Bachelor of Food Science and Technology at The Ohio State University
The Food Science and Technology at The Ohio State University is a Bachelor program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the Columbus campus in United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of Food Science and Technology
Food Science and Technology
Degree: BS
Campus: Columbus
College: Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Food scientists are “foodies†who use chemistry, biology, engineering and creativity to produce craveable food that is sustainable, safe and nutritious. Our graduates are entrepreneurs who start their own companies, scientists who work for the nation’s largest industry, and academics throughout the world. In the food industry, our graduates perform research, develop innovative new products and market to the world. We use food to promote health while finding sustainable solutions to feed the world’s growing population.
Get started
Admitted students who indicate a major of food science and technology on their applications directly enroll into the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Curriculum
The food science and technology curriculum produces graduates who are well prepared to work in the public or private sector. Students learn the chemistry, microbiology, structure, engineering, safety and nutrition of food as it is processed, packaged, distributed, stored and used.
Examples of core courses:
- Organic chemistry
- Introduction to food processing
- Food chemistry and analysis
- Food microbiology
- Food additives
- Food processing
- Technical problem solving
- Product development
Internship
Each student is required to complete an internship to gain hands-on, practical experience in the food industry. Juniors and seniors work part time or over the summer in industry jobs and earn credit for the learning experience. Students work with the industry coordinator to ensure they find the internship that is right for them.
Research
FoodS.U.R.E. — the Food Science Undergraduate Research Experience — connects undergraduate food science students with faculty advisors for a research project in an area of the student's choosing. The project culminates in a presentation at the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences' spring research forum. Participants typically earn course credit and receive scholarship funding.
Student organizations
The Food Science and Technology Club, Citation Needed and Know Food Waste provide excellent opportunities for food science students to meet peers with common interests and to develop leadership, scientific communication and networking skills. Additonally, the Food Science Honorary Phi Tau Sigma Buckeye Chapter is an opportunity available to undergraduates that have completed many of their core classes. These clubs attract both undergraduate and graduate students; members gather to share employment experiences, connect with faculty and participate in social events.
Learn more at https://fst.osu.edu/future-students.
Possible careers
Food science and technology graduates feed the world. We work in the food industry, in academia and in government positions to produce safe, sustainably-produced, health-promoting food. Graduates are employed all over the world by companies of all sizes, and hold such titles as president, senior vice president for research, vice president for regulatory affairs and product safety, director of research and development, director of food microbiology and safety, product development manager, plant manager, product development scientist, food technologist, quality control supervisor, senior food process engineer, food safety inspector, and professor.
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Food Science, graduates have the option of joining the workforce, pursuing an advanced degree in a food-related area of study, or attending professional school, such as veterinary, medical, dental, pharmacy or optometry school. We place virtually 100 percent of our graduates within six months of graduation.
Salary estimates
The median salary for a food scientist in 2019 was $95,000 (ift.org). Average salary breakdown for specific work settings:
Academia: $101,000
Government: $125,460
Industry: $100,000
Nonprofits: $122,000
Self-employed: $119,000
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Food Science and Technology at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Food Science and Technology at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Food Science and Technology at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus