High School

You can prepare for a technologist career by taking plenty of high school science courses. Be sure to take biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. To get hands-on experience working with food, take family and consumer science classes. Taking four years of mathematics classes, English classes, computer science classes, and other college-preparatory courses is also important.

Postsecondary Training

Educational requirements for this field are high. Beginners need at least a bachelor's degree in food technology, food science, or food engineering. Some technologists hold degrees in other areas, such as chemistry, biology, engineering, agriculture, or business, and nearly half have advanced degrees. Master's degrees and doctorates are mandatory for college teaching and are usually necessary for management and research positions.

Approximately 65 food science and technology departments or programs at schools in the United States, Canada, and other countries that are accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists. Visit the institute's Web site, https://www.ift.org/community/students/undergraduate-programs, for approved school information. Typical general education courses include physics, biochemistry, mathematics, microbiology, the social sciences and humanities, and business administration. Food technology and science courses might include Principles of Food, Fundamentals of Food, Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Food Analysis, Principles of Human Nutrition, and Sensory Assessment of Foods. 

Students typically complete at least one internship as part of their training. Most of these schools also offer advanced degrees, usually in specialized areas of food technology. To successfully complete their program, candidates for a master's degree or a doctoral degree must perform extensive research and write a thesis reporting their original findings. Specialists in administrative, managerial, or regulatory areas may earn advanced degrees in business administration or in law rather than in food technology.

Other Education or Training

The Institute of Food Technologists offers online courses, webcasts, and conference seminars on topics such as food health and nutrition, food safety and defense, product development, sustainability, and business operation issues (accounting basics, negotiation skills, project and time management, leadership, industry trends, food blogs, social media, and business ethics). The Biotechnology Innovation Organization and the Research Chefs Association also provide continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

The Institute of Food Technologists offers the certified food scientist credential to applicants who meet educational and experience requirements and pass an examination. The Research Chefs Association offers the certified culinary scientist and certified research chef designations to applicants who meet education, food science experience, and research and development experience criteria and pass an examination. Contact these organizations for more information.

Any experience one can obtain with chemistry and food science, including a college internship, will be useful for aspiring food technologists.

Food technologists should have analytical minds, be good researchers, and enjoy technical work. In addition, they must be able to express themselves clearly and be detail oriented. They also must be able to work well in group situations and participate and contribute to a team effort.