Food Science

Learn the science behind nutrition and food quality to keep our food supply safe and help everyone have the ability to access quality, healthy foods.

From preventing E. coli outbreaks to ensuring the vitamin A listed on a container of oatmeal is accurate, Food Science looks at food analytically, scientifically breaking down its components to their nutritional value and seeing how those values effect human physiology and anatomy. Food science is about food accessibility, food quality, and food equity. It’s ensuring we all have fresh, affordable, and nutritional food to put on the table. This is a growing field that’s rich with opportunity.

Our Food Science emphasis area allows you to complete two years of study at WNCC before continuing your studies for a bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Award Types

Associate of Science in Food Science (Pre)

About the Program

Program Objectives

Students who plan to transfer to UNL, or another four-year college or university, should consult with their faculty advisor and transfer advisor early in their WNCC career to determine a curriculum best suited to their transfer goals.

Curriculum

Career Opportunities

The Pre-Food Science program at WNCC is designed for transfer to a four-year institution, allowing you to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Food Science. Once you have your four-year degree, you will be prepared to enter the workforce as a Food Scientist, Quality Assurance Technician, FDA/USDA Research Scientist, Food Engineer, Food Toxicologist, Market Researcher, Food Inspector, Technical Brewer, or a myriad of other careers relevant to food research, manufacturing and safety.

These well-paying careers are in high demand since food safety and quality control will always be needed. Most positions work in either a lab or in front of a computer researching and reviewing data. Yet, this is a very large field with many careers requiring you to travel or work in different locations, such as marketing, sales, and manufacturing positions. This is a creative and important link within the processing of food from seed to our tables. You’ll need to be willing to invent and problem-solve, while remaining detail-oriented. In the end, you’ll have a fruitful career you’ll be grateful for when you sit down for dinner.

For more information on any of these career options, contact Career Pathways & Advising at pathways@wncc.edu .

Program Contact Information