Food Science in South Carolina
South Carolina's Food Science pathway develops professionals for food production and food safety. The state's food manufacturing industry and agriculture sector create opportunities.
Students study food chemistry, microbiology, processing techniques, safety standards, and quality control. They conduct experiments and work with food production systems.
Graduates work as food scientists, food safety specialists, quality control technicians, or food production managers. Employment opportunities exist with food manufacturers, processing facilities, government agencies, and research institutions throughout South Carolina.
Food Science at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina food science standards cover food chemistry, microbiology, processing, food safety (HACCP), and quality systems. Standards include FDA and USDA requirements.
Students complete food science experiments, safety assessments, and production projects. State standards emphasize food safety and regulatory compliance.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Food Science 1 |
| Food Science 2 |
| Advanced Food Science |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- ✓TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test)
- ✓Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - Inventor
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - AutoCAD
- ✓Unity Certified User - Programmer
- ✓CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist - Excel
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Quality Control Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $36,400 - $55,790
Adjusted for cost of living: $39,064
Food Safety Specialist
ExperiencedSalary range: $39,990 - $60,440
Adjusted for cost of living: $52,586
Food Scientist
ExperiencedSalary range: $46,870 - $83,920
Adjusted for cost of living: $76,443
Production Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $96,810 - $154,620
Adjusted for cost of living: $134,675
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern with food manufacturers, processing facilities, and food safety organizations throughout South Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Agricultural Education
South Carolina's Agricultural Education pathway prepares students for diverse careers in the agricultural industry, from production agriculture and agribusiness to agricultural science and natural resource management. As one of the state's foundational economic sectors, agriculture provides career opportunities throughout South Carolina's rural and suburban communities. This comprehensive program integrates classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects, and FFA leadership development. The pathway covers core agricultural concepts including animal science, plant science, agricultural mechanics, agribusiness management, natural resources, and agricultural biotechnology. Students develop both technical agricultural skills and essential business competencies including financial literacy, marketing, and entrepreneurship. South Carolina's Agricultural Education programs maintain strong connections to the state's agricultural industry, providing students with authentic learning experiences on working farms, agribusinesses, and natural resource sites. With agriculture contributing significantly to South Carolina's economy and the industry facing workforce needs across multiple sectors, this pathway provides critical career preparation. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment in agricultural careers, continuation to agricultural college programs, or operation of their own agricultural enterprises.
AgricultureCulinary Arts and Hospitality
South Carolina's Culinary Arts and Hospitality pathway prepares students for careers in the state's vibrant tourism and hospitality industry. This comprehensive program covers culinary techniques, restaurant operations, food safety, hospitality management, and customer service excellence. With South Carolina's coastal tourism destinations, historic cities like Charleston and Greenville, and growing culinary scene, the hospitality industry provides substantial employment opportunities. The pathway emphasizes both classical culinary fundamentals and contemporary food service trends including farm-to-table concepts, dietary accommodations, and sustainable food practices. Students gain hands-on experience in professional-grade culinary laboratories and often operate student-run restaurants or catering services that provide authentic hospitality experiences. The curriculum integrates business management, nutrition science, and professional communication skills essential for hospitality careers. South Carolina's Culinary Arts programs maintain partnerships with restaurants, hotels, resorts, and catering companies throughout the state, providing students with industry mentorship and employment pathways. Graduates are prepared for entry-level culinary positions, management training programs, or continuation to culinary arts or hospitality management degree programs.
Hospitality, Events, & TourismReady to Build Food Science Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Food Science in South Carolina.