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Laboratory Food Science Technician

Making sure the food we eat is safe is just one of the tasks of a laboratory food science technician. Depending on the area of the food lab you may work, you have the opportunity to conduct tests on foods, evaluate the results, and establish the nutritional content; you could measure the number of preservatives and other additives to ensure people know what’s going on with the food they eat, or you could work in research and experiment with different food storage methods. You could also work in development where your focus would be on making and improving existing food products. It’s a smorgasbord of opportunities and if you are intrigued by the study of food and food processes then you should consider a career in food science.

The Laboratory Food Science Technician program is an associate degree program that builds upon the lab skills taught in the one year, Laboratory Technical Assistant program with additional computer skills, hands-on microbiology training, quality control standards, food product tests and an in-depth study of the regulations and regulatory agencies governing food production. The program is offered at the Monroe campus and will prepare you for certification in SERVSAFE, Hazard Analysis, Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Six Sigma Green Belt.

Tuition & Potential Earnings

Estimated Tuition Cost

$9,979

Median Wage

$61,700

Based on Lightcast Occupational Employment Statistics

Academic Plan

  • Basic Laboratory Skills
  • Laboratory Safety and Hazardous Materials
  • Introduction to Microsoft Office Suites
  • General, Organic and Biological Chemistry
  • English Composition 1
  • Intermediate Algebra with Applications
  • Essentials of Quality: Quality Data Assessment
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Intermediate Laboratory Skills
  • Quality Concepts in Laboratories
  • Data Management for Laboratory Assistants
  • Microbiology
  • Introduction to Business and Management
  • Essentials of Quality: Quality Management Basics
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Food Microbiology
  • Introduction to the USDA and FDA
  • Excel and Statistics in the Laboratory (to become Excel and Statistics for the Laboratory)
  • Introduction to Molecular Diagnostics
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • ServSafe Certification Preparation
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Food Production Regulations / HACCP, GFSI, FSMA
  • Food Laboratory Occupational Experience
  • Essentials of Quality: Lean Tools
  • Speech
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Basic Nutritional Science or Food and Nutritional Science
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

Flexible Learning Options

Many courses at Blackhawk are offered in one or more of these formats:

  • In-Person
  • Live Online (synchronous)
  • Online Anytime (asynchronous)
  • FlexLab (in-person when it fits your schedule)

For some courses, we offer a MyEdChoice option, allowing you to choose how to attend each class session. You can switch between online and in-person formats from week to week or even day to day, depending on your needs and schedule. More Information

In Person
MyEdChoice
Hybrid
FlexLab

Get Credit For Your Experience!

Have you acquired relevant education or work experience? You might qualify for credits based on your prior learning.

Start Your Journey to Success Today

Get in touch with an advisor to discuss program details, curriculum, credit transfer options, and financial aid opportunities.

Additional Program Information

Graduates of the program will be prepared to work in a variety of industries related to food production and safety of the food supply. This includes but is not limited to breweries, cheese plants, sterile packaging facilities, food product testing labs, food safety testing labs.

Laboratory Food Science Technician

Highlights

Associate Degree

60 Credits

Monroe Campus

210 Fourth Ave., Monroe, WI 53566

Potential Careers

Lab Technician

Food & Beverage Safety Specialist

Food Laboratory Technician

Food Lab Associate

Food Safety Technician

Career Pathways

A Career Pathway is a step-by-step plan designed to lead you to career success and advancement.

University Transfer

Earning a bachelor’s degree has never been more convenient and affordable! We offer a variety of options for students who want to achieve a four-year degree.