Essential Information
Food marketing programs generally aren't available at the undergraduate level, though related programs are offered at many schools. Associate's programs in restaurant and food industry management cover topics ranging from purchasing strategies to menu planning. Bachelor's programs in food industry management often include courses that emphasize accounting, marketing and retailing in the agricultural industry. A high school diploma or its equivalent is generally required for entry into undergraduate degree programs. Master's programs in food marketing are available, and admissions requirements include a relevant bachelor's degree along with qualifying GMAT scores. Food industry experience may be recommended for some programs. Master's programs in food marketing may culminate in a thesis project. Some courses and programs may be available online.
Associate of Applied Science in Restaurant and Food Industry Management
An associate's degree program is designed for individuals interested in restaurant management, catering and other entry-level jobs in the food industry. Students learn how basic business and marketing concepts such as quality control, safety, pricing, inventory, and purchasing relate to the food industry. Most associate's degree programs take two years to complete and require students to take liberal arts and science courses as well as business classes. Students enrolled in restaurant and food industry management associate's degree programs may study the following areas:
- Food and labor cost controls
- Purchasing for hospitality
- Food science principles
- Menu planning
- Dining room service management
Bachelor of Science in Food Industry Management
Students pursuing bachelor's degrees in food industry management study the application of advanced marketing and management concepts in the multifaceted food industry. Graduates should be prepared to work in a broad range of areas in the food industry, such as food and fiber processing, government regulation, farm and ranch management, produce brokerage, product distribution management, supermarket management, and sales. The curriculum tends to examine the business-side of the agriculture industry with topics emphasizing macroeconomics, microeconomics, strategic planning, finance, global marketing strategies, retail management, and food merchandising. This program may also cover the following topics:
- Agribusiness accounting
- Food wholesaling and retailing
- Product marketing
- Computer software in agriculture
- Sales and advertising management
- Agribusiness and food marketing
Master of Science in Food Marketing
A master's program in food marketing is comprised of approximately 45 credit hours and typically takes two years to complete. Students address critical issues and investigate key concepts of the food industry, such as finance, strategy, distribution, global marketing, sales, technology, and leadership. Some master's degree programs require candidates to research and write thesis papers on areas of interest related to food marketing. Students pursuing master's degrees in food marketing may study the following topics:
- Marketing strategies and policy
- Marketing research
- International marketing
- Food supply chain
- Marketing technology
Popular Career Options
The food industry offers employment opportunities with food manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers in sales and marketing, account management, production, and research. Students who earn associate's degrees in food marketing are qualified for entry-level positions in public and private businesses, including restaurants, hotels, country clubs, hospitals and health care facilities, sports stadiums, convention centers, and schools. Individuals holding bachelor's degrees in food marketing may find career opportunities in distribution, plant management, marketing, retailing and wholesaling, sales, purchasing, and human resource management. Graduates of master's programs are prepared for upper management positions in the industry. Positions in the food industry may include the following:
- Assistant food and beverage manager
- Food and beverage director
- Wholesale and retail buyer
- Food broker
- Product marketing specialist
- Director of catering
- Senior food technologist
- Director of product development
Those interested in food marketing can begin their education with an undergraduate degree, gaining experience in food industry management. By continuing your education with a master's degree, students advance their knowledge and skills with key concepts of the food industry to focus more on the marketing aspects of the field.
