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College of Health Sciences

Food Science and Nutrition

​​Prepare yourself for a career in health and wellness and so much more​.

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Degree
  • Bachelor of Science
Location
  • Huntsville
Type of Instruction
  • Face to Face
Length

4 Years

​​Food for Thought​ 

​​The Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutrition is a rigorous, multidisciplinary program that can launch you to careers in health care, wellness programs, governmental agencies and the food service industry. The  Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) within the major is a stepping stone to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

 

Credentials and Accreditation

The Food Science and Nutrition Program (FSCN) is the ACEND-accredited didactic program at SHSU. This is the first step to becoming a future Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Upon successful completion of a dietetic internship, students are eligible to take the national exam to become an RDN. 

Throughout the program, students develop skills as leaders and team members in the dietetics profession. Completion of the FSCN Program qualifies students to take the registration exam for Diet Technicians with the Commission on Dietetic Registration to be credentialed as a DTR.

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190; Chicago, IL 60606-6995; 1-800-877-1600 x5400. Visit ACEND.

Minor in Human Nutrition

​​The Human Nutrition minor provides SHSU students who are majoring in Kinesiology, Public Health, Nursing, Psychology, Biology, and other programs with learning opportunities and skills for the nutrition care process, human nutrition, and food science.

​​Where and How Is This Program Available?​ 

​​The BS in Food Science and Nutrition and the Human Nutrition minor are offered in person at our Huntsville campus, with classes in the spring, fall and summer.​ 

 

​​A Growing Industry​

​​Food is necessary for life, and the way we grow and consume it is an ever-growing cause of concern. In this program, you’ll learn about food selection and preparation, quantity food production, nutrition needs for all stages of life and food systems management, preparing you to step into a variety of careers in a quickly changing industry.​

  • ​​A Versatile Course of Study​

    ​​The bachelor of science in food science and nutrition gives you in-depth coursework covering the totality of food, nutrition, science and health. These diverse classes prepare you to take on a variety of career paths in health, wellness and nutrition.​ 

  • Hands On Experience

    ​​Studying for the bachelor of science in food science and nutrition means you’ll blend quality scholarship and community service opportunities, allowing you to put your classroom experience into practice in real-world settings.​ 
Throughout the program, students develop skills as leaders and team members in the dietetics profession.

Become an RDN

The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is recognized as a food and nutrition expert. Many jobs in nutrition require the RDN credential to be considered for employment. RDNs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals or other health-care facilities, sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs, private practice, community and public health settings, universities, medical centers, and research facilities.

  • Pathways

    There are several pathways to becoming an RDN as seen here, About Accredited Programs.

  • Verification Statement

    Students will receive a Verification Statement and are able to apply to a graduate program leading to eligibility for the registration examination for dietitians. A Verification Statement is required by some supervised practice programs, but it is not required by all. Sam Houston State University does not guarantee placement or selection for graduate school or supervised practice.

  • Additional Credentials

    Successful completion of the FSCN Program at SHSU also prepares students to take the Registration Exam for Dietetic Technicians (DTR) and Nutrition and Dietetics Technician (NDTR). For more information on the exam for DTRs and NDTRs, visit CDR here.

  • Application Process

    The dietetics application process to supervised practice programs such as Coordinated Programs (CP), Graduate Programs (GPs-also referred to as Future Education Model), and Dietetic Internships (DI) is found at this link - Application Process.

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Find Your Future Career

​​Students with Food Science and Nutrition degrees work in food industry research and development and food safety and quality assurance, as well as becoming nutrition consultants, sports nutritionists and wellness coaches. ​

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Expert Faculty

​​Our faculty ensure students learn about the latest advances in food science and nutrition by blending lectures, laboratory experiences, technological applications, guest speakers, and investigation.​

Become a Bearkat

Ready to learn how SHSU can help you or to start your application today? Our Admissions team is here to help. Call 936-339-0148