WHERE FOOD MEETS DISCOVERY

The Food Biosciences (FSC) program prepares students for careers in all aspects of the food, beverage, and allied industries.

Food bioscientists play a vital role in ensuring global food and beverage supplies are safe, marketable, and accessible. From the classroom to the laboratory, you will integrate science and business principles to develop real-world solutions for transforming biological materials into products for human consumption. Our hands-on program will prepare you for high-demand jobs across the world’s ever-expanding food and beverage industry.

You can choose from three focus areas: Distillation, Fermentation and Beverage Sciences; Food Business Management; or Research and Development. The Distillation, Fermentation and Beverage Sciences area focuses on the skills needed in the development and production of beverage alcohol and fermented foods. The Food Business Management area concentrates on the management, entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance of food and beverage businesses. The Research and Development option is ideal for students interested in pursuing advanced science degrees.

Careers

The Food Biosciences degree will prepare you for careers in the food, beverage, and allied industries across business, trade associations, academia, and government, such as:

  • Brewing scientist
  • Entrepreneur
  • Flavorist
  • Food microbiologist
  • Food safety auditor
  • Marketing and sales specialist
  • Plant manager
  • Quality assurance specialist
  • Research scientist
  • Supply chain analyst

Accelerate Your Career Into Graduate School

For highly motivated students, the opportunity exists to integrate up to 12 credit hours of undergraduate and graduate coursework through the Accelerated Master’s Pathways or AMP program. Students will save time and money by receiving dual credit for select courses taken during their senior year of undergraduate studies. Those interested in pursuing this path to a graduate degree should consult with their academic advisor.

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THE FSC COMMUNITY

Our priority is student success. Comprised of students, faculty, and staff, the FSC community strives to help students reach their full potential. We work closely with students to help them identify the pathway that best fits their professional goals. Our faculty and staff play an active role in mentoring students. Whether in teaching in the classroom, serving as career and professional development mentors, or guiding research projects or internships, we connect with students one on one.

Students viewing pressure
Student adding syrup to donut burger during annual burger contest

GET INVOLVED

Opportunities abound for students in the FSC program. Whether you are interested in undergraduate research, gaining hands-on experience through an internship, or exploring the food and beverage industries while developing your professional networking skills through the Food Science Club, the AEC program is sure to have an opportunity to meet your interests.

Experiential Learning

Hands-on learning is at the heart of what we do in FSC. Our program provides students with opportunities to practice what they learn in the classroom in real-world settings. Our students develop the essential employability skills needed to meet the needs of the food, beverage, and allied industries.

FSC 107 Introduction to Food Biosciences

Students are introduced to the discipline of food biosciences including food supplies, types, nutritional values, processing technologies, and distribution methods.

FSC 306 Introduction to Food Processing

Students learn about commercial food processing and the physio-chemical changes that occur when foods are processed.

FSC 430 Sensory Evaluation of Foods

Students explore sensory evaluation methods based on flavor, odor, color, and texture and learn how sensory evaluation programs are used in the industry.

FSC 536 Capstone in Food Biosciences and Technology

Students complete a semester-long project focused on extending or creating new food products for the marketplace.

Living Learning Program

The Living Learning Program (LLP) supports student success by placing students with similar interests into smaller communities in particular residence halls.

Academic Enrichment

Our college believes in learning by doing. Our students are required to complete at least one type of experiential or hands-on learning opportunity, such as undergraduate research, an internship or an education abroad experience.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous alumni, donors and community partners, we have one of the largest scholarship programs at UK. Only one application is required for our college’s scholarships, but there are hundreds of potential awards.

Student Services

We’re here to help you grow personally, academically and professionally.

Ready to turn your passion into a career?

Explore endless opportunities at the University of Kentucky and take the first step toward your future.

Academic Advisor II
Beka Hott

Academic Coordinator
Kandi Williams

Director of Undergraduate Studies
Melissa Morgan, PhD