Applied Sensory and Consumer Science

Overview

Who Is This Program For?

• Early-stage sensory scientists who want practical skills to advance their career
• Business people who need foundational knowledge to communicate effectively with sensory scientists
• Mid-career professionals seeking the academic background to complement their work experience
• Experienced professionals looking to learn the latest methods, techniques and business applications

What You’ll Learn

Designed for working professionals, this Applied Sensory and Consumer Science program from University of California, Davis combines academic and real-world expertise and explores new techniques, as well as the foundational theory behind current methods of sensory evaluation for both edible and non-edible products. You'll learn:

• Physiological and psychological bases for sensory evaluation and consumer testing
• Methods, theories and approaches used in sensory evaluation and consumer testing
• Tools for managing sensory evaluation resources and activities and their interaction with other business units
• Research techniques and frameworks for understanding consumer behavior

• Applied business skills to advance sensory initiatives and develop successful new products

Career

• $82,004 average salary for sensory scientist (Payscale.com)

• 6% projected job growth for food scientists and technologists from 2019-2029 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

• States with the highest employment level for food scientists and technologists: California, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

• Top paying states for food scientists and technologists: District of Columbia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Vermont (Bureau of Labor Statistics)