Food Science and Technology
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Food science is the study of the physical, biological, and chemical makeup of food; and the concepts underlying food processing. Food technology is the application of food science to the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution, and use of safe food. Food science and Technology contributes to ensuring our food supply is secure, safe, nutritious, flavorful, economical, convenient, and sustainable.
The Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology at Cal State LA provides knowledge and skills in the area of food safety, food preservation technologies, food analysis, quality assurance, and new product development.
Food Microbiology
Food Chemistry
Food Preservation
Students with a B.S. degree in Food Science can work in government agencies, food industry, or research institutions. Industry positions include production manager, quality control manager, technical service leader, sales representative, regulatory affairs manager, new products innovation manager, health inspection, and research and development. The degree also prepares students for graduate study in Food Science and Technology and related fields. According to IFT's 2017 Employment & Salary Survey Report, the median salary for professionals working in the science of food is $92,000. Food science graduates entering the field received a median salary starting at $50,000. 2017 IFT Employment & Salary Survey Findings Cal State LA is a premier public university in the heart of Los Angeles and is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good. It is ranked No. 1 in the nation for upward mobility. A large number of food industries are located in and around Los Angeles, providing plenty of job opportunities for Food Science graduates. All of the graduates from the Food Science program in previous years are currently employed with various food industries and federal and state government agencies. A few of our graduates are employed with companies such as Amazon, Kellogg, Sunkist, Herbalife, and Gold Coast Ingredients. Cal State LA food science program works closely with the Southern California Institute of Food Technologist (IFT) Section (SCIFTS). SCIFTS is the largest regional section of IFT, which provides opportunities for student scholarships (see Student Achievements), travel funds to professional conferences, product development competition, college bowl, industry tour, etc. Its monthly dinner meetings are great opportunities for students to connect with future employers, advisors, and collaborators. The program faculty are experts in Food Microbiology (safety) and Food Chemistry (quality). Other faculty members are industrial professionals and have expertise and first-hand experience in the specific fields they teach such as quality assurance, food laws and regulations, food product development, and food safety programs. The Food Science and Technology program at Cal State LA has excellent laboratory facilities. The program is well equipped with three teaching and research laboratories where students work on projects that have real world applications in food science. The faculty in the program are keen on undergraduate research. Students interested in research and graduate studies could participate in research projects. Many students had presented in regional and national conferences. Involvement and Leadership Development The FST program also hosts an IFT chartered student organization, Food Science and Technology Association, which actively participates in regional college bowl and new food product development competitions. Applicants must apply between October 1st and November 30th. Go to the following webpages to apply: Course requirements for the degree can be found at the University Catalog: http://ecatalog.calstatela.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=26&poid=11196 Troy Aykan Ashkan Motamedi Azita Tabatabaei Efran K. Tash Jason Wang Functional properties of rice bran proteins and germinated brown rice protein extracted from three methods. (E. Salami) The Student Club, Food Science and Technology Student Association was chartered by the Institute of Food Technologist as its student chapter in 2013. The club has been instrumental in organizing many events on campus in addition to preparing FST students for College Bowl and New Food Product Development competitions. Check out the club activities and updates on social media as shown below. COVID-19 responses by food scientists: Dr. Sunil Mangalassary Cooking class: Louisiana Gumbo with Chef Andrew Vaughan. Dec 6, 2019 Volunteering at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Nov. 2nd, 2019 Celebration of ten-year anniversary of Food Science and Technology Program at Cal State LA. Sep. 26, 2019What can I do with a FST degree?
Food Science Jobs and Median Salary
Food Science Jobs
Median Salary
Flavorist
$123,500
Food Engineer
$108,500
Packaging Scientist
$98,600
Technical Sales Representative
$91,250
Product Manager
$91,000
Product Developer
$83,000
Chemist
$82,000
Sensory Evaluation Specialist
$76,000
Research Chef
$75,000
Food Scientist/Food Technologist
$71,820
Microbiologist
$65,000
Quality Assurance/Quality Control (not a supervisor or director)
$57,000
Median Salary by Degree and Years of Experience
Degree
Starting Salary
Salary at 6-10 year
Bachelor’s
$50,000
$73,000
Master’s
$55,000
$82,375
MBA
$49,660
$95,000
Doctorate
$82,250
$94,000
Why study Food Science at Cal State LA?
Well-Paid Jobs
Professional Development and Scholarships
Faculty
Facility
ResearchHow to Apply?
Freshman http://www.calstatela.edu/admissions/freshman-application-and-admission
Transfer students http://www.calstatela.edu/admissions/transfer-application-and-admission
If you have any questions, contact us at http://www.calstatela.edu/hhs/kns/food-science-and-technology-interest-formCourse requirements
Faculty
Sunil Mangalassary, PhD.
Associate director and Associate Professor
Teaching: FST 3250 Food Microbiology, FST 4290 Food Packaging, FST 4790 Professional Interactions and Writing Skills, FST 4380 Foodborne Illness - Etiology, Prevention And Control
Research: Food microbiology, food packaging
[email protected]
http://www.calstatela.edu/faculty/sunil-mangalassary
Jing Zhao, PhD.
Assistant Professor
Teaching: FST 3200 Food Chemistry, FST 3230 Food Analysis, FST 4210 Sensory Evaluation of Food Products, FST 4250 Food Preservation, FST 4600 Animal Food Products Technology, FST 4540 Special Topic in Food Science
Research: food chemistry, flavor chemistry
[email protected]
http://www.calstatela.edu/faculty/jing-zhao
Lecturer
Teaching: FST 3320 Food Law
[email protected]
Lecturer
Teaching: FST 3270 Principles of Food Engineering
[email protected]
Lecturer
Teaching: FST 4440 Food Safety Programs, FST 4750 Food Safety: Current Challenges and Trends
[email protected]
Lecturer
Teaching: FST 4460 Food Product Development
[email protected]
Lecturer
Teaching: FST 4310 Quality Assurance of Food Products
[email protected]Research
Student Achievements
Testimonials
FST in the Media
Student Club
Cal State LA students from non-FST majors are also welcome to join the student association. Email Food Science and Technology Association ([email protected]) to join the club TODAY!News and Recent Activities
Video coming soon...
Social Media
Other food science resources