Overview

The Food Science programme at the University of California, Davis provides students with a comprehensive scientific foundation to address the complexities of modern food production and distribution. This degree prepares individuals to apply biological and physical sciences to ensure the safety, quality, and nutritional value of the global food supply. Students learn to respond to evolving market demands by creating products that balance convenience with health.

Why Food Science at University of California, Davis?

Studying at this institution offers access to the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, which is renowned for its leadership in agricultural research. Undergraduates have the unique opportunity to work directly with expert faculty through hands-on research projects and specialised laboratory sessions. The university’s location and industry links provide a robust environment for exploring global learning programmes and diverse internship opportunities that bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 53472 per year
National fee: USD 53472 per year
Local fee: USD 14202 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

During the initial years, students focus on core scientific disciplines including chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. The upper-division curriculum transitions into specialised technical training. Modules may include:

Nutrition
Microbiology
Food Chemistry
Food Analysis
Food Processing
Biochemistry
Fermentation Science

Students can further tailor their degree by selecting career-oriented tracks such as food technology, food business and management, or consumer food science.

Careers with Food Science

Graduates from the University of California, Davis are highly sought after by leading global organisations in the food and beverage sector. The programme prepares students for diverse professional roles across production, safety, and research. Common career paths include:

Product Development Scientist
Food Safety Specialist
Quality Assurance Specialist
Brewmaster
Food Production Manager
Process Development Engineer
Sensory Scientist
Chemist

Alumni have secured positions at prestigious companies such as Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Impossible Foods, California Olive Ranch, and Anheuser-Busch InBev. The degree also serves as a strong foundation for graduate study in fields such as food engineering, health, and agricultural business.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Food Chemistry

Food Properties

Food Chemistry Laboratory

Food Properties Laboratory

Physical
Chemical Methods for Food Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Davis, United States

Disciplines

Food Science View 304 other Bachelors in Food Science in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Students who are not residents of California must earn a GPA of 3.40 or higher.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To be competitive for freshman admission to UC Davis, prospective students must be on track to earn a high school diploma (or equivalent) and meet all UC freshman admission requirements. Our campus then reviews and assesses all applications as part of our UC Davis freshman application review process.

Freshman 1applicants are required to take the ACT with Writing or the SAT with Essay no later than December 31 of the year they apply.

International students must meet the same admission requirements and will be included in the same selection process as students from the United States.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

53472 USD / year

≈ 53472 USD / year
Out-of-State

53472 USD / year

≈ 53472 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14202 USD / year

≈ 14202 USD / year

Living costs

Davis

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Food Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Davis

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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