Cornell University Department of Food Science?

Hi! I'm a junior and seriously considering pursuing Food Science as my major. Cornell has caught my attention because of its department of Food Science. Can anyone give me more information about their Food Science program? What are the courses like and how are the research opportunities?

Cornell University's Department of Food Science is highly regarded and offers comprehensive courses and research opportunities for undergraduate students. The program's curriculum allows students to focus on one of three possible concentrations: Science, Business, or Safety

Coursework in the Food Science major includes a solid foundation in the basic sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics) as well as a variety of specialized Food Science courses, which will vary slightly depending on your chosen concentration. Some examples of courses you may take are Food Chemistry, Microbiology of Fermented Foods, Food Engineering, Sensory Evaluation of Food, and more. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to choose electives that align with your specific interests within the Food Science field.

Research is highly emphasized at Cornell, and there are numerous opportunities for undergraduates to get involved. Students can participate in faculty-led research projects related to their area of concentration, where they work in state-of-the-art laboratories and gain hands-on experience in their areas of interest. Getting involved in research not only helps students to delve deeper into Food Science topics but also fosters strong connections with faculty members that can be valuable for career advice and potentially letters of recommendation down the line.

One of the advantages of Cornell's Food Science program is its strong industry connections. Students can make the most of the university's ties to global food companies and even intern or co-op during their undergraduate studies to gain real-world experience. Ultimately, these connections help students secure strong job placements upon graduation - 97% of graduates secure either a full-time job in the industry or a position in graduate school within 6 months of graduating from Cornell.

Moreover, the Cornell Institute of Food Systems Industry Partnership Program (CIFS-IPP) provides students with opportunities to network with professionals in the Food Science industry and attend various events, seminars, and workshops. Getting involved in such extracurricular activities related to Food Science can enhance your academic experience, by allowing you to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the field and establish connections for after graduation.

Overall, Cornell's Food Science program is well-rounded and provides an excellent foundation in the discipline while also offering ample research and networking opportunities. The program's strong focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills can equip you with the necessary expertise to pursue a successful career in the Food Science industry.

If you end up applying to Cornell and are looking for tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays, including for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, where the Food Science department is housed: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-cornell-university-essays. After all, Cornell is a highly selective institution, and the essays are often just the thing that distinguishes one talented applicant from another.

Best of luck with your future Food Science pursuits!