Culinology
Top 5 Reasons to Study
Core
Skills
- Solve scientific problems by analyzing and interpreting data to support food and agricultural decision making.
- Apply food safety principles and regulatory standards to ensure product quality and compliance.
- Design and develop food products using scientific and technological approaches.
- Understand and evaluate global food systems, including production, processing, and distribution.
- Integrate scientific knowledge and industry practices to address real-world challenges in food and agriculture.
Sample
Jobs
- Food Technologist / Food Scientist
- Food Safety and Quality Specialist
- Product Developer
- Executive Chef / Corporate or Innovation Chef
- Chef Instructor
Successful Career Outcomes
Top
Employment
Industries
- R&D Chef
- Food Technologist
- Food Product Development Manager
- Culinary Innovation Manager
- Technical Accounts Manager
Brag
Points
- Learn in our commercial facilities, including the Ammerman-Hearnsbeger Pilot Food Processing Lab.
- Learn from our farm to table dairy operations which includes the MAFES Bearden Dairy Research Center, the Custer Dairy Processing Plant, and the MAFES Sales Store.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Your path to thriving in the food industry begins at Mississippi State University with a degree in culinology. This program combines culinary creativity with food science, preparing you to design, test, and improve food products in research kitchens, product development labs, and food manufacturing settings. You’ll learn from expert faculty who guide you through real-world applications of food science, agribusiness, food processing, and sustainable practices—giving you the skills to help deliver safe, healthy foods to consumers. As a culinology major, you’ll gain practical experience through internships tailored to your career goals and opportunities to apply what you learn beyond the classroom. You can expand your experience through study abroad programs, student organizations, major-related student employment, undergraduate research, and community service projects—building a professional portfolio before you graduate.
Spotlight
Our joint culinology degree blends the Mississippi University for Women's Culinary Arts Institute with MSU's food science, nutrition and health promotion, creating a unique opportunity for students.
Culinology
2025-2026 Major Map
Bachelor of Science in Culinology
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Hands-On Learning
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Alumni
Success
As a culinology major, working in the Muscle Foods and Sensory Lab deepened my food science knowledge. This department truly feels like home.
Shalyndria Dortch, alumna
Student
Testimonial
I chose Culinology because of my love of both food and science. I have always loved cooking and learning about the science behind it. I aspire to go into food research and food product development. This program has given me so much knowledge, love, and opportunities in my field. I have met some of the best people that I call my dearest friends, and I would recommend Culinology to anyone and everyone who loves food and science.
Luke Perez