Whether you’re the type who goes for a classic juicy burger or an experimentalist who tries anything once, we all have a go-to meal. Personally, I enjoy a nice corn on the cob with rich butter, cotija cheese, and a dash of paprika; it makes me salivate at the thought of it. As students prepare for college, jobs, and new adventures, food remains a constant in our lives—so why not make a career of it too? If you’ve ever wondered why we have certain reactions to food, why we like certain foods more than others, or what molecular compounds swirl together to make odd food combinations make sense, you may want to consider one of the following majors that are perfect for foodies.
1. Food Science
If cooking and inventing new recipes is your passion, majoring in Food Science may be the right choice for you. A plethora of schools offer this major, the top-ranked being Cornell University, which offers both undergraduate and master’s programs. Within this field, you’ll develop your knowledge of both chemical and physical aspects of food from beginning to end. Food Science majors take courses related to agriculture, dietetics, and plant taxonomy to complement their concentration. Many students go on to become chefs or farmers and even work in laboratories for research and development.
2. Food Business and Management
If you have a passion for food but lack the tactical skills to whip up a Michelin-star dish, fear not—you can still be involved in the process of food production. With a Food Business or Management major, you’ll learn a little bit about everything that’s involved in the business of good eats. Personally, I find the marketing side to sound pretty cool; you could develop the next McDonald’s campaign or learn why certain colors spark an appetite. In terms of curriculum, this major dabbles in a bit of everything from economics to biology. Considering there will always be a demand for food, pursuing Food Business or Management will always be reliable workwise.
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3. Biotechnology
Biotechnology usually refers to the medical field; however many students who choose this major can focus on Agriculture as a specialty. Biotech majors often use their knowledge to understand food at microscopic levels. This includes understanding how the body processes food and uses that nourishment to power our cells. Many students begin their education with general biological science classes and work their way up to specializing in Animal or Microbial Biotechnology Systems. This major is very diverse, as degree holders can take jobs in everything from food production to drug development.
4. Nutrition
Though it seems like a given for a foodie to pursue Nutrition, it’s the best of both worlds for students who also want to learn about human health. Nutrition majors take multiple science classes and may even complete a pre-professional experience such as shadowing or volunteer work. Once you’ve secured your title of Registered Dietician Nutritionist after passing an exam, you could pursue further education to become a specialist in specific areas. You’ll also have a variety of workplaces to choose from, including hospital settings, schools, athletic offices, and more.
5. Agriculture
Agriculture is an incredible major that is skyrocketing in popularity due to climate change and sustainability. Students in this program learn about the practice of cultivating natural resources as well as the global economy and the impact basic goods have on it. Choosing this major will also make you a more worldly individual, as you must factor in global events and how they impact foods that are imported across the world. As of late, the United Nations urges global governments to take more substantial actions in order to prevent the next food crisis. The world has already seen food shortages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukraine war, and shipping delays across the globe. Bet you didn’t know studying Agriculture could be this exciting!
Related: Majors and Careers for Those Who Want to Help the Earth
There you have it, foodies: five interesting majors that consider your passion for sustenance. Whether you want an active role in creating dishes, producing food, or overseeing the entire process from start to finish, these majors offer a little bit of everything. The best part is that most rely on the study of other fields to keep you sharp and well informed about how everything in the world is connected. For now, I hope you enjoyed a scrumptious snack while mulling all this information over!
Is good food important to your college search too? Check out this list of Colleges and Universities With the Best Food on Campus, according to CX users!
