The advantages of being a Food Science major

• The food processing industry is the largest manufacturing industry in the United States. Employing over 14 million people, it accounts for 20% of the gross national product.
• The Department of Food Science at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst is the oldest in the U.S. and is currently ranked the #1 Ph.D. program in the Nation by Academic Analytics.
• Food Science is a unique field that integrates many aspects of science and health. Each student can select from a number of options to reflect his or her personal interests in nutrition, health, food safety, or food technology.
• The Department of Food Science strives for excellence in teaching by having small classes where each student is given personal guidance. Laboratories are included in upper-level classes giving hands-on experience with the latest techniques and food processing technologies. In addition, undergraduate research and internship opportunities are available.
• For the past 10 years, graduating seniors ranked the Department of Food Science among the top departments in Graduating Student Satisfaction. We are proud our graduates ranked us highly in the following areas: faculty accessibility, quality of teaching, academic advising, concern for progress, access to classes, and overall experience in major. Of these graduates, 83% had an industrial internship, and 69% had independent research experience.

Graduates from the B.S. Program at the Department of Food Science has an excellent job placement record with a starting salary range between $45,000-$60,000 or may continue in graduate school to obtain M.S., Ph.D., or professional degree.