Food Science
Associate in Science Degree Food Science · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Orange Coast College’s Food Science program is designed for students who are interested in working in the field of food research and development, product development, recipe development, product duplication, quality assurance, sensory, or flavor chemistry.
The Food Science degree requires an Associate in Science; see Catalog for additional course requirements.
This Food Science degree is articulated with the Food Science and Technology program, Department of Nutrition and Food Science at Cal Poly Pomona. Students should certify their General Education coursework before transfer.
Program Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
- Be competent entry-level Food Science graduates, meeting the employment needs of the community.
- Be prepared to transfer to selected colleges in Food Science.
Requirements
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOL A180 | Introduction to Biology for Majors 1: Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| BIOL A210 | General Microbiology | 5 |
| CHEM A180 | General Chemistry A | 5 |
| CHEM A185 | General Chemistry B | 5 |
| CHEM A220 | Organic Chemistry A | 3 |
| CHEM A220L | Organic Chemistry A Lab | 2 |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 4 |
| ENGL A101 | Critical Thinking and Writing through Literature | 4 |
| FN A195 | Food Science | 4 |
| FN A286 | Directed Practice Food Science | 2 |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
| Total Major Units | 42 | |
| OCC AS General Education | up to 21 | |
| Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirements | varies | |
| Total Minimum Degree Units - OCC AS GE | 60 | |
- Some program major units may also meet GE requirements.
- Cal-GETC pattern (up to 34 units) may be substituted.
Program Sequence
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| CHEM A130 | Preparation for General Chemistry 1 |
| ENGL C1000 (ENGL A100) | Academic Reading and Writing 2 |
| FN A195 | Food Science |
| OCC AS GE AREA 3 - CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| CHEM A180 |
| BIOL A180 |
| STAT C1000 (STAT A160) |
| OCC AS GE AREA 1B - CHOOSE ONE |
| Summer |
|---|
| BIOL A210 |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| CHEM A185 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| CHEM A220 |
| CHEM A220L |
| FN A286 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 1 |
- Satisfies OCC AS GE, Area 1A
- Satisfies OCC AS GE, Area 5
- VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS
- Satisfies OCC AS GE, Area 2