Food Science

Associate Degree Program

Foodborne diseases and threats to food safety constitute a growing public health problem. An increase in the market for exotic foods, the rapid growth of farmers' markets, and recent outbreaks of foodborne diseases are just a few of the factors driving the need for trained professionals who can help ensure that our food supply is safe for consumption. The Delaware Tech Food Science program will provide you with a scientific understanding of the food we eat and how it's made, preserved, processed, packaged, and distributed but most importantly how it is kept safe from foodborne illness and disease. As a food science technician, you’ll have the opportunity to use science to solve real-world problems that not only affect the food industry but all of us. If you have an interest in science and are looking for a career with a variety of employment opportunities, consider Delaware Tech's Food Science program.

This program is offered at the Georgetown Campus.

What You Can Do

In this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare you for positions such as:

• Quality Assurance Technician/Supervisor
• Food Inspector
• Food Science Technician
• Production Supervisor
• Food Laboratory Technician
• Nutritional Analyst
• Grocery Store Manager
• Restaurant Manager

What You Will Earn

Competitive starting salaries range from $25,000 - $40,000.

What You Will Learn

Program Graduate Competencies

The Program Graduate Competencies listed below identify the major learning goals related to your specific program of study and identify the knowledge and skills you will have when you graduate to be successful in your chosen field.

1. Apply knowledge of the theories and principles of biology, chemistry, and food microbiology.
2. Analyze food samples by common quantitative and qualitative techniques.
3. Identify emerging technologies and ingredient innovations that have the potential to transform product and process development.
4. Analyze market trends associated with the development of foods to maintain and improve health.
5. Apply knowledge of food processing to improve the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of processing and packaging efforts.
6. Apply knowledge of best practices, risk analysis, traceability, and analytical tools in the areas of microbial and chemical food safety and defense.
7. Apply knowledge of public policy, food laws, and regulations that have national and international implications for the food industry, research, and consumer food safety.

Core Curriculum Competencies

The Core Curriculum Competencies listed below identify what you will be able to do as a graduate, regardless of your program of study. You will acquire these core competencies through general education courses and program-specific coursework. You will be expected to use relevant technology to achieve these outcomes:

1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.