Americans are obsessed by food. We spend vast amounts of time and money in a quest for the “perfect diet.” None of us ever seems happy with our current self—we constantly seek to lose or gain weight. By choosing to avoid meat or by not eating veal, we use our diets to make political and ethical statements. We look to nutrition to increase both the length and quality of life, and we search for supplements to enhance physical and mental performance. No wonder that a major in nutrition science, food science, or dietetics attracts so many college students.
The food industry is the fourth largest industry in the world. Nutritional science is a great major for people interested in a health-related career, for those who want to work in the fitness industry, for individuals who love to cook and create recipes, and for budding entrepreneurs. Through this major, you’ll learn about the scientific basis of good nutrition as well as the behavioral and social issues that affect the way people view food.
Nutritional Science focuses on the physiological and biological aspects of foods and nutrients. Graduates go on to research positions in laboratories, hospitals, and industry, often after completing graduate programs in their chosen specialty. Some nutritional science majors go on to medical or dental school since the major meets pre-medical educational requirements.
Food Science majors study the principles of both science and engineering as they apply to food and nutrients. Graduates find themselves in demand by the government and the global food industry. Job opportunities for food scientists are found in areas such as food safety, quality control, product development, production and ingredient management, technical sales and service, and in research. If you’re interested in a food science major, look for one approved by the Institute of Food Technologists.
Dietetics majors generally go on to become registered dietitians. As RDs they work in nutritional counseling and education, public health programs, in wellness centers and hospital settings, in community health organizations, and for governmental agencies. Money Magazine has named the field of dietetics as one of the top 50 jobs in America today.
All dietetics programs must be approved by CADE, the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Programs are classified by CADE as either Coordinated Programs (CP) or Didactic Programs (DP). Coordinated programs provide both classroom and at least 900 hours of supervised practical experience. CP graduates are eligible to take the licensing exam to become credentialed as RDs, registered dieticians. Didactic programs offer only accredited classroom experiences. After graduation, participants would have to complete a CADE-accredited Dietetic Internship Program including at least 900 hours of practical experience before being eligible to take the exam to become a registered dietician.
Dietetics programs differ in their emphasis, with some being more science-based than others. Typical programs include hard sciences such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and anatomy. These are supplemented by courses in nutrition, food chemistry and food science, public health, medical nutrition, maternal and child nutrition, geriatric nutrition, and diet selection and management.
Nutritional science programs usually include more science classes such as cell biology and physiology, genetics, biometrics, mammalian physiology, physics, and food and nutrient analysis. Food science programs may include some engineering classes.
You can differentiate among accredited programs by looking for those that emphasize the fields most interesting to you. Check out the course catalogues to see courses offered in each major. You’ll also want to ask about the success of graduates in obtaining internships and/or jobs.
Careers for Nutrition Majors
- Dietitian
- Nutritionist
- Pediatric dietitian
- Renal dietitian
- WIC (women, infants and children) counselor
- Dietetic consultant
- Food service manager
- Wellness Coordinator
- Teacher
- Food science researcher
- Pharmaceutical or food sales
- Nutrition Journalist
- Chef
- Consumer Advocate
- Public Health Official
- Food Buyer/ Distributor
- Writer
- Weight Loss Specialist
- Diabetes Specialist
