# 2026-2027 Course Catalog
**Source**: https://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/aces/food-science-bs/
**Parent**: https://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/
*for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Food Science*
---
The Food Science major exposes students to all components of food production: harvesting and raw-product handling, food-processing procedures and techniques, packaging, and food storage. Students selecting this major are prepared for careers in many areas of the food industry.
*for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Food Science*
---
**Graduation Requirements**\
Minimum hours required for graduation: 126 hours.
**University Requirements**\
Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300 and 400 level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree. Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.
The university and residency requirements can be found in the [Student Code](https://studentcode.illinois.edu/article3/part8/3-801/) (§ 3-801) and in the [Academic Catalog](http://catalog.illinois.edu/general-information/degree-general-education-requirements/).
**General Education Requirements**\
Follows the [campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements](https://courses.illinois.edu/gened/DEFAULT/DEFAULT). Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Composition I | | 4-6 |
| Advanced Composition | | 3 |
| Humanities & the Arts (6 hours) | | 6 |
| Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours) | | 6 |
| fulfilled by [CHEM 102](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CHEM%20102 "CHEM 102"), [CHEM 104](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CHEM%20104 "CHEM 104"), [MCB 100](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MCB%20100 "MCB 100"), [PHYS 101](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=PHYS%20101 "PHYS 101"), [IB 100](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=IB%20100 "IB 100") or IB 105, and [FSHN 101](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20101 "FSHN 101") | | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours) | | 6 |
| fulfilled by [LEAD 260](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=LEAD%20260 "LEAD 260") and one more course approved as Social & Behavioral Sciences | | |
| Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course) | | 3 |
| fulfilled by [CPSC 116](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CPSC%20116 "CPSC 116") | | |
| Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course) | | 3 |
| Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) | | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I) | | 6-8 |
| fulfilled by [MATH 220](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MATH%20220 "MATH 220") or [MATH 221](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MATH%20221 "MATH 221"), [PHYS 101](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=PHYS%20101 "PHYS 101"), and [ACE 262](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ACE%20262 "ACE 262"), [CPSC 241](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CPSC%20241 "CPSC 241"), [ECON 202](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ECON%20202 "ECON 202"), [PSYC 235](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=PSYC%20235 "PSYC 235"), or [STAT 100](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=STAT%20100 "STAT 100") | | |
| Language Requirement (Completion of the third semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required) | | 0-15 |
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Department Foundation | | |
| [FSHN 123](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20123 "FSHN 123") | FSHN Orientation to Illinois | 1 |
| Communication Option: | | 3 or 6 |
| [CMN 101](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CMN%20101 "CMN 101") | Public Speaking | |
| [ALEC 115](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ALEC%20115 "ALEC 115") | Let’s Talk about Food, Agriculture, and the Environment | |
| [CMN 111](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CMN%20111 "CMN 111") & [CMN 112](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CMN%20112 "CMN 112") | Oral & Written Comm I and Oral & Written Comm II | |
| [CPSC 116](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CPSC%20116 "CPSC 116") | The Global Food Production Web | 3 |
| [MATH 220](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MATH%20220 "MATH 220") | Calculus | 4-5 |
| or [MATH 221](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MATH%20221 "MATH 221") | Calculus I | |
| Statistics Option - Select one of the following: | | 3 |
| [ACE 262](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ACE%20262 "ACE 262") | Applied Statistical Methods and Data Analytics I | |
| [CPSC 241](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CPSC%20241 "CPSC 241") | Intro to Applied Statistics | |
| [ECON 202](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ECON%20202 "ECON 202") | Economic Statistics I | |
| [PSYC 235](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=PSYC%20235 "PSYC 235") | Intro to Statistics | |
| [STAT 100](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=STAT%20100 "STAT 100") | Statistics | |
| [CHEM 102](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CHEM%20102 "CHEM 102") & [CHEM 103](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CHEM%20103 "CHEM 103") | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I | 4 |
| [CHEM 104](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CHEM%20104 "CHEM 104") & [CHEM 105](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CHEM%20105 "CHEM 105") | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Lab II | 4 |
| [MCB 100](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MCB%20100 "MCB 100") | Introductory Microbiology | 3 |
| [LEAD 260](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=LEAD%20260 "LEAD 260") | Foundations of Leadership | 3 |
| [CHEM 232](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CHEM%20232 "CHEM 232") | Elementary Organic Chemistry I | 3 or 4 |
