Do you love food and have a head for science? Ever wonder who computes the calories and other nutritional information you see on your favorite fast-food restaurant menus? If both food and science interest you, then a career in culinology may be for you. Culinologists and food science technicians work in laboratory settings to assist food scientists in researching and developing new food products, and controlling the quality of individual foods and menus.
Culinologists can work in food manufacturing, chain restaurants, hotels, ingredient supply houses, consulting and academia, and new product development. If you're excited about the idea of joining a new and growing field where food is your focus and the laboratory is your domain, let OCC Career Advantage prepare you for a career as a food science technician or a food scientist. We offer both basic and professional-level certificate programs, as well as an associate degree program. You could develop the next "big thing" in food, and help advance this new field of food science – read on to learn more.
A sampling of courses for these careers
- Food Science
- Cultural Foods
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Pantry
- Menu Planning and Purchasing
- General Chemistry
Did you know?
Projected employment for food science technicians in California is expected to increase by 19 percent through 2024, faster than average, according to O*Net Online.
Complete our certificate program, and you'll be well-prepared to enter a career in culinology, or earn an associate degree for even greater advancement opportunities.
- IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS EARN: CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
- OR EARN YOUR ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN UNDER 4 YEARS
View program detail in course catalog.
Level 1 - Culinary Food Science Assistant
Prepare for an entry-level position as a culinary and food science assistant in food research and development, product development, recipe development, product duplication, quality assurance, sensory or flavor chemistry.
View program detail in course catalog.
Food Science
Build on your food research knowledge and skills to earn an Associate in Science – and to continue earning credits that transfer to select colleges. This certificate option is articulated with the Food Science and Technology program, Department of Nutrition and Food Science at Cal Poly Pomonay, and all coursework is approved by the Research Chef’s Association. Students must meet the Associate in Science degree requirements for transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Programs That Might Interest You
NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
Choose from our various programs to get your start in the field of nutrition
CULINARY ARTS
Complete one of our certificate programs to launch a career in culinary arts or build on your skills
FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT-COMMERCIAL
Explore our certificate programs preparing you for careers in catering or restaurant supervision
Did you know?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who have a certificate as
their highest level of education earned, on average, 20 percent more than
those whose highest education level is a high school diploma.
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Katie Ottoson, M.S.
Counselor, CTE and
Career Services
Andrea Lane
Counselor, Hospitality
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