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Undergraduate Programs

Food Science and Technology

Bachelor of Science – B.S. |
Undergraduate

Food nutrition course testing food samples

About the Program

Become an innovator in a necessity that all humans rely on – food! Apply chemistry, microbiology, statistics, engineering and processing technology to develop healthy foods that taste good, process better, ship well and last longer. Food science and technology allows you to get creative and be analytical. Food scientists are in high demand with great earning potential. Our undergraduate program is the only program in Southern California approved by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the Research Chefs Association.

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Food Science and Technology

The Polytechnic Approach

Shape the future of food. Learn about the industry and its emerging trends: plant-based foods, sustainable sourcing, and the creation of healthier snacks. Our welcoming, down-to-earth faculty puts a twist on ‘scientist’; they’ll guide you through everything from intercepting harmful agents in food to exploring biotechnical innovations. Students develop and produce products that are sold at the on-campus Farm Store. With real-world projects and a focus on practical skills, you’ll be ready to make an impact in this growing industry.

Courses

The Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Technology offers options in Culinology®, Science and Technology, and General. Our undergraduate programs prepare you for challenging and rewarding careers in the professional fields of Food Science and Technology, with opportunities in the private sector as well as government agencies. Our programs also provide a strong academic background for graduate study and research. The curriculum, facilities and faculty reflect our department’s commitment to a rigorous, current, science-based undergraduate program that provides the types of skills and knowledge you need to meet your professional goals.

Our undergraduate program is the only approved program in Southern California by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the Research Chefs Association (RCA).

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Huntley-College Based Scholarships

Through the support of loyal alumni and donors, the Huntley College is proud to offer several scholarships based on academic interest. While these scholarships vary in the award range, the Huntley College is committed to every student having the opportunity to pursue an exceptional and affordable education at Cal Poly Pomona.

Students in product development class measure food
Y. Olive Li

Featured Faculty

With 25+ years’ experience in research, teaching, and industrial services across the USA, Canada, and China, I have acquired a good overview of the field of Food Science & Engineering, and particularly strong expertise in a specialized area of novel food...
Y. Olive Li Professor, Food Science

Polytechnic Experience

Product Development Class Readies Students for Careers in Food Industry

The students sit in rows, hunched over their desks and focusing intently on what's in front of them. They appear to be gearing up for a test, but this isn't your typical college exam. It's a taste test - or in the vernacular of the food science world, a sensory evaluation. The testing takes place in the kitchen processing labs of Cal Poly Pomona's food product development class. The students tasting and assessing the foods come from across the campus and serve as guest consumers trying out the new products developed in the class.

nutrition tasting workshop