in their program, to the smallest, Tuskegee University with only 15. The total number of undergraduates in 2018 exceeded 3400. This is good news for the food industry, as there has been a shortage of food scientists for many years, especially due to the baby boomers retiring. With stronger food safety regulations, and a constant need to innovate, the food industry needs more qualified food scientists. We appreciate the efforts of the universities to expand their programs.

Food Science Student Survey, OPUS International, IFT
Survey of Food Science Students in IFT-approved U.S.-based Universities (2018). Table courtesy of OPUS International, Inc.

About The Author

Moira McGrath, OPUS International

Comments

  1. Asif Meraj

    Dear McGrath,
    I am a PhD in Food Science and Tech. I have more than 16 years of work experience in dairy and beverage industry. Is there any space for me to work under your guidance.

    Thanks and Regards

    Dr. Asif Meraj

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