Brookings Main Campus
Foods - a way of life.
Safe, high quality and functional foods are vital components of nutritious diets around the world. This major focuses on the science behind the processing of high quality, safe and diverse food products leading to numerous exciting and diverse job opportunities all around the country. Food product development and sensory evaluation are also emphasized. Commercial internships enhance the hands-on experience. Graduates will become leaders in the food processing industry.
Scholarships Awarded Annually
Starting Salaries
Hands on learning opportunities
The Davis Dairy Plant is connected to the Alfred Dairy Science Hall on the SDSU campus, and acts as a student training and education facility. The Davis Dairy Plant employs part time student workers, and students have the chance to engage in food processing research with industry personnel.
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Have a desire to lead and collaborate with others to solve the greatest local and global food market challenges.
- Seek opportunity for innovation and creativity in your work through development of new food products.
- Find the psychology, marketing, and perception of food by consumers fascinating.
- Desire a fulfilling career in applied sciences shaping a healthier, stronger and more sustainable food industry.
Career Opportunities
- Food production manager
- Marketing and communications specialist
- Sensory science specialist
- State or federal inspector/auditor
- Quality assurance/control supervisor or manager
- Research and development specialist
- Food regulation and policy advisor
- Food or flavor chemist or researcher
- Food safety specialist
- Food epidemiologist
Recent Employers
- Sunny Fresh Foods
- Glanbia Foods
- Hormel
- Wells Blue Bunny
- Schreiber Foods
- State Extension services
- Public health agencies
- AMPI
- Lactalis
- The Kraft Heinz Company
Internship Opportunities
- Beef Products Inc.
- Landmark Food Products
- Wells Blue Bunny
- Grain Millers Inc
- Nestle
- Schreiber Foods
- Great Lakes Cheese
Suggested Certificates
Suggested Dual Majors
Suggested Minors
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices.
In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.