Foods and Nutrition

Bachelor of Science

About the Major

This major is a great choice if you are interested in a career in dietetics, food service management, or food industries. Our accredited didactic program in dietetics allows students eligibility for membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and for post-baccalaureate dietetic internships/supervised practice or preprofessional practice programs. All majors participate in a pre-approved international experience to increase awareness of cross-cultural issues, global health, economic, political, cultural, social services, and health challenges experienced  by local populations in international environments.

Program Highlights

You'll take core sequences of coursework in the areas of food management, food science, and nutrition founded on prerequisite courses in anatomy, behavioral and social sciences, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, management, and physiology. Course emphasis in the major is placed upon the composition, properties, quality, and safety of foods and food ingredients; the relationships of metabolism and utilization of nutrients in food by the human body to health and disease states; influences of exercise and fitness; the physiological basis for diet therapy; nutrition problems in the community; and organization, management, and operation of food service facilities.

Sample Courses

  • Advanced Science of Food
  • Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Eating
  • Nutrition for Athletes
  • Nutrition Education and Community Health

Career Options

Professional careers in dietetics include administrative, public service, research, teaching, and therapeutic positions in clinics, hospitals, long-term care, schools, and other public and private organizations and institutions. Graduates may also qualify as food science technical specialists within food companies, governmental agencies, and laboratories; as food service managers; and as specialists in advertising, sales, or marketing of foods and nutritional products and services.

  • Scripps Health
  • Sharp HealthCare
  • Sodexo
  • Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Transferable Skills

  • Highly developed analytical skills
  • Ability to share and conduct research
  • Technical writing and rhetorical skills
  • Ability to lead a group
  • Public speaking, presentation, and didactic skills
  • Broader knowledge of healthcare and physical sciences
  • Ability to operate complex scientific/medical equipment

School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences

College of Health and Human Services