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Culinology

About the Program

Culinology® is the next evolution of culinary arts. It is the blending of the culinary arts and the science of food. The Culinologist is a trained culinarian, dedicated to producing the finest possible combination of ingredients to achieve palate-pleasing results. The Culinologist is also a researcher who uses scientific methods and knowledge to ensure their creativity can be enjoyed far beyond the confines of their kitchen or laboratory. Our Culinology program is designed to train graduates for success in food product development and provide guidance and balance from a culinary perspective within a scientific setting 

Culinology Students

Activities & Associations

Students majoring in Culinology® will be able to participate in actual product development projects through the capstone course for the major and present at relevant conferences Culinology® students can join student clubs and become a member of the Student Hospitality Opportunities and the Culinology® Club.  

Majors & Minors

Culinary Vs. Culinology® Comparison

Culinary Vs. Culinology Comparison
Traditional Culinary Culinology at SMSU
Years 2 Years 4 Years
Job Opportunities
  • Line Cook
  • Sous Chef
  • Chef
  • Product development scientist
  • Associate food scientist
  • Research & Development chef
  • R&D technologist / technician
  • Quality assurance tech/manager
  • Quality Engineer
Workplace Location
  • Restaurants
  • Food Service Organizations
  • Ingredient companies
    (Cargill, Givaudan, Ingredion, Griffith Foods)
  • Food manufacturers
    (Schwan’s Company, Land O’Lakes, General Mills, Pepsico, Nestle, Coca-Cola)
  • Retailers / distributors
    (Target, 7-Eleven, HyVee, Sodexo, Walmart)
Estimated Entry-level Salary $20-35K/year Benefits not guaranteed $40-60K/year Benefits included
Promotion Opportunities Relatively slow Faster with higher potential to explore more opportunities throughout your career

Internships

Culinology® students need to complete two internships prior to graduation. The first internship is culinary focused, and commences at the end of their second year of studies. The second internship will be in a food product development lab. Internships in culinary arts and also product development are available locally and nationally. Below are places our Culinology students have completed their internship experiences in the recent past.  

Culinary Vs. Culinology Comparison
Position Company State
Analytical Chemistry Intern  AURI  MN 
Quality Assurance  Monogram Meat Snacks MN 
General intern  Kerry Taste and Nutrition WI 
General intern  Dairy Farmers of America MO 
Product Development Intern  Brakebush Brothers  WI 
FSQR Intern  Cargill Meat Solutions WI 
Baker  Hy-Vee Foods Bakery Dept. MN 
Line cook  Sovereign  MN 
Line cook  Brau Brothers WI 
Line cook  3rd Street Bar & Grill   MO 
Prep, Fry, Dessert, Flatbread, Appetizer Chef  The Craftsman American Tavern   WI 

Career Opportunities

  • Research & development Chef
  • Product Development Scientist
  • Corporate Chef
  • Product Formulation Chef
  • Development Manager
  • Culinary Research Director
  • Food Technologist
  • Associate Chef

Culinology Quote - The First, the Original, and the Leader. Bachelor of Science in Culinology

Contact Information

Culinology Program - Office

ST 201, Southwest Minnesota State University
1501 State St.
Marshall, MN 56258

Facilities

The Culinology® program is housed in the Individualized Learning Center (IL)  in Southwest Minnesota State University’s campus. This facility was recently renovated into a state-of-the-art facility, which includes a demonstration & baking kitchen, restaurant kitchen, public dining room, Culinology® laboratory, an Ecolab Skills Kitchen, and a new sensory evaluation lab. Students will also gain hands-on experience by participating in the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) lipids and meat laboratory on the SMSU campus.

FRESHMAN ADMISSION PROCESS

  • Complete Application
  • $20 Non-refundable Application Fee
  • Official High School Transcript(s)
  • ACT or SAT Test Scores

Schedule Your Visit Today!

FRESHMAN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Rank in the upper half of graduating class
  • or
  • Score a composite of 21 or above on the ACT or 990 on the SAT

Last Modified: 12/1/23 2:17 PM | Website Feedback