They are employed by manufacturers and distributors of food products; by chemical, packaging, and other industries that supply goods and services; by colleges and universities in teaching and research; and by government agencies concerned with food regulations and the health and well-being of the general public.

Food science is the application of chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, and engineering to the manufacture of safe, nutritious, and tasty food. The major has a strong basis in the sciences, especially chemistry, and applies that knowledge to solving practical problems in food processing. The hands-on major has students working in labs and small-scale processing facilities to put their learning into action.