Undergraduate Programs

Food Science and Technology - Science and Technology

Bachelor of Science – B.S. |
Undergraduate

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About the Program

Explore food through biochemistry, processing, safety, and packaging. This IFT-approved option blends science and theory, preparing you for careers as a food chemist, microbiologist, or technologist—or for graduate study in science or tech fields.

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Science and Technology

The Polytechnic Experience

Join your passion for science with a love of food. Evaluate food safety processes and their impact on public health, study how packaging affects preservation and shelf life, and explore food processing from ingredient to consumer product. Practice food science through hands-on projects developing innovative food products, preparing you for careers across the food industry.

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Career Outcomes

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Food Scientist/Product Development

Develop new food products from ideation to packaging and improve existing ones, ensuring they meet safety, quality and regulatory standards.

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Food Microbiologist/Quality Assurance/Quality Control

Examine microorganisms in food to prevent contamination, spoilage and ensure food safety throughout production and storage. Work with beneficial microorganisms to create nutritious fermented foods.

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Sensory Analyst

Conduct sensory evaluations to assess the taste, texture and smell of food products.

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Food Chemist

Study the chemical composition of food ingredients and help to create new flacors and ingredients for the industry sustainably.

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Food Processing

Work in the production of food products to create processes that are environmentally and economically more sustainable and efficient. Help reduce the carbon footprint and water use of the food industry.

Courses

Cal Poly Pomona’s Science and Technology option in the Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology is designed for students seeking a rigorous scientific foundation in food science, focusing on theoretical and practical applications. Accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), this program emphasizes scientific principles underlying food chemistry, microbiology, and processing technologies. It includes specialized electives that prepare students for roles as food chemists, microbiologists, or processing technologists, and is also well-suited for those aiming to pursue advanced degrees. This option provides a deep dive into the scientific aspects of food technology, equipping students with the expertise needed for technical and research-oriented careers in the food industry.

The Science and Technology option is approved by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).

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Financial Aid and Scholarships

Huntley 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.

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Professor Xu Yang

Featured Faculty

Yang teaches several food safety and microbiology courses, such as Food Safety and Current Issues, Unit Operations in Food Processing I, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point and Food Microbiology. Besides his academic experience, Yang has also worked for Nestle.
Xu Yang Associate Professor
Faculty & Staff Directory

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