| [PHYS 101](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=PHYS%20101 "PHYS 101") | College Physics: Mech & Heat | 5 |
| [IB 100](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=IB%20100 "IB 100") | Biology in Today's World | 3 |
| or IB 105 | | |
| Major Core | | 53-54 |
| [FSHN 101](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20101 "FSHN 101") | The Science of Food and How it Relates to You | 3 |
| [FSHN 120](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20120 "FSHN 120") | Contemporary Nutrition | 3-4 |
| or [FSHN 220](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20220 "FSHN 220") | Principles of Nutrition | |
| [FSHN 201](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20201 "FSHN 201") | Math for Food Science | 3 |
| [FSHN 230](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20230 "FSHN 230") | Food Sci Professional Issues | 1 |
| [FSHN 232](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20232 "FSHN 232") | Science of Food Preparation | 3 |
| [FSHN 260](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20260 "FSHN 260") | Raw Materials for Processing | 2 |
| [FSHN 302](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20302 "FSHN 302") | Sensory Evaluation of Foods | 3 |
| [FSHN 414](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20414 "FSHN 414") | Food Chemistry | 3 |
| [FSHN 416](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20416 "FSHN 416") | Food Chemistry Laboratory | 3 |
| [FSHN 418](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20418 "FSHN 418") | Food Analysis | 4 |
| [FSHN 419](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20419 "FSHN 419") | Food Ingredient Technology | 3 |
| [FSHN 460](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20460 "FSHN 460") | Food Processing Engineering | 3 |
| [FSHN 466](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20466 "FSHN 466") | Food Product Development | 4 |
| [FSHN 471](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20471 "FSHN 471") | Food & Industrial Microbiology | 3 |
| [FSHN 472](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20472 "FSHN 472") | Applied Food Microbiology | 3 |
| [FSHN 481](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20481 "FSHN 481") | Food Processing Unit Operations I | 2 |
| [FSHN 482](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20482 "FSHN 482") | Food Processing Unit Operations I Lab | 1 |
| [FSHN 483](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20483 "FSHN 483") | Food Processing Unit Operations II | 2 |
| [FSHN 484](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20484 "FSHN 484") | Food Processing Unit Operations II Lab | 1 |
| [ANSC 350](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ANSC%20350 "ANSC 350") | Principles of Biochemistry in Animals | 3 |
| or [MCB 450](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MCB%20450 "MCB 450") | Introductory Biochemistry | |
| Major Electives | | 9 |
| Select 9 hours from the Food Science-related course list below. | | |
| [FSHN 175](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20175 "FSHN 175") | Science of Fermented Foods | 3 |
| [FSHN 231](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20231 "FSHN 231") | Food Systems: Cacao & Chocolate | 2 |
| [FSHN 249](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20249 "FSHN 249") | Food Service Sanitation | 1 |
| [FSHN 293](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20293 "FSHN 293") | Off Campus Internship (up to 3 credit hours will count toward degree) | 0 to 4 |
| [FSHN 295](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20295 "FSHN 295") | UG Research or Thesis (up to 3 credit hours will count toward degree) | 1 to 4 |
| [FSHN 345](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20345 "FSHN 345") | Strategic Operations Management | 3 |
| [FSHN 417](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20417 "FSHN 417") | Neuroscience of Eating & Drinking | 3 |
| [FSHN 425](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20425 "FSHN 425") | Corporate Food Marketing | 3 |
| [FSHN 453](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20453 "FSHN 453") | Nutrition for Performance | 3 or 4 |
| [FSHN 464](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20464 "FSHN 464") | Beverage Science & Technology | 2 |
| [FSHN 469](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20469 "FSHN 469") | Package Engineering | 3 |
| [FSHN 480](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20480 "FSHN 480") | Basic Toxicology | 3 |
| [ACE 161](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ACE%20161 "ACE 161") | Computer Concepts & Applications | 3 |
| [ACE 306](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ACE%20306 "ACE 306") | Food Law | 3 |
| [CHEM 233](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CHEM%20233 "CHEM 233") | Elementary Organic Chem Lab I | 2 |
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total Hours | | 126 |
*for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Food Science*
---
## **Sample Sequence**
*This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence. In the below sequence, [CMN 111](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CMN%20111 "CMN 111") & [CMN 112](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CMN%20112 "CMN 112") (6 hrs total) is being used to fulfill the Composition I and Communication option. Another option would be to complete [RHET 105](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=RHET%20105 "RHET 105") (4 hrs) and [CMN 101](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CMN%20101 "CMN 101") (3 hrs).*
*Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. For more information, see the corresponding section on the [Degree and General Education Requirements page](https://catalog.illinois.edu/general-information/degree-general-education-requirements/).*
| First Year | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| [IB 100](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=IB%20100 "IB 100") or IB 105 | 3 | [FSHN 120](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20120 "FSHN 120") or [220](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20220 "FSHN 220") | 3 |
