Cal Poly Food Science and Nutrition

HELP NOURISH THE WORLD

The science behind healthy communities.

Cal Poly’s Food Science and Nutrition program helps students understand the role diet plays in supporting health, wellness and disease prevention. Through an active, hands-on learning environment, you’ll graduate industry-ready with the expertise to help nourish the world.

EXPLORE FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION

Cal Poly's Food Science department conducting research

CAL POLY STUDENT CRAFTED

Turning passion for food and health into impact.

In our campus pilot plant, you’ll gain hands-on experience creating products like chocolate, jam and barbecue sauce. At the Boswell Ag Tech Center, students engage in food research, product development, sensory evaluation, quality assurance, safety, sanitation and even sales and marketing.

CHECK OUT YOUR NEW LEARNING SPACES 

A student within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences working with the chocolate production in the Food Science and Nutrition Department.

Degree Programs and Minors

MAJORS

MINORS

CONCENTRATIONS

Graduate Programs

Preparing Graduates to Make an Impact

The department’s on-campus facilities and labs support hands-on learning and foster industry partnerships that advance safe, sustainable and nutritious foods. Through this experience, graduates gain the skills and confidence to make an impact on day one.

Students in Food Service Operations course prepare items for Taste of the World, a partnership with Cal Poly’s International Center, that provides the campus community with a unique opportunity to savor international flavors.