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Food and nutrition


What are food and nutrition majors?

Food and nutrition is an applied science focused on the application of biochemical and physiological processes that convert raw agricultural products into food suitable for humans. These programs include guidance on the impact nutrients and food intake has on a person’s health and well-being, and the degree can be applied to any sectors related to the food industry, public health or the media.

How much do food and nutrition majors make?

Food and nutrition graduates typically make between $40,000 and $93,000 per year. The national average of reported salaries for food and nutrition degrees is $60,000. The highest paying major within food and nutrition is Food science with an average salary of $70,000. The lowest paying major within food and nutrition is Foods, nutrition, and wellness studies with an average salary of $59,000.
Food and nutrition majorsAverage salarySalary
Food science$70,000
Foods, nutrition, and wellness studies$59,000
Brewing scienceNo data
Dietetics and clinical nutritionNo data

Popular food and nutrition majors by degrees awarded

On average, around 15,400 students obtain a bachelor's degree or associate degree in all food and nutrition fields each year. In 2021, the most popular major within food and nutrition was foods, nutrition, and wellness studies with 10,254 students obtaining a bachelor's degree and 1,198 students obtaining an associate degree. The least popular major was brewing science with 33 students obtaining a bachelor's degree and 12 students obtaining an associate degree. Overall, food and nutrition is a relatively uncommon area of study.