Department of Food Science

The Department of Food Science includes researchers who are focused on food chemistry, food microbiology, food engineering, manufacturing and processing, and sensory and consumer science. We are interested in assuring a safe, healthy, and abundant supply of food for the community. Students earn undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees and work with world-class faculty on pioneering food research.

Latest News

USDA grant funds cocoa benefits research to combat obesity-related health issues

Penn State students awarded USDA pre-doctoral fellowships for research

Trying to limit calories? Skip the dip, researchers advise

Penn State professor named to advisory board of National Smell and Taste Center

Upcoming Events

Pasteurization Short Course

September 17-19, 2024
Erickson Food Science Building, University Park

Preventive Controls for Human Foods Certification - Pittsburgh, PA

September 17-19, 2024
Pittsburgh, PA

Food and Health Interest Area Visit for Prospective Students

September 20, 2024
University Park, PA

Cultured Dairy Products Short Course

September 24-26, 2024
Erickson Food Science Building, University Park

Teaching

Food Science academic programs integrate the disciplines food chemistry, food microbiology, food engineering, manufacturing and processing, as well as sensory and consumer science, at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Instruction is hands-on, industry focused, and grounded in research.

Research being conducted in a Food Science labratory.

Research

Penn State is a Tier 1 Research University. Students from first-year students to doctoral candidates participate in meaningful research in our labs. Collaborative multidisciplinary signature areas include microbial food safety, food choice, food-based solutions for enhanced health, and the material nature of foods, as well as underlying cross-cutting research themes of food quality and food fermentation.

Food science educators providing hands-on instruction.

Extension and Outreach

Outreach connects the resources of the Department of Food Science with community members, industry, and institutions in Pennsylvania and beyond by offering the latest, applicable research-based, practical food science education.