Skip to main
College of Health and Human Sciences
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Utility Navigation
Alumni Give Visit

Frequently Asked Questions Fermentation and Food Science

Get to know our Fermentation and Food Science program at Colorado State University.

B.S. in Fermentation and Food Science Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fermentation and Food Science?

  • The Fermentation and Food Science Program is an Applied STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program in which students can declare a concentration in Food Science or Fermentation Science and Technology.
  • Accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).
  • A program developed in collaboration with and supported by the fermentation industry

What are the differences between the Food Science (FS) and Fermentation Science and Technology (FST) concentrations?

  1. Both concentrations are Applied STEM degrees and share many of the same prerequisite courses, such as chemistry, biology, and other foundational sciences, so the first 2 years look very similar for the concentrations. However, FS requires Calculus and Physics, which are elective options for FST.
  2. FST uses beer as a model, so students take several classes learning about the raw materials, production, and quality control related specifically to beer. FS students are not required to take these courses, but they are available as electives.

Is the Fermentation Science and Technology concentration only about beer?

  • No, however, beer is used as a learning model for several reasons:
    • First, there is a high degree of complexity in the production and quality process that applies a variety of scientific and engineering principles to make a final product for sale, and being able to do so safely and reliably. These lessons are transdisciplinary and can be applied to manufacturing any other food, beverage, or consumable good.
    • Secondly, we have been fortunate to partner with companies from the food and beverage industry, and those from the brewing sector were early and very generous supporters. From this support, we are fortunate to have the New Belgium Brewing Fermentation Science and Technology Laboratory that houses the Innovation Hub & Brew Kitchen, powered by Odell Brewing, Emerson, and New Belgium Brewing, and the Anheuser-Busch Foundation Quality Laboratory.As an experiential learning lab, we also have the larger Ramskeller Brewhouse housed in the Lory Student Center.
    • Beer is an ancient beverage with many cultural and historical ties that many find enjoyable and fascinating. For many, it is more fun to learn about supply chains, enzymes, and thermal dynamics in the context of beer!

How important is the Food Science Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) certification?

  • IFT is the premier trade organization in the world of Food Science.
  • With the vision of a world where science and innovation are connected and universally accepted as essential to improving food for everyone, their mission is to connect global food system communities to promote and advance the science of food and its application. Learn more about IFT on their website.
  • As an Applied STEM degree, we believe it is crucial to help students build career and industry-specific networks and job opportunities. We value other trade organizations as well, and encourage students to join and participate in organizations relevant to their interests.

What types of careers are students prepared for with an FFS degree?

  • As an Applied STEM degree, students can do virtually anything they could do with traditional STEM degrees, such as apply to medical or veterinary school, graduate school, or anything in the broad field of the sciences. The value of the Applied STEM degree is that students are directly prepared to enter the food and beverage industry in roles related to supply chain, production, quality control, technical sales, and more. Students can expect to have the ability to obtain roles with salaries upwards of $70-80,000 upon graduation.
  • Many of our students have entered the alcoholic beverage industry at all levels and in a variety of jobs across the nation and internationally, based on their personal interests. Our students are also continuing on to graduate school, working in biotechnology, food production facilities (bread, cheese, yogurt, snack bars, etc.), and a large variety of other careers.
  • A degree in Applied STEM opens up an array of career opportunities in the sciences and beyond.

What if I'm interested in FFS but also another major?

  • No problem! We have many students who either double major or pursue their major in FFS with a minor in another area.
  • We also offer a minor in Fermentation and Food Science, so you can major in any degree while receiving many of the benefits of our major via the FFS minor. The minor is created to be as flexible as possible, where students get to pick the courses from FFS that they are most interested in.

What if I have more questions?

We would be happy to answer your additional questions! Please reach out to: