Food Safety Minor The main purpose of the food safety minor is to train students on food safety principles, regulations and practices that are required to keep our food supply safe and protect consumers from potential hazards in foods.
With a minor in Food Safety, graduates will be in a stronger position to apply for government jobs in federal agencies that are actively involved in ensuring the safety of the food supply in the US such as the Food Safety Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as in State and local government agencies. Food Safety is a very important area within the field of Food Science & Technology and for professionals working for the food industry. Graduates having a strong background in Food Safety provided by this minor will also be well positioned to work for governmental agencies that oversee the safety of the food supply. This minor is not available to Nutrition and Food Science and Technology majors.
Food Science and Technology Minor The Food Science and Technology minor was designed to provide students basic principles and concepts that will improve their knowledge and understanding of food from a scientific perspective and of the use of technology to transform raw food materials. The minor provides students an overview of the field of food science and technology, basic aspects of food safety, and current issues about commercially processed foods. In addition, the students will have the opportunity to further explore specific areas in food science and technology through elective course work. The minor will broaden career opportunities for students following closely related majors such as nutrition science, dietetics, animal science, chemistry, biology, and chemical engineering. Science students take most of the pre-requisite courses as part of the curriculum for their major.
Horticulture Minor Specialized area for students who will work in horticultural production, greenhouse management and production, hydroponics, container and ornamental production. Also a specialized area for students who wish to work in public horticulture.
Nutrition Minor The purpose of the minor in Nutrition is to help students understand the role that nutrients play in maintaining good health.
Pest and Disease Management Minor Minor intended to allow students to specialize in management of agricultural pests and diseases. Appropriate for those who wish to obtain state certification as a Licensed Pest Control Advisor, a Certified Crop Advisor or Organic Certifier.
Plant-Based Food and Nutrition Minor The Plant Based Food and Nutrition Minor introduces students to the health benefits of nutritional components present plant based foods, preparation principles and practices, explore the connection of sustainability to the plant based foods and effect of processing on nutritional quality of plant based foods.
Soil Science Minor Minor program in Soil Science. Includes coursework in soil conservation and management, irrigation for erosion control and the fate of materials added to soils, including pesticides and fertilizer materials. Useful for students who wish to work for the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the USDA. 18 units minimum.
Urban and Community Agriculture Minor This minor will provide the basic set of courses for students from any major who wish to have a background in Urban and Community Agriculture. Coursework will involve growing skills, policy and community development and certification programs pertinent to Urban and Community Agriculture.
Water Resources and Irrigation Design Minor Minor program to include coursework on irrigation management, water conservation and control, water quality and water resource policy.