Food industry professionals can advance their careers through a new online Master of Food Technology and Leadership degree offered by the Department of Food Science and Technology in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Food science professionals can pursue advanced training in food science and leadership through the Texas A&M Department of Food Science and Technology’s online Master of Food Technology and Leadership program. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
The fully online, non-thesis master’s program serves professionals in food manufacturing, ingredient and processing companies, quality assurance, food safety, regulatory agencies, product development, supply chain and operations, military food systems, entrepreneurial ventures and related industries.
Its flexible, asynchronous format lets students balance coursework with existing personal and professional commitments while addressing the growing demand for leaders who understand both food science and business management.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with practical knowledge in food processing, food safety, food regulations and leadership that they can immediately apply in the workplace, whether they want to deepen their technical expertise, move into management or launch a food business of their own.
The first cohort begins classes this fall, with admissions accepted on a rolling basis.
Applied curriculum prepares future leaders
The 30-credit master’s program pairs advanced food science coursework with leadership and management training, building skills in communication and strategy alongside technical knowledge students need to succeed in today’s food industry.
“The future of food science will be shaped by professionals who are able to integrate innovation and leadership,” said Suresh Pillai, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist, professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology and head of the National Center for Electron Beam Research. “Our online graduate program reflects the department’s commitment to delivering world-class education that is both rigorous and accessible.”
Flexible online degree supports career advancement
Coursework includes food chemistry, food microbiology, food biomanufacturing and cellular agriculture, innovative functional food ingredients, strategic messaging and stakeholder engagement, food law, and management.
“Food companies of all sizes tell me that the people who have a greater opportunity for advancement are the ones who understand both the science and the business side of the operation,” said Shannon Combest, Ph.D., assistant professor and food science specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Lead the future of food
Graduates of the Texas A&M Department of Food Science and Technology enter a rapidly growing field in Texas with a 100% job placement rate. Applications for the online Master of Food Technology and Leadership degree are accepted on a rolling basis.
“This degree gives working professionals a path to build both at once, and that combination is what positions someone to move into greater leadership within their company and across the industry,” said Combest, who is also executive director of the Texas Food Processors Association.
Instead of completing a traditional research thesis, students complete a faculty-supervised capstone project that tackles a real-world industry challenge. Working with industry, regulatory, governmental, nonprofit or university partners, they apply food science, regulatory knowledge, project management and leadership skills to develop evidence-based solutions. Projects may focus on industry problem-solving, product and process innovation, or leadership and systems improvement.
Graduates will be prepared for leadership and technical positions in food manufacturing, food safety, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, product innovation, operations management and related fields. For more information about the Master of Food Technology and Leadership program, admission requirements or the application process, visit the program’s website or contact [email protected] or 979-321-5384.
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