| [MATH 220](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MATH%20220 "MATH 220") or [221](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MATH%20221 "MATH 221") | 4 | Communication Option or Composition I | 3 |
| Composition I or Communication Option | 3 | [CHEM 102](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CHEM%20102 "CHEM 102") & [CHEM 103](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CHEM%20103 "CHEM 103") | 4 |
| [FSHN 101](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20101 "FSHN 101") | 3 | [FSHN 232](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20232 "FSHN 232") | 3 |
| [FSHN 123](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20123 "FSHN 123") | 1 | [CPSC 116](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CPSC%20116 "CPSC 116") | 3 |
| | 14 | | 16 |
| Total Hours 30 | | | |
| Second Year | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| [CHEM 104](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CHEM%20104 "CHEM 104") & [CHEM 105](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CHEM%20105 "CHEM 105") | 4 | [CHEM 232](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=CHEM%20232 "CHEM 232") | 3 |
| [MCB 100](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MCB%20100 "MCB 100") | 3 | Statistics Option | 3 |
| [PHYS 101](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=PHYS%20101 "PHYS 101") | 5 | [FSHN 201](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20201 "FSHN 201") | 3 |
| [FSHN 230](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20230 "FSHN 230") | 1 | [FSHN 260](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20260 "FSHN 260") | 2 |
| [LEAD 260](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=LEAD%20260 "LEAD 260") | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| | | General Education course | 3 |
| | 16 | | 17 |
| Total Hours 33 | | | |
| Third Year | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| [ANSC 350](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ANSC%20350 "ANSC 350") or [MCB 450](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MCB%20450 "MCB 450") | 3 | [FSHN 418](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20418 "FSHN 418") | 4 |
| [FSHN 302](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20302 "FSHN 302") | 3 | [FSHN 471](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20471 "FSHN 471") | 3 |
| [FSHN 414](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20414 "FSHN 414") | 3 | [FSHN 472](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20472 "FSHN 472") | 3 |
| [FSHN 416](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20416 "FSHN 416") | 3 | [FSHN 481](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20481 "FSHN 481") & [FSHN 482](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20482 "FSHN 482") | 3 |
| [FSHN 460](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20460 "FSHN 460") | 3 | Language Other than English (3rd level) | 4 |
| | 15 | | 17 |
| Total Hours 32 | | | |
| Fourth Year | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| General Education course | 3 | [FSHN 466](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20466 "FSHN 466") | 4 |
| [FSHN 419](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20419 "FSHN 419") | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| [FSHN 483](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20483 "FSHN 483") | 2 | Major Elective course | 3 |
| [FSHN 484](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=FSHN%20484 "FSHN 484") | 1 | Major Elective course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | Major Elective course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | | |
| | 15 | | 16 |
| Total Hours 31 | | | |
**Total Hours: 126**
*for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Food Science*
---
All graduates of the Illinois Food Science Major will achieve the following:
Graduates are A) competent in core food science areas and B) can integrate and apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems and make decisions. Core Food Science Areas include Food Chemistry and Analysis, Food Safety and Microbiology, Food Processing and Engineering, and Sensory Science. Associated Areas include Nutrition and Health, Quality Assurance, and Food Laws and Regulations.
- Graduates possess strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Graduates are proficient communicators.
- Graduates possess impactful professional and leadership skills.
- Graduates possess aspirational goals.
Graduates of our Food Science program:
1. value diversity
2. are confident in their abilities
3. volunteer their services to their professional and societal communities, and
4. take professional and ethical responsibility for their actions.
*for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Food Science*
---
## **Food Science and Human Nutrition**
[Food Science and Human Nutrition Website](https://fshn.illinois.edu)\
260 Bevier Hall\
905 S. Goodwin Ave.\
Urbana, IL 61801\
217-244-4498\
[fshn-general@illinois.edu](mailto:fshn-general@illinois.edu)
## **College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences**
[College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Website](https://aces.illinois.edu/ "https://aces.illinois.edu/")
### **ACES Office of Academic Programs**
128 Mumford Hall\
1301 West Gregory Drive\
Urbana, IL 61801\
217-333-3380\
[aces-academics@illinois.edu](mailto:aces-academics@illinois.edu)
### **Advising**
[Advising Website](https://fshn.illinois.edu/about/contact-us#paragraph--441 "https://ansc.illinois.edu/about/contact-us#paragraph--499")\
217-244-4498\
[fshn-general@illinois.edu](mailto:fshn-general@illinois.edu)
## **Admissions**
[ACES Undergraduate Admissions](https://aces.illinois.edu/admissions "https://aces.illinois.edu/admissions")\
[University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Undergrad Admissions](https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/ "https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/")\
217-333-3380\
[visitACES@illinois.edu](mailto:visitACES@illinois.edu)