The School of Applied Sciences, which later became the School of Industrial Technology, embarked on its journey in 1973 with a Bachelor of Applied Sciences (B.App.Sc.). Initially offering programmes in Electronic Science and Technology, Food Science and Technology, and Polymer Science and Technology, the school quickly expanded. In 1974, Mineral Science and Technology was added, followed by Computer Science and Technology in 1979.
On August 7, 1984, the School of Applied Sciences demonstrated its adaptability by transforming into the School of Industrial Technology and the School of Engineering Sciences. Responding to evolving industry and engineering demands, the school redefined the curriculum. The more specialised Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) and Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) replaced the B.App. Sc.
Starting in the 1986/1987 academic year, the School of Industrial Technology and the School of Engineering Sciences became independent. This move was necessitated by the growing student population and the need for more specialised facilities.
While the School of Industrial Technology remained on the main campus in Pulau Pinang, the Schools of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering relocated to the Perak Branch Campus to accommodate these changes.
With growing demand, the Polymer Technology and Quality Control and Instrumentation programmes moved to the USM Engineering Campus in Sri Ampangan, Nibong Tebal, in 2001/2002. Polymer Technology evolved into Polymer Engineering under the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering. At the same time, Quality Control and Instrumentation became Mechatronic Engineering under the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
In 1999/2000, the School of Industrial Technology introduced the Environmental Technology program, marking a significant milestone in its growth and expansion.
During the 2003/2004 academic session, the Wood, Paper, and Coatings Technology Programme underwent a significant transformation. It changed its name to the Bioresource, Paper, and Coatings (BPC) Technology Programme, reflecting a shift in focus towards bioresources and their applications in the field of coatings technology. At about the same time, the Bioprocess Technology Programme emerged as the latest addition to the school's existing three programmes beginning from the 2008/2009 academic session.
In 2015, the Food Technology programme obtained approval as an accredited undergraduate food science programme by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). This is the first undergraduate programme in Malaysia to obtain this accreditation. The programme renewed its IFT accreditation in 2020.
In September 2018, the academic session 2018/2019, class started for our first Master of Environmental Science by coursework programme.
The Bioresource, Paper, and Coatings Technology programme was renamed Bioresource Technology in 2020, and the Bioprocess Technology programme was changed to Bioprocess Engineering Technology in 2022. This programme is provisionally accredited by the Board of Engineer Malaysia (BEM). The first intake for this programme started in 2022/2023.
The newest programme in our roster is the Master in Bioprocess Technology, introduced in 2025. It is a mixed-mode postgraduate programme that specialises in biotechnology.