On this page:
- Am I allowed to choose elective courses from other departments?
- Can I declare a minor?
- How is the job market?
- What is the salary range for an entry level position?
- Will I need a higher degree after a bachelor's degree?
- What if I am a transfer student?
- Can I study abroad?
- What is field experience?
- Can I take credits toward a graduate degree?
- Who should I contact if I'm interested in the food industry or about the Food Systems and Technology major?
Am I allowed to choose elective courses from other departments?
Yes. The Food Systems and Technology program is one of the few programs that allots 6 credits of free electives within each concentration.
Can I declare a minor?
Yes, in fact it is encouraged.Those concentrating in food science can add CHEM-136 (College Chemistry II) to their curriculum in order to obtain a chemistry minor. Those concentrating in food communications are encouraged to look into the journalism and technical writing minors. Where those in the food systems management and food merchandising and distribution are encouraged to declare a business administration minor. Minors allow a variety in job choices once the student graduates by providing the student with a diverse background. Check the Undergraduate Bulletin for information on minors and requirements.
How is the job market?
The job market in food science, food merchandising and distribution and food systems management always is plentiful. Prospective and current students are encouraged to scan job websites such as www.monster.com and www.nationjob.com to find the jobs listed when searching under keywords such as "food", "food science", "food and beverage", and "food and marketing". Often these job descriptions will enlighten students as to the salary range, qualifications and responsibilities of future positions in the food area.
The food communication field is less lucrative. Many of the jobs are spread out over the United States and may not pertain to food. Jobs in writing, televison, radio and editing may be acquired outside the food field while students search for their "dream job". Often students in the food communication area may start their own businesses as a home economist/consultant, work out of the home by opening a catering business, writing cookbooks, writing journal articles, food styling or food photography.
Students should peruse Stout's Career Services website to find out the statistics on recent graduate placement and salaries.
What is the salary range for an entry level position?
Most positions in food science range from $22,000 to $47,000. The national average salary for food scientists with a bachelor's degree was $47,000 in 2004. Food system managers can expect entry level jobs to pay between $28,000 and $40,000 depending on experience. Food merchandising and distribution handlers as well as the food communication specialists can range from $20,000 to $35,000 depending on experience and living area.
Will I need a higher degree after a bachelor's degree?
The answer to this question depends on the type of position desired after graduation. If you are interested in teaching at the college level or want to obtain a higher position in industry and by-pass some of the years of service required for promotion, a master or doctoral degree is highly recommended. However, students should look into graduate schools and their requirements early into the bachelor program. Some higher degree programs may require courses not listed within the bachelor curriculum. For example many Universities require a full year of general physics, calculus, general chemistry and organic chemistry as well as a semester of analytical chemistry prior to entry into a master's program in food science. Here at Stout, we offer what is called a dual-level enrollment plan allowing undergraduate students to enroll in graduate credits at the undergraduate credit rate. Nine credits of graduate study may be taken at the undergraduate level. Not more than 6 credits in a semester and not more than 3 credits in a summer. Please see the Graduate Bulletin for details on dual-level enrollment.
What if I am a transfer student?
Transfer students should initially work with the admissions office when they consider transfering into the program to determine what courses will transfer and how many courses they will have to take before finishing a baccalaureate degree.
See the Transfer Students web page for more information.
Can I study abroad?
Yes. Stout offers many opportunities for studying abroad. Students should consult the Stout webpage under current students for this information or visit the Office of International Education, 400 Bowman Hall, 715-232-1896.
What is field experience?
A field experience is done beginning in the junior year, usually during the summer, and consists of 320 hours of supervised work in a food-related field that fits within your concentration. For more information, please see co-ops and field experience under current students.
Can I take credits toward a graduate degree?
Yes. Nine credits of undergraduate study may be taken at the graduate level. Not more than 6 credits in a semester and not more than 3 credits in a summer. Please see the Graduate Bulletin for details on dual-level enrollment.
Who should I contact if I'm interested in the food industry or about the Food Systems and Technology major?
Contact the program director at the address, telephone, or e-mail address listed on the home page.
For answers to questions not addressed here, contact the program director at the address, telephone, or e-mail address listed on the home page.