The food we eat fuels our lives. If you’re passionate about the inner workings of the food industry and about overcoming the environmental and economic challenges related to world hunger, consider receiving your degree in food science.

Such a degree can help you pursue a variety of dynamic career options. Here are some of the roles you can have with a food science degree:

Research and development engineer 
Research and development engineers work for food manufacturers, agricultural companies, scientific firms and labs to drive innovation in the food industry. They may research new ways that foods can be packaged or distributed, have a better nutritional profile or stay fresh on supermarket shelves longer. This role requires an analytical mind, scientific aptitude and problem-solving skills.

Quality assurance manager 
The foods you purchase go through quality assurance protocols, which quality assurance managers are responsible for conducting. These professionals test the food products manufactured or distributed by a company, ensuring they meet stringent standards for safety. Some QA managers may also evaluate products for adherence to Food & Drug Administration regulations. QA managers must possess a great attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

Nutritionist 
Nutritionists have an expert understanding in the way the body processes and utilizes food. They work closely with individuals or organizations such as schools or sports teams to help people develop healthy diets and lifestyles and optimize the fuel they receive from food. Nutritionists need to have strong communication skills to effectively share their recommendations with clients and help them develop new eating habits that last.

Supply chain supervisor 
Every day, millions of food products are transported from the farms where they’re grown to supermarket shelves. Sometimes this journey involves many miles or even international travel. Supply chain supervisors work within the food science industry to create more effective, sustainable processes for getting food to people. They may investigate ways to keep produce fresh during transport, or secure lower food prices from manufacturers. This role is especially topical because of the growing conversation around choosing organic, locally made foods instead of having food brought in from many miles away. As for required skills, supply chain supervisors should be able to keep track of many moving parts in a large system and delegate work effectively.

Food science is a growing field that needs new talent to overcome modern challenges. If you’re up to the task, consider starting your career by receiving your degree in food science.