California State University-Fresno
Food Science
Field of study · Fresno, California, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Fresno
Intl. Tuition
US$19,950 (2024-25 figure, current year not yet confirmed)
Home Tuition
US$7,350 (2024-25 figure, current year not yet confirmed)
Intake
Fall 2027
See how your grades stack up for this course
With an Ascenda account you get your fit and admit odds for every programme, a shortlist you can compare, and your deadlines and applications in one place.
Course Overview
Food Science at California State University-Fresno in Fresno, California, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Food science graduates work in product development, quality assurance, food safety, regulatory affairs and supply chain management for food manufacturers, retailers and government agencies.
Student life (indicative)
Life in Fresno revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
21,605
Staff Ratio
22.0:1
International
2.2%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
56%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£26,077
First-year earnings
Placement Year
✓ Available
Work experience option
Costs & Living
University Life
Urban
City & Location
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Food Science
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Food Science topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Food Science
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
21,605
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
22:1
Students per staff
International Students
2%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Urban
City Size
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Mild coastal
Safety Index (indicative)
6.5/10
Transport
Excellent (direct city or on-campus rail, major airport nearby)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle
Student Life & City (indicative)
Life in Fresno revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
- Life in Fresno revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
What Students Love
- Beach lifestyle
- Vibrant nightlife & bars
- Diverse international food scene
- Major sports culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
56%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£26,077
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✓ Available
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Food science graduates work in product development, quality assurance, food safety, regulatory affairs and supply chain management for food manufacturers, retailers and government agencies.
- Food science graduates work in product development, quality assurance, food safety, regulatory affairs and supply chain management for food manufacturers, retailers and government agencies.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Technology
- Research
- Healthcare
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,675/month (housing $1,650 alone, plus $520 food and $185 transport). A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.
- One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,675/month (housing $1,650 alone, plus $520 food and $185 transport).
- A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.