Two food science students in a lab

M.S. in Food Safety and Technology

Take your food science career to the next level with an M.S. in Food Safety and Technology from Illinois Tech, where hands-on learning meets real-world industry experience in the heart of Chicago, a global food hub. 

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Program Spotlight

The Master of Science in Food Safety and Technology at Illinois Tech is designed to help you succeed in the dynamic food industry. 

  • Real-World Focus: Gain practical experience through internships, industry projects, and hands-on learning in state-of-the-art facilities.    
  • Industry Connections: Learn from experienced professionals, network with industry leaders, and connect with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through its on-site division at Illinois Tech’s Institute for Food Safety and Health.    
  • Career-Ready Skills: Develop in-demand skills in food processing, quality control, nutrition, safety, and product development, preparing you for diverse career paths in the food sector. 
Two Illinois Tech students work in the lab at the Institute for Food Safety and Technology

Quick Snapshot

#1

in Illinois for Best Salaries of Graduates

—Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2025

12-16

months to complete full-time

FT

Full-time, evening, and online courses offered

Food is prepared for research studies at Illinois Tech’s Institute for Food Safety and Technology kitchen

Course Showcase

Food Product Development Dive deeper into the food product development process—from concept to launch—by prototyping, learning to pitch products, working with vendors, evaluating product quality and safety, conducting consumer tests and trials, and introducing new products into the marketplace. 

Illinois Tech student Allie Marcus works in a lab at the Institute for Food Safety and Health

Create Your Path to a Career in Food Science

“If I was going to quit my job and go back to school, I had to make sure that I liked what I was doing. I thought [the program] was so cool. There were different labs where we made sourdough, were we made sauerkraut, were we made cottage cheese, were we made yogurt. I thought it was really interesting.” 

—Allie Marcus (M.S. Food Safety and Technology 1st Year), who left a career in finance to follow her passion for food in Illinois Tech’s Food Safety and Technology program

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Your Career Paths

Aerial photo of campus looking toward downtown Chicago.

About Illinois Tech

At Illinois Tech, innovation and achievement is a story more than 130 years in the making. At Chicago’s only tech-focused university, you’ll learn to speak the language of innovation. Join the ranks of our graduate alumni who have changed the course of human history, giving us the cell phone, the Pentium chip, Linksys, the telestrator, architectural marvels, and many other innovations that have revolutionized the world.

We offer future-oriented degrees in rapidly growing fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, design, and business analytics. These programs are designed to equip you with advanced skills that enable you to anticipate and drive change. At Illinois Tech, you'll be prepared to thrive at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future and making a significant impact.