Nutrition and Food Science Program Map
Program Links
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nutrition and food science at Georgia Southern University offers three areas of emphasis.
All three emphasis areas offer a rigorous curriculum, focused heavily in the basic sciences (chemistry, anatomy and physiology, mathematics, microbiology, and biochemistry). A minor in nutrition and food science is also available.
Emphasis Areas
Dietetics
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) within the BS degree in Nutrition and Food Science leads to the BS degree and verification statement, upon which, students are eligible to compete for ACEND-accredited dietetic internships and subsequently, take the registration exam for dietitians (RD) with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Upon successfully passing the Registration Examination for Dietitians, graduates earn the credential RD.
Completion of the Dietetics Program (DPD) does not guarantee future credentialing as a registered dietitian. Graduates of the DPD must apply for and complete an ACEND-accredited dietetic supervised practice program and pass the credentialing examination for registration as a dietitian (RD) prior to being able to practice as an RD. Acceptance into an accredited dietetic supervised practice program is fiercely competitive.
Job opportunities for graduates who ultimately obtain the RD credential are abundant in healthcare facilities, community wellness centers, quantity food production facilities, and food and insurance companies. The dietetics curriculum includes advanced coursework in medical nutrition therapy, metabolic nutrition, quantity food systems administration, advanced food science, and community nutrition. This emphasis area is by admission.
Food Science/Food Systems Administration
Students wishing to pursue an emphasis in food science/food systems administration can find career opportunities in food product development, biotechnology, quality management of food, food safety, compliance, and food marketing. The food science/food systems administration curriculum includes advanced coursework in food science, marketing and business, and quantity food systems administration. Research opportunities in the field with faculty may be available.
Community Nutrition
Students wishing to pursue an emphasis in community nutrition can find career opportunities in nutrition and health promotion, nutrition education, food and supplementation programs such as WIC, and disease prevention programs with private companies. The community nutrition curriculum includes advanced coursework in community health, health education, research methods, and community nutrition.
Interested in a Minor in Nutrition and Food Science?
Students wishing to pursue a minor in Nutrition and Food Science complete coursework in introductory food science and basic nutrition and choose advanced coursework electives in sports nutrition, cultural foods, life cycle nutrition, and community nutrition. Study abroad opportunities may also be available related to the study of nutrition and food science which may count toward minor requirements.
Last updated: 7/29/2022