Program Overview
Credits: 126
The Food Industry Management program prepares students to become leaders in one of the world’s most dynamic and essential industries. This comprehensive undergraduate degree combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on experiential learning, providing students with the technical expertise, business acumen, and global perspective necessary to excel in food production, marketing, distribution, safety, and innovation.
In addition to courses in all functional business areas, this interdisciplinary major also includes courses from across the entire University. The curriculum emphasizes practical application through experiential learning opportunities and offers specialized elective tracks in Manufacturing and Hospitality to align with career interests.
Students learn about all facets of the food industry in small, interactive classes. Open-door policies are the norm for NU faculty, so students have quick and easy access to these industry experts to ask questions and solve problems.
Experiential Learning
The interdisciplinary nature of this major provides students many experiential learning opportunities such as visits to local food manufacturers, and use of the fully equipped, commercial-style, Statler Teaching Kitchen.
Research Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to participate in the case competition held at the National
Grocer’s Association Show, where students get hands-on experience, solving a grocery
industry problem preparing a presentation and presenting it to a group of grocery executives.
Personalized Instruction
Our faculty have industry and scholarship experience to teach, guide, and mentor you throughout student coursework with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Food Industry Management
by the numbers
Discovery Awaits
What you'll study at Niagara University
This comprehensive program combines business fundamentals with specialized food industry expertise, creating graduates who understand both the operational complexities and market dynamics of food systems.
Students develop core competencies in data analytics, management principles, marketing, accounting, and operations while exploring food-specific areas including food chemistry, supply chain management, food service and retail segments. A nutrition course ensures graduates understand the health implications and nutritional value of food products. Sustainability is integrated throughout the program, preparing students to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices in food production and distribution.
Students pursuing the FIM major can pursue one of two specialty areas. The Manufacturing Track focuses on procurement, operations management and inventory control, preparing graduates for roles in food production, logistics, and supply chain optimization. The Hospitality Track emphasizes food service operations, cost control, menu development, and facility design, ideal for restaurant management, catering, and food service leadership positions.
Key program features include hands-on food preparation principles, omni-channel marketing strategies, global food industry analysis, and category management. Students gain expertise in digital marketing, business analytics, and operations systems while developing leadership and teamwork skills essential for management roles.
Graduates are positioned for careers as supply chain coordinators, product managers, quality assurance specialists, food service executives and food industry entrepreneurs. The program’s blend of ethical Vincentian values, practical business skills, and industry-specific knowledge creates well-rounded professionals ready to address contemporary challenges in food access, sustainability, evolving consumer trends, and global food supply chain systems.
Experiential Learning with Vincentian Values
Our hands-on approach combines practical culinary operations, management systems, and real-world business applications with Vincentian social justice principles. This unique integration develops not only technical competencies but also ethical leadership skills, preparing graduates to create positive social impact in the food industry.
What sets us apart
Knowledge, Experience, and Skill Development
Dual Track Specialization
Our program offers focused Manufacturing and Hospitality tracks, allowing students to specialize in either food production/supply chain management or food service operations. This targeted approach ensures graduates have deep expertise aligned with their career goals, whether managing food manufacturing facilities or leading hospitality enterprises.
Integrated Nutrition and Sustainability Focus
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of both nutritional science and environmental sustainability, preparing them to address two of the food industry’s most critical challenges. This combination of health awareness and environmental responsibility sets our graduates apart in an industry increasingly focused on wellness and sustainable practices.
Comprehensive Supply Chain Expertise
The program emphasizes end-to-end food systems understanding, from procurement and inventory management to transportation and omni-channel marketing. Students learn category management, value chain marketing, and global food industry dynamics, providing a 360-degree view of food system operations.
Prepare to Soar
Academic, Experiential, and Career Pathways
Opportunities
- International Study Trips
- Finance Club
- NUMA
- Industry Mentorships
- Internships
Careers
- Retail Buyers
- Distribution Center Management
- Product Development
- Technology Integration
- Regulatory Affairs
- Compliance Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Plant Management
- Import/Export Specialist
- Research and Development
- Sustainability Coordination
- Food Quality Testing
Ready to Apply?
Filling out an application is easy!
NU offers rolling admissions, which means that you can apply at any time for the upcoming semester. Applications are reviewed as they come in, and students are typically notified of an admission decision in 3-4 weeks. What’s stopping you?
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Program Coordinator
Dr. Krieg Tidemann
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Enrollment and Operations
Associate Professor of Economics
M: 1:30-3 p.m.
T: 9:30-12:00 p.m.
W: 2-4 p.m.