Some food engineers work on developing healthy and tasty new foods, while others work on improving preservation, packaging, or delivery techniques. Engineers may also investigate the contents of foods in order to develop better food additives. A bachelor’s degree in food science or a related field is usually the first step toward becoming a food engineer. Others may pursue master’s or doctoral degrees in the hopes of gaining higher-level positions or having more opportunities for advancement later in their careers. If a person wants to teach at a college or university, he should consider getting an advanced degree in food engineering. Food engineers are frequently employed by food manufacturers, government agencies, and universities.
Obtaining a high school diploma is the first step toward becoming a food engineer. A prospective food engineer might take biology, chemistry, and anatomy classes in high school to prepare for the work he’ll have to do in college. Taking advanced math courses can also help an aspiring food engineer prepare for work at the college level. In order to prepare for college, a person who does not have a high school diploma can earn a General Educational Development (GED) diploma or its equivalent. The majority of colleges and universities will accept such credentials.
A person who wants to become a food engineer usually majors in food science in college. A food engineer might also pursue a degree in a related field like life science or agriculture. Engineering, microbiology, and physics are just a few of the science courses available to students pursuing this degree. He’ll probably take chemistry, food analysis, and food engineering classes as well. Food science majors frequently include coursework in food chemistry, food processing, and statistics.
While food engineering is a scientific field, those interested in pursuing a career in the field may benefit from taking some business courses. Job candidates who understand business operations may be valued by food manufacturing companies. As a result, taking a business course or two could help an aspiring food engineer stand out from the crowd.
Some people apply for food engineering jobs right after graduation, while others choose to invest more time in their education. A person with a master’s degree or a doctorate in philosophy (Ph.D.) in this field may have a better chance of landing a management position, which may pay more. Similarly, if a person wants to conduct research or teach at a college or university, he may need an advanced degree. A master’s degree may be sufficient to begin teaching at the college level, but Ph.D. degrees are usually required for tenured positions.