Skip Navigation

Undergraduate Program in Food Science

Menu
Undegraduate Program

Scholarships for incoming freshmen into Food Science:

IFT Feeding Tomorrow Scholarship Goya Foods

Transfer students can apply to IFT Undergraduate Scholarships upon admission into Food Science program.


Food Science is an exciting field of study. Rewarding careers await graduates who are well-grounded in the basic sciences and wish to specialize in food systems.

Undergraduate Mission

The undergraduate program of Food Science provides an exciting and challenging academic environment that encourages the acquisition and integration of knowledge within the field of food science and technology and places it within the context of societal needs. The program:

  • Will provide the student with the tools to develop quantitative thinking skills that lay the foundation for working individually and in teams and to grow as a professional.
  • Emphasizes a strong foundation in the basic sciences applied to solving practical problems related to the production and safety of food and food ingredients.
  • Stresses communication skills enhancing student career opportunities within and beyond the area of food science.

IFT APPROVED UNDERGRADUATE FOOD SCIENCE PROGRAM AT RUTGERS

Integration of various scientific disciplines is used in the development of methods for the processing and fabrication of new food products. Improvement of food quality (safety, flavor, color, texture, and nutritional value) are major objectives of the food scientist.

Food Science at Rutgers is a structured, credit-intensive program of study.

ONE PATHWAY TO FOOD SCIENCE MAJOR

Incoming freshmen Fall 2022 onwards, shall pursue the One Pathway to Food Science Major

Food Science courses + Math and basic Sciences + RU Core courses + Specialized Tracks / Free Electives.

Students can choose their individual track of specialization in place of free electives.



Option Of Study

These options are open to class of 2022-2025 only.
General
Food Science courses + Math and basic Sciences + RU Core courses + free Electives

Research
Food Science courses + upper- level Math and basic Sciences + RU Core courses + (fewer) Electives; A pre-med option of study

Food Science and Management Economics
Food Science courses + Business courses + Math and Sciences + RU Core courses + (fewer) Electives

Sustainability
Food Science courses +Math and basic Sciences + RU Core Sustainability courses + Sustainability specialized courses + (fewer) Electives

Pet Food Science
Food Science courses + Animal Science courses + Math and basic Sciences + RU Core courses + (fewer) Electives

Students considering the various options of study are advised to pursue specified courses for that option early on. All 5 options of study are comparable with respect to academic rigor and future career prospects.

Visit the Major Options of Study for complete details on Food Science courses, Requirements, Options of study and Suggested course(s) sequence.

Combined BS-MS Programs of study

MBS 4+1

Master of Business and Science (4+1)

Exceptional Rutgers undergraduate students have the opportunity to enroll in the BS/MBS students to earn both a Bachelor’s degree and the Master’s degree in a shorter period of time and at a lesser cost.

Students in their junior year who meet the requirements may apply for admission into the MBS degree during the spring semester. This programs are arrangements whereby undergraduates apply early for master’s degrees and are allowed to take excess credits in their senior year in anticipation of meeting the requirements for the higher degree. The MBS portion can be completed

For more information, please contact Dr. Paul Takhistov or visit the MBS Food Science, and MBS Degree website


Master of Business and Science (4+1) in Food Science

4+1 BS-MS Program (PDF)
4+1 BS-MS Program of study in Food Science

To find out the name of their faculty advisor, students may contact:

Ms. Deborah Koch
dmarion@sebs.rutgers.edu
Department of Food Science, 65 Dudley Road, Room 107
848-932-5429
(732) 932-6776

ITF

Program Director

Chitra Ponnusamy, Ph. D.

Undergraduate Program Director
chitra.ponnusamy@rutgers.edu
65 Dudley RD, Room 203
(848) 932-5452
(732) 932-6776

(MicrosoftBookings)

Resources

IFT, USA Program Goals (2020-2025)

1. Graduates are competent in core areas of food science.
2. Graduates can integrate and apply their knowledge.
3. Graduates are proficient communicators.
4. Graduates demonstrate professionalism and leadership skills.