Choosing a food science major can open up some career opportunities that may be in high demand, but it can be a difficult path to follow. While some colleges do offer bachelor's degree programs in this field, careers for someone with only an undergraduate degree can be limited. Graduate work, culminating in either a master's degree or a doctorate, is often required for many careers in food science, and these programs require many years to complete. One major benefit of pursuing a food science major, however, is that it is a somewhat rare curriculum and people with this type of training can be in high demand.
An advantage of choosing a food science major is the ability to pursue careers in a field that requires this type of education. There are a number of positions, such as jobs in food product development, that require a degree in this subject. Food is always in demand; careers working in the food development and research industry remain popular and available. Pursuing a major in food science makes these types of opportunities become available, especially when paired with a minor focus in a field like business or marketing.
There is also a relatively low number of people who go after a food science major, which makes it a field in which there is less competition than other industries. Food science often requires an understanding of various mathematical and scientific concepts, such as organic chemistry and biology. Not everyone is able to complete a major in food science due to the difficulty of many of the courses involved in it. This can also be a disadvantage, however, since these classes are hard to pass and many students may find that the focus on math makes another career path more attractive.
Another drawback to pursuing a food science major is the fact that undergraduate programs are somewhat rare and may not be sufficient for the industry. It can be difficult for a student to find a college that offers a bachelor's degree program in this field. Many careers in food science require a higher level degree, such as a doctorate, especially for people interested in working in research or as a food chemist. This means that seven or more years of education in a food science major may be required before someone can begin working. Such an investment of time and finances can be difficult for some students, and so other careers and educational paths may be more realistic for them.