Dietitians help clients plan menus.
A degree in nutrition and food science provides a student with an education in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, nutrition, food, microbiology and physiology. Students may also complete coursework in food management, business, statistics and psychology courses. Careers are available in food and nutrition that require a bachelor's degree or less, while careers in research require a graduate degree.
Dietitian
Dietitians and nutritionists counsel clients, prepare menus and supervise the preparation of meals. Dietitians may work in private practice, hospitals, schools, nursing care facilities and health agencies. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in nutrition and food science is necessary for a career as a dietitian. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a dietitian in 2008 was $50,590 annually. The top 10 percent of dietitians earned an annual salary of $73,410 while the lower 10 percent earned $31,460 in 2008.
Food Scientist
Food scientists work in the food industry to improve the processing, preserving, storing and packaging of food. A career in the processing industry requires a bachelor's degree in nutrition and food science, but those working in research must have a graduate degree. The median annual salary for a food scientist in 2008 was $59,520, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest paid 10 percent of food scientists earned an annual salary of $104,520. Scientists in the lower 10 percent earned annual salaries of $33,790 during 2008.
Food Service Manager
Food service managers oversee restaurants and other facilities that prepare meals for guests or clients. The manager performs administrative duties in the facility such as ordering food and supplies. In addition, the food service manager may assist in food preparation. A degree in food management, hospitality or nutrition and food science qualifies the individual to work as a manager. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a food service manager in 2008 was $46,320. The highest paid 10 percent earned an average salary of $76,940 while those in the lowest 10 percent earned $29,450 a year.
Sales
Graduates of a nutrition and food science program may work in food and pharmaceutical sales. While most sales positions do not require a degree, those working in technical or science sales should have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median earnings for sales representatives in the pharmaceutical industry were $74,840 in 2008.